Union Farmer - February 2019

FARMER UNION

www.ndfu.org

FEAR

ANXIETY

TENSION

DEPRESSION

FRUSTRATION INSOMNIA

FAILURE STRESS

DON’T GO IT ALONE Ag mediation, health services can put farmers and ranchers on the right path FEBRUARY 2019

GROUP • CORPORATE • INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL

701.204.7474 or 888.521.3432 https://farmersuniontravel.agentstudio.com/ UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 66 • Number 2

The UNION FARMER is published monthly

by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401.

EDITOR: Chris Aarhus 800-366-8331 ext. 118 caarhus@ndfu.org Annual subscription is $30 with membership.

Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU • PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 30,731 • USPS 016-211

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne • Vice President: Bob Kuylen • Secretary: Wes Niederman Treasurer: Terry Borstad • Shane Sickler; Tyler Stafslien; Ryan Taylor; Ronda Throener; Michelle Ziesch.

2 • February 2019 • Union Farmer

About balance: A call for tax equity Legislative priorities are always important to the future of our state and federal government.

While it is easy to ignore the process of policy and law development, we should never give up the opportunity to participate and ensure our thoughts and ideas are considered. After all, the laws that are adopted have long-lasting impacts and set the direction of our nation.

The area of tax policy is always a very contentious topic. It is rare to find anyone that wants to pay more taxes or likes paying taxes. That is why a balanced approach, one that aligns the services citizens desire with available tax revenue, is necessary to provide services.

NDFU believes we should have a multiapproach system of taxation, so all citizens participate as equitably as possible. In North Dakota, we have a system that reflects this approach as our tax code is based on income, sales and property. The challenge remains in the balance between the three to be as fair and equitable as possible, while meeting the needs of our citizens and state.

Lately, there have been changes in the tax code that shifts the tax burden to property taxes and from some business sectors to others. We have seen state funding decline, only to have the burden shifted to local subdivisions which generally translates into increased property taxes.

If we consider taxation equity, agriculture is paying a larger portion of the property tax burden to support local needs and infrastructure.

There have been large cuts to the very system that supports agriculture, everything from

research, to promotion, to educational support, to infrastructure. It appears that taxation equity is leaving agriculture, our farms and our ranches behind.

I question the merits of tax relief for one industry only to shift that tax burden to another, especially in a time when farming and ranching is on the edge of a serious financial crisis. Farm income is off 50 percent from a few years ago and rather than relief, we are seeing tax increases. Rather than invest and support agriculture, we are being told the only solution is to toughen up.

Maybe we should look at tax equity and balance again? Maybe we should look at the real challenge to agriculture, which is profitability? Maybe we should develop tools that create agricultural demand through more research, more value-added plants, more farm input production plants, and innovation related to food and feed production?

We have missed many opportunities to develop our commodity production into a value-added system with input manufacturing plants. This, I believe, is economic development that taxpayers would support. The fastest way to economic success in rural America is a prosperous system of family farms and ranches across the countryside.

I challenge all of you to reach out to your legislators and tell them the importance of family farm agriculture. Tell them the stories of your tax increases and the challenge to make your farm or ranch profitable. Tell them what the state should do to support our industry. After all, food is extremely important to our nation. It should not be taken for granted.

LOOKING FOR WHEAT GROWERS Dakota Pride Cooperative is seeking out growers to contract acres for hard white spring wheat for this spring. Premium price and trucking available depending on location.

Call Executive Director Travis Bruner at 701-626-2070.

2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

CORPORATE FARMING LAW CHALLENGED BISMARCK — January 3 marked the first day of the North Dakota Legislative Session.

Gov. Doug Burgum gave his State of the State speech. In mentioning agriculture, the state’s largest economic driver, he said, “Our farmers and ranchers can compete with anyone, anywhere — if given a level playing field. For consistently providing this nation and the world with a lowcost, high-quality food supply — they deserve our deepest gratitude.”

CORPORATE FARMING IS BACK

A corporate farm bill has been introduced by Rep. Aaron McWilliams of Hillsboro. HB 1388 expands who can be a member of a family farm corporation by adding “second cousin” to the eligible family member requirements.

Without a definition of what a second cousin is, adding additional exemptions only serves to weaken McWilliams the law and help very few folks.

Our current law has withstood many legal challenges (including the 2018 challenge) and 75 percent of North Dakotans believe the law should stand as it’s currently written.

NDFU is opposed to this change. The organization will continue to challenge any change to the corporate farming law, as it is important to preserve this law’s core values in order to see that family farms continue to be the backbone of North Dakota.

NDSU COMES TO TOWN

North Dakota State University Research and Extension presented its case in front of the House Appropriations Education and Environment subcommittee this week. In a room packed with the agricultural community, NDSU President Dean Bresciani and program leaders addressed legislators on the merits of state-funded research and outreach to urban and rural communities. In its written testimony, NDFU supported the State Board of Agricultural Research and Extension (SBARE) priority-making process and its budget priorities for this session.

Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) asked for its base level to be restored.

As a part of the governor’s recommendations, the Institute had been asked to identify a 5 percent reduction. The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) and the UGPTI Advisory Council both asked for the restoration of those cuts.

NDFU cited the need to update UGPTI’s Biennial Condition/Needs Report. “North Dakota has many roads and bridges that need to be monitored for improvement and keeping track of the cumulative figure helps both local and state leaders attach a price tag to projects.”

AG DEPARTMENT CUTS

North Dakota State University is not the only state entity that has been recommended for cuts by Gov. Burgum. According to his

recommendations, the ag department’s budget loses two employees along with decreases in a number of programs. However, it does hold the omsbudsman program harmless.

There are two bills involving moving programs to the agriculture department from the new Department of Environmental Quality and from the Public Service Commission. HB 1467 moves the authority over grain, grain buyers, warehousing, deposits, and warehousemen from the Public Service Commission to the agriculture commissioner. HB 1403 moves animal feeding operations and regulation of odors from agricultural operations and animal feeding operations from the Department of Environmental Quality to the Department of Agriculture.

FARM HOME EXEMPTION

As of print time, a bill to repeal the farm home exemption had not been introduced. NDFU fully expects the bill to be introduced ahead of the legislature’s deadline for bills to be introduced.

BILL WATCH

HB 1019 is the Career and Technical Education budget, which houses the Adult Farm Management budget. Adult Farm Management is a program that funds instructors throughout the state of North Dakota. The program assists clients in meeting their business and personal goals through the use of quality records and sound business decisions. The governor’s budget recommendations decrease this department’s

appropriation dramatically. NDFU testified in favor of the bill, asking for the committee to restore their original baseline over Gov. Burgum’s cuts.

SB 2033 would allow Legislative Council to provide drafting services to an initiated measure sponsoring committee to ensure it conforms to Legislative Council’s form and style drafting guidelines. The Legislative Council would not be allowed to alter the sponsoring committee’s intent in the proposed initiated measure. NDFU supported the bill and was a part of the initiated measure commission that recommended the bill.

SCR 4001 revises the North Dakota Constitution to require initiated constitutional measures approved by voters also be approved by the two subsequent legislative assemblies before becoming effective. NDFU opposes this bill.

SB 2026 appropriates a minimum of $1,050,000 out of the general fund to the Department of Human Services to establish and administer a voucher system for mental health. The voucher system would address underserved areas and gaps in the state’s mental health system by allowing payment assistance to private mental health service providers.

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

There are likely to be a significant amount of bills that affect agriculture during this session.

Your legislators need to hear from you! The best way to get in touch with legislators is by going to legis.nd.gov.

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YOU HAVE OPTIONS

Look to ag mediation, 2-1-1 for help

BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

Family farmers and ranchers feeling daily economic and psychological pressures aren’t out of options. That’s the message of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring as well as FirstLink Executive Director Cindy Miller.

“Sometimes, they just no longer have the ability to hang on,” Goehring said. “They’re getting squeezed to death.”

For farmer and ranchers facing financial difficulties, consider using the state’s mediation service, Goehring said. It was established in 1984 “to help financially distressed farmers and ranchers through assistance with credit and financial matters, and resolving disputes.”

In 2011, the legislature expanded the North Dakota Mediation Service to include property rights issues that deal with energy and conservation. The North Dakota Credit Review Board establishes the policies for mediation services.

Goehring said the mediation service seems to be used “a little less every year.” However, he said farmers and ranchers need to take advantage of the program.

“It’s a matter of need — not everybody has some place to turn,” Goehring said. “And even if you get other advocates involved to help you deal with your situation on the farm, they may

not have a good and true understanding of those challenges. A lot of what we bring to the table is that experience, knowledge and background.”

Agreeing to mediation means a neutral party guides the process for those involved and helps to identify solutions. The service is confidential and privileged. Farmers and ranchers can also request a credit counselor through the service.

Goehring said when agriculture started its downward trend, it was mostly young operators without much equity using mediation. Lately, however, it’s longtime farmers and ranchers asking for help.

“The last three years, we’ve been getting operators who have been in the business a long time that just no longer have any equity,” Goehring said. “There’s a problem with pay-ability. There’s nothing left for them to squeeze out of the farm.”

Mediation can lead to having some hard conversations, and even if it means getting out of farming and ranching, Goehring said it’s worth seeing the process through.

“For some, we might have to be the ones to tell them that they don’t have any other options left,” he said. “We always want to try and help them preserve the farm. But the reality is, sometimes CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

RESOURCES FOR GETTING HELP — IF IT’S AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL 9-1-1 — CALL 2-1-1, THE HELP LINE FOR FIRSTLINK — ABOUND COUNSELING AT LUTHERN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NORTH DAKOTA, CALL 701-223-1510 — NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE AT 1-800-273-8255 — NDSU EXTENSION HAS A STRESS PAGE AT AG.NDSU.EDU/FARMRANCHSTRESS

FIRSTLINK CALLS INCREASED BY 3,000 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

there is nothing left to do. Then it’s about helping them develop a good exit plan that allows them to save some of that equity and have a future beyond farming.”

For more information or to request mediation, go to nd.gov/ ndda and click “Mediation Services” under the programs tab. The North Dakota Mediation Service can also be reached at 844-642-4752.

Ag mediation is one tool for farmers and ranchers feeling the pinch. Another tool is reaching out to someone.

FirstLink assists people to “identify, access and make effective use of community and volunteer resources 24 hours a day.” The organization, which began in 1970, might be best known for its 2-1-1 hotline that has helped countless realize there is a way out that doesn’t involve inflicting physical harm on themselves or others. FirstLink officially maintains the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for North Dakota.

Miller said calls are on the rise, noting a 3,000-call increase in the last year.

“We had 55,340 calls in 2018, and 10,100 were suicide-related,” she said. “That’s a significant increase. Out of those calls, we only had to send emergency services without their permission 91 times.”

Ninety-one calls may seem like a lot, but for FirstLink, it’s respectable considering the daily volume of around 151 calls.

That means one emergency call without permission for every roughly 600 calls. It’s a number that also tells Miller something else. “(The hotline) makes a big difference for people,” Miller said. “It’s amazing how strong of a connection you can make from telling people that you care and are concerned. It has saved law enforcement and emergency personnel a lot of time. It’s difficult for people to ask if someone’s thinking about suicide, especially with farmers and ranchers.

“But once you open that door,

it can be a sense of relief for them to tell someone that they’re struggling.”

Farmers Union Insurance recently donated $20,000 to help defray the increased costs that come with more calls.

“There aren’t a lot of people who haven’t been affected by suicide, whether it’s a family member or someone in their community,” said Kevin Ressler, FUI chief sales, marketing & branding officer. “There is a lot of stress right now in farm country.

This donation melds the mission of our company and our farm organization. Both are focused on community support. FirstLink is local people helping local people.”

Miller said FirstLink has expanded over the years to be more than just a phone call. She said they follow up, as the first 24 hours after receiving help are the most critical. FirstLink will help its callers with medication and appointments.

“We’re going to help

de-escalate things,” Miller said.

“We offer coping strategies and resources. … We call them back to see how they’re doing. And if they’re leaving a hospital after getting help, it can be overwhelming. They appreciate having someone check on them, telling them they care, and they’re worried about them.”

Miller emphasized that anyone who calls 2-1-1 will get to talk to a fellow North Dakotan — with some very small occasions where the number is forwarded to another state if all lines are busy.

“You’ll get someone who understands our economy and our state,” Miller said. “We have staff that come from small communities, and we understand what it’s like. It’s local people helping local people.”

To learn more or to make a donation, go to myfirstlink.org.

For anyone who needs help or just someone to talk to, please call 2-1-1.

MAKE SURE YOU BUCKLE UP. EVERY trip. EVERY time. time.

KEEPING YOU SAFE. www.ndsc.org

privatenon-profit. non-profit.

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Don’t wait to purchase your copy of the new children’s book from North Dakota Farmers Union!

$16.95 Follow the Rhodes family and their dog Rocky as they work the family farm together! Visit ndfu.2020brands.com to purchase your copy today or call Eunice at 701-952-0108. Please add $5 for shipping for any purchase of 1-3 books. Call for pricing on larger orders.

FARMERS WIN 2018 FARM BILL WINS SAFETY NET · Strengthens crop insurance programs that help protect farmers from market fluctuations. · Gives farmers and ranchers more options and flexibility when enrolling in risk management programs.

CONSERVATION · Encourages farmers to take additional acres of environmentally sensitive land out of production.

· Maintains and improves working lands programs that help farmers and ranchers implement and maintain · Makes technical corrections conservation practices on to crop insurance programs their operations. to account for disparities among different counties.

DAIRY · Offers dairy producers stronger protections from low milk prices.

CLIMATE CHANGE

· Provides financial and technical assistance to help farmers and ranchers mitigate and adapt to weather volatility.

· Expands opportunities for · Allows for greater family farmers and flexibility in dairy risk ranchers to divert management programs, on-farm waste making them more attractive into renewable to small- and medium-sized energy production. dairy producers.

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FARM BILL

FARM STRESS · Provides support for the establishment and expansion of mental health resources for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers.

DIVERSE MARKETS

· Preserves the funding and structure of programs that expand access to local and value-added markets.

· Provides support for state- · Helps farmers and ranchers run mediation programs that cover the costs of organic help farmers affordably certification and food safety resolve legal disputes. planning.

OPIOID MISUSE

FUTURE OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE

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· Helps rural communities better address the challenges associated with the opioid epidemic.

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· Sets aside funding for opioid treatment services.

· Provides permanent funding to assist veteran, socially disadvantaged, and beginning farmers and ranchers

· Prioritizes opioid misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery within rural health programs.

· Establishes a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator at the national level and in each state.

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To those who have already donated ...

THANK YOU!

FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFT TO THE NDFU FOUNDATION Donations of more than $1,000 are recognized at the state office on the NDFU Donor Recognition wall. Giving levels include: COBALT – $1,000 to $4,999 BRONZE – $5,000 to $14,999 GOLD – $15,000 and above.

Donations can be mailed to: NDFU Foundation, P.O. Box 2136, Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Please note if the gift is in honor of someone. For more information, contact Lucy Bardell, assistant to the president, at 701-952-0114 or lbardell@ndfu.org.

The NDFU Foundation was established in 2000 to raise funds for Farmers Union’s renowned youth education program. As a Farmers Union supporter, you are part of a larger mosaic – a piece of the spirit and light – that can help establish a permanent, sustainable fund for NDFU’s youth program. Please consider a donation.

THE NDFU FOUNDATION APPRECIATES THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN ...

Alan Bergman Leah and Dave Cathell Sharon Clancy Kenneth Erickson Milton and Darlene Erickson Maynard Johnson

AND IN HONOR OF ...

Kenneth Erickson Ron Erickson Stephanie Kuylen Albert and Mabel Winge

THANK YOU!

Annie’s Project courses set for 2019

BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

Introduced in North Dakota in 2006, Annie’s Project has educated over 1,000 women in more than 35 counties, according to North Dakota State University Extension.

Now, NDFU is teaming up with Extension to host an Annie’s Project course for Stutsman County. The six-week course aims to teach women about a variety of topics inside agriculture including taxes, succession planning, conflict resolution, crop insurance and advocating for agriculture. Farmers Union Insurance will also be on hand to talk about crop insurance.

“It’s geared for farm women that want to learn more about the decision-making that goes into the farm,” said Alicia Harstad, NDSU Extension agent for Stutsman County. “The financial

risk, legal risk, marketing, production — it’s meant to be an interactive course.”

The course is being held at the NDFU state office starting Feb. 21. It’s set to run every Thursday night for six weeks. A light meal is planned for 5:30 p.m., and the education starts at 6 p.m. and runs till 9 p.m. Registration is $125 per person.

“It’s been quite awhile since we offered it here in Stutsman,” Harstad said. “We bring in some outside speakers, and we organize and teach it. For example, we have a CPA that comes in and talks about tax management, and we have other professionals come in.”

Annie’s project is in honor of Annie Fleck, who spent a lifetime learning how to be a business partner with her husband on the farm. Her bio states that she

“did the little management jobs that supported big management decisions” like advanced record-keeping.

While Ransom County is nearly finished with its course, the counties of Golden Valley, Kidder, Stutsman and Ward will run the program this year.

To register, contact your local Extension agent, or visit ndsu.ag.edu/anniesproject for more information. The national organization can be found at anniesproject.org.

Harstad said the course is excellent for young families on the farm.

“There is a new generation of farmers, and new farm wives with that,” she said. “There are getting to be more women who didn’t necessarily grow up on a farm. I definitely think there is a need for this.”

Seattle National Farmers Union Convention: Bellevue, WA

Feb. 25-March 7

Too Cool to Pay Full Price Hot Deals For Your Summer Vacation NDFU Benefits Plus has members-only deals at more than 450,000 hotels

See the Space Needle, Boeing, Lake Chelan Winery, Glass Gardens and much more on this 11-day excursion to the NFU convention!

$1,570 a person (double occupancy) $2,150 a person (single occupancy)

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Call 800-366-8331 for trip info Ask for Eunice (ext. 108) or Jeff (ext. 111)

To get these deals, log in to NDFUBenefitsPlus.EnjoyMyDeals.com

2016-2017 NORTH DAKOTA POST-COURSE RESULTS 9 Counties Hosted 106 participants from: 4 states 32 counties

34 & under 42%

Number of Year's Farming/Ranching 0-10 Years 11-20 Years 21-40 Years 41-50 Years 35-44 35%

45-54 11%

57% 22% 19% 2%

55 + 12%

Age of participants

Knowledge of women's roles in managing assets 70% 56%

Participants who compare farm/ranch financial ratios

Knowledge of communication strategies for farm/ranch families

60%

80%

45%

60%

30%

40%

15%

20%

Gather and review insurance policies 90%

60% 42% 28%

30%

14% 0% Before Workshop

After Workshop

How to use cost of production to set prices 50% 40%

0% Before Workshop

After Workstop

Percent who obtain market pricing from reliable sources

0% Before Workshop

After Workshop

0% Before Workshop

After Workshop

Meet insurance agents to consider options

Knowledge of how soil types influence productivity

80%

60%

60%

60%

45%

45%

40%

30%

30%

20%

15%

15%

30% 20% 10% 0% Before Workshop

After Workshop

Knowledge of how estate plans impact farm/ranch families

0% Before Workshop

Modified forms of property ownership to reduce liability to meet goals

70%

50%

56%

40%

42%

30%

28%

20%

14%

10%

0% Before Workshop

After Workshop

After Workshop

0% Before Workshop

After Workshop

www.ag.ndsu.edu/anniesproject

0% Before Workshop

After Workshop

0% Before Workshop

After Workshop

Participant's Top Crops & Livestock corn wheat soybeans vegetables oats melons fruit trees hay pasture sugar beets

Cattle Sheep/Goats Poultry Pigs/Hogs Horses/Mules/Etc. Dairy/Milk Cows

County commissions, North Dakota State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost for Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

Annie’s Project courses for 2019 COUNTIES START DATE NOTES Golden Valley March 20 Every Tues/Thurs. night, ends April 5 Kidder Feb. 12 Every Tues. night for 6 weeks Stutsman Feb. 21 Every Thurs. night for 6 weeks Ward Oct./Nov. Information TBD

DON’T SKIMP ON PROTEIN FOR PREGNANT COWS

U

nderfeeding protein to stock cows through their winter gestation has serious consequences, a North Dakota State University Extension livestock expert warns.

“If insufficient protein and nitrogen are provided and degraded in the rumen, forage digestion will be reduced and the cow may not meet caloric needs and lose weight,” says John Dhuyvetter, Extension livestock systems specialist at the North Central Research Extension Center near Minot.

“Furthermore, the developing fetus may be undernourished, impacting development, vigor and survival at birth, and future outcomes. Both colostrum and milk quality and quantity can suffer.”

Typical mature, late-gestation cows weighing about 1,400 pounds will need approximately 2.5 pounds of protein intake a day. Some 60 to 70 percent of the protein should break down in the rumen to supply sufficient nitrogen for rumen microbes.

The remaining 30 to 40 percent of the protein that’s undegraded in the rumen and bypasses to the lower gut, along with microbial-passed protein, will supply the cow and growing fetus with required amino acids and protein. At full intake, this equates to 7 to 8 percent crude protein in the diet.

“This won’t always be quite enough, depending on both the feeds being used and the cows being fed,” Dhuyvetter notes. “Certainly

for younger cows still growing and developing muscle and skeletal tissue (and associated with less intake), an 8 to 9 percent crude protein ration is needed.”

He adds that feeds high in bypass protein such as distillers grains or low in protein digestibility such as straw require feeding at a higher level of protein formulation to make sure rumen fermentation is maximized.

Producers have many options and feeds for supplementing protein to inadequate rations. One of the easiest is to include a higher-protein hay such as alfalfa with lower-protein grass and silage.

Byproduct feeds are another option. They have concentrated protein levels and can be limit-fed to supply added protein. Often, protein supplied at .3 to .5 pounds per day fixes deficiencies.

“The appropriate feeding rate depends on the protein level in the supplemental feed and what’s needed to meet the cow’s requirement,” Dhuyvetter explains.

For example, a cow receiving a silage and straw ration having a 6.5 percent crude protein level will need .5 pounds of added protein to bring the ration up to 8 percent crude protein. This can be met with 1.3 pounds of canola meal at 39 percent crude protein or 1.8 pounds of dried distillers grains at 28 percent crude protein.

Article courtesy of NDSU Agriculture Communications. For more information, go to ag.ndsu.edu.

Trade payments resume, but fall short

Following reports that the White House would delay or potentially cancel the second and final round of Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the payments would, in fact, resume as initially planned. MFP was part of the administration’s plan to provide relief to farmers and ranchers struggling with low farm prices due to trade volatility from the administration’s trade war with China.

Given the ongoing financial difficulties family farmers and ranchers are enduring, the original rumor was met with frustration and disappointment from National Farmers Union (NFU). “Months ago, President Trump entered and escalated this trade war with China and much of the rest of the world, depressing already low farm prices and ruining America’s reputation as a reliable trading partner,” said NFU President Roger Johnson in a press release.

“Now, during this period of significant financial strain, is not the time to renege on promises to farmers to help mitigate the losses.”

However, the USDA’s announcement doesn’t do enough to assuage the organization’s concerns.

“Support through MFP is welcome news to family farmers and ranchers who are suffering the brunt of the retaliation from China and other trading partners, but this trade aid falls woefully short of the sort of support required to blunt current and future damages of the administration’s trade wars,” said Johnson in a second release.

Because the farm economy will feel the effects of Trump’s policies for years to come, Johnson

emphasized that farmers’ needs far exceed that of a two-time payment. “The administration needs to understand the grave consequences of its international trade strategy for American family farmers and ranchers, and act in a meaningful way to support farm families during this time of significant financial strife.”

EPA UNDERMINES RFS In the past several months, there have been a number of accounts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allocating “financial hardship waivers” to refineries owned by large oil and gas corporations, thus exempting those refineries from requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

In the most recent of such stories, Reuters reported that the EPA granted a waiver to a refinery owned by Exxon Mobil Corp, which is the largest American oil and gas company, reporting earnings upwards to $20 billion last year. The refinery, located in Billings, Mont., produces 60,000 barrels per day.

After significant backlash from National Farmers Union (NFU) and other organizations, the EPA reportedly suspended the distribution of exemptions starting in November while the agency reviewed the program.

Exxon Mobil received the waiver prior to the freeze.

The RFS supports family farmers and rural communities by driving investment in American-grown biofuels.

However, the misappropriation of waivers cut demand for biofuels by 2.25 billion gallons in 2016 and 2017 while saving already wealthy corporations millions of dollars.

COMMITTEE MEETS

National Farmers Union’s 2019 Policy Committee met in Washington, D.C., in early January to begin the organization’s policy-setting process. Over the course of the week, the committee met with congressional staff members and industry experts to discuss important agricultural issues.

Additionally, they began editing NFU’s policy book to reflect current concerns and priorities.

These changes will be presented to delegates at NFU’s convention in March, who will then have the opportunity to assess, approve, and adopt recommendations.

This year’s committee includes Marcy Svenningsen of Valley City.

Seattle National Farmers Union Convention: Bellevue, WA

Feb. 25-March 7 See the Space Needle, Boeing, Lake Chelan Winery, Glass Gardens and much more on this 11-day excursion to the NFU convention!

$1,570 a person (double occupancy) $2,150 a person (single occupancy)

*Price includes motor coach transportation, lodging, attractions, some group meals

Call 800-366-8331 for trip info Ask for Eunice (ext. 108) or Jeff (ext. 111)

Founding Farmers

COLD? TRY A TODDY!

As our Founding Farmers, Farmers Fishers Bakers, and Farmers & Distillers restaurant teams are right in the middle of our MidAtlantic winter, we’re thinking of our NDFU friends as you brave another Dakota winter.

So, we’re sending along some cozy, winter warmth, in the form of one of the things we do best: beverages.

Our FRG beverage team has put together a host of winter offerings for all to enjoy.

In addition to our rich and delicious hot chocolate, we’re serving a selection of hot teas blended specially for us by T Salon in New York City. Some our favorite hot tea flavors include: Moroccan Mint, White Earl Grey, Chamomile Lavender and Green Tea. These flavors and new, interesting hot tea blends can surely be found in any local market that sells

tea.

We also love the rich, warmth of an Irish coffee, all on its own. No spirit necessary here to get the full, delicious experience. We love the cozy mix of rich, brown sugar syrup and freshly made black coffee, topped with handmade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa for added flavor (and fun).

Another guest favorite? A Hot Toddy.

Traditionally, served with a spirit, a Hot Toddy is great all on its own for the whole family. Featuring hot brewed tea, freshsqueezed lemon, fresh honey, spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and topped with a lemon slice, it’s the perfect antidote to the cold, winter chill. We’ve included a (nonalcoholic) version of our FF Toddy recipe here to keep warm and for all to enjoy.

FOUNDING FARMERS TODDY (no-spirits, serves 4)

INGREDIENTS 16 fl. oz. hot brewed tea (we prefer breakfast tea) 1/3 cup fresh honey 4 tbsp. fresh-squeezed lemon juice 8 whole cloves 4 pinches ground nutmeg 4 cinnamon sticks 4 lemon peel twists or lemon slices

INSTRUCTIONS Add honey, lemon juice and cognac to hot brewed tea and stir until honey has dissolved.

Pour into mugs or teacups and garnish each with ground nutmeg, two whole cloves, a cinnamon stick and a lemon twist. Serve immediately.

CLASSIFIEDS

Ads must be submitted through the online form at www.ndfu.org. Click “Classifieds” at the very bottom of ndfu.org and follow the instructions. Ads must be re-submitted each month. No exceptions!

Deadline is the 15th of every month.

Limit 75 words.

MEMBERSHIP DUES MUST BE CURRENT!

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE VERMEER 605N BALER, only 2433 bales made, like new, can text or email pics. 701206-0082, Marcus Fischer, Bowman.

SPRAYER, 60 foot 3 point, 400 gal tank, newer control; 19 foot IHC #55 Chisel plow; Titan stock trailer 80 in x 20 ft, real nice; 2 foremost head gates, one manual and one self catch; John Deere 7800 front wheel assist, new tires on front. No longer need these items; 37 foot IHC # 45 field cultivator; 20 ft 1020 flex head IHC. 701799-4839, Curtis Bunn, Sheldon.

SEMI-VAN WATER TRAILER for crop spraying; Semi van storage trailers for excess farm stuff etc.; Loading ramp; A 20 ft and 40 ft storage container. 701-4745780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

FOR SALVAGE, D6 Cat and Dozer $3000; Tox-O-Wix Model 370 Batch Dryer; 3 rock forks for loader from $600 to $2,500; Quick attachment bucket adapter for 3600, dual loader $125; 3 Bar 5 ft Melroe harrow sections $50 each; Hudson tank heater for stock tank $125; Viking Hammer Mill $250; 2 hydraulic breakaways and valves for 4630 John Deere Tractor $500 each; 701373-5480, Donald Jorissen, Valley City.

NEW HOLLAND SP 365F, self propelled sprayer, 1600 gal. stainless tank, 120 ft boom triple nozzle, foam marker, 4-380/90 R 50, 4-650/75 R 38, Trimble Auto Pilot, FM 750 monitor, field IQ rate, section control, Raven Ultra Glide 5 sensor, 100 GPM flow meter, touch down wheels, camera, one owner, 1,265.2 hrs. 701-6932371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

FARMHAND PTO PUMP; 4 wheel trailer; 15-30 McCormick tractor; 2 cream separators; Leon #3100 HD 10 ft 3-Point Blade; Late Model Super M; 2 grain fanning mills; 12 ft Kirschmann drill, New Tire LT245-75R-17 Ld Range E; Two units of four stainless steel bucket/pans, to feed grain/salt or minerals to cattle, mounted to a metal frame that mounts on the wall of the barn. Very sturdy. Email: larryn@ westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

BUCKETS, 8 ft MDS heavy duty rock/ brush/scrap buckets; 7 ft & 8 ft MDS Euroglobal buckets; 8 ft MDS-JD Classic Tach bucket w/5-tine grapple; 8 ft MDS 148-158 bucket w/JD grapple; 7 ft bucket w/Koyker quick tach; 9 ft MDS bucket w/5-tine MDS grapple w/Koyker quick tach; MDS attachment adapter-skid steer quick-tach to Euro-Global; MDS rock badger; 10 ft MDS heavy snow pusher w/skid steer attach. 3-skidsteer 5000 pound pallet forks (1 hydraulic adjust). 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

AIRSEEDER, 51 ft, NH3, 450-bushel grain cart, field-ready. 701-208-0545, Dan Brossart, Rugby.

WIRE CONCAVES, large and small for 1480/2388 IH combine; 4 set grip tires, size 11/22.5 of semi truck; IH combine heads, 1010 30 ft rigid with fore/aft plastic finger eel; 810 with big auger with lucke 9 in pans 30 ft; 810 24 ft with lucke 9 in pans 2; 810 pickup heads one with IH pickup one with a rake-up pickup. 701-782-6888, Craig Schiermeister, Hazelton.

ELEVATOR CHAIN, brand new, for 750 Massey combine, make offer. 701-7718653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

TIRES, 30.5L- 32 Goodyear combine tires and 10 hole rims off JD 9750. Also have short ladder extension and rails. Make offer. 701-321-5711, John Kempf, Ashley.

JD 3200 5 BOTTOM PLOW; Mayrath 6 inch x 28ft grain auger w/Briggs engine; Hydraulic driven drill fill; 1,000 gallon fuel tank; 40 used Lange anhydrous knives; steel & wooden fence posts; used cultivator shovels; transition & aeration screens; Gustafson seed treater; 25 ft heavy duty 5/8 alloy log chain. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

AIR SEEDER, 57 ft., Flex coil, 2320 TBT, 9-inch spacing, new cart tires, hitch to pull anhydrous tanks, Lange knives, trade or best offer; Summer fork type rock picker, trade or best offer. 701-228-6571, Greg Sletto, Willow City.

560 IHC 18 FT CHISEL PLOW with harrow. All in very good condition, $2500; Roll Coil Packers 1 each of 8, 12, & 20 ft. $12 per/foot; 3 Melroe harrow sections never used $100 each; Steel Seats from horse drawn machinery $15 each. 701260-0015, Arthur Wolfe, Dickinson.

WANTED TRACTORS, IH 806, 1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466, 5288, 5488; JD 5010, 5020, 6030; MM 1050, 1355; Oliver 1960s and newer; Allis D21, 210, 220, and others, running or not. 701-629-1721, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

INTERNATIONAL 11 mower for parts. 701626-7597, Clarence Hanson, Ruso.

VICON 6-WHEEL RAKE, good shape.

701-424-3426, Clyde Reister, Streeter.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER FREEZER, 1952, still works fine, $50 obo. 701-8405117, Lee Fraase, Buffalo.

MCKEE SNO-LANDER SNOWBLOWER. Model 520, serial #2163, 6 ft cut, 3 pt hitch, 540 pto, 35-60 hp, top rotating chute, 2 stage. Leave message if no answer. 701839-4666. Samuel Higgins, Minot..

2000 KEYSTONE MONTANA Mountaineer Travel Trailer, Model 285 FBS, central air, awning, microwave, range/oven, skylight, refrigerator, antenna, CD cassette combo, jacks, EZ lube axles, aluminum siding, TV, sleeps 6, weight 6156. Nice shape. $9,800.

701-693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

PROPANE TANKS, two 1,000 pounds, $40 each; Little Joe electric smoker $10; 10 in table saw craftsman castiron, $100; 2 slot machines newer style; 280 rds M1 garande ammo in clips and cardboard sleeves $280; Winchester Mod 12 shotgun 12 ga 2 3/4 in factory vent rib; SKB 12 ga auto 3 in mag; Browing BSS 12 ga auto eject single trigger 2 3/4 in. 701-775-0031, Gary Nelson, Grand Forks.

PARLOR WOOD STOVES, good condition; Wood oven stove, white; Bridles and harnesses; Lions hy 20 broiler, excellent condition; Two real nice school desks; Two 300 gallon fuel tanks; Record player, excellent condition; Two and three gallon crock. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

TIRES, 1-30.5x32x12ply Titan @ 80%; 1-20.8R42 Goodyear DT-710@95%; 2-new 18.4x34x8ply; 2-new Titan 18.4x38x8ply; 2- 28Lx26x12ply @90%; 2- 16.9x26x10ply FWD’s @70%; 1 new 13.6R20 Belarus FWD; 2-new Goodyear 520/85 R42; 4620/70R42@75%; 2- new 14.9x24x8ply & 2-new16.9x24x8 ply (combine rears); 4-Titan 20.8R38@60%; 8-new 285/75R24.5x16ply steer or trailer tires; many others. 701-709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

KING COAL FURNACE, make offer. 701421-5894, Daryl Uran, New Town.

1978 H-D SPORTSTER CUSTOM, drag bar, drag pipes, forward controls. Always shedded. Must sell. $3700.00 obo. Can send pics. Serious inquiries only. 701-2690663, Dean Ulmer, Jamestown.

SEMI-VAN TRAILERS in many sizes.

Some make good storage trailers, and others make excellent water trailers for field spraying. Tanks and spray parts. 20 ft and 40 ft container. (701) 474-5780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

ELECTRIC MEATSAW, manufactured by Tahran in Jamestown. 701-320-6563, Rod Suko, Cleveland.

BADLANDS CEDAR POST for fence or wood projects. 701-872-6117, Troy Tescher, Beach.

WANTED JOHN DEERE CHAINSAW, 55v or 60v, made by Echo. Running or for parts. 701566-4605, Stephen Loe, Moorhead.

RIMS, two 15-inch implement rims, four-inch hole, five-bolt hole; Two good used tires, 670-15 implement tires; Nice set of chrome running boards for 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

OLD STUFF, Westland, Standard, Texaco or Mobil Gas Station advertising signs or oil cans, Old license plates, old animal traps, anvils, ND tokens, Indian artifacts, arrowheads, old carnival glass, or anything else that is old and interesting. 701-2205746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

TRAILER, enclosed semi towable single/ dual axel trailer. Bi-folding doors rear doors, price negotiable based on condition.

Wanting to purchase in state of ND. Will pay cash. Also seeking to purchase a used calf table, in good working condition. Our farm is located in Harvey but willing to travel statewide. 701-658-9108, Douglas Neuharth, Hurdsfield.

PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS, to hunt on land, make reservations now. Email: larryn@ westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

ULTRALITE OR LIGHT 2-PLACE AIRPLANE with folding wings. Kolb, Skyraider, Avid, Kitfox or similar aircraft. What do you have collecting dust in the shop? Flying or partially complete OK. Less engine OK. Please leave message if no answer.

Michael Stahl, Valley City, 701-840-0138.

LEVER-ACTION DEER RIFLE, .22 pump, .357 pistol. 701-629-1689, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

VEHICLES FOR SALE MATTRACKS 150-M1A2, set of 4 mattracks with new tracks, low miles, like new condition. Have brackets to mount on 2008 Chevy 2500 HD pickup. $22,000 obo.

701-321-5711, John Kempf, Ashley.

WANTED 1949-55 CHEVY HALF-TON PICKUP. Need not run and box not important. 701974-3644, Loren Myran, Taylor.

1997 OR NEWER CHEVY PICKUP, heavy 3/4 or 1 ton single wheel 4X4 with standard cab, gas engine and in good condition. tjtescher@yahoo.com. 701-872-6117, Troy Tescher, Beach.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE HOUSE IN FESSENDEN, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, basement unfinished, lots of possibilities for more living area, attached garage and back porch plus patio area, alley in back, apple tree, asking $65k. 218-639-3583, Diane Nelson, Fessenden.

WANTED 10-25 ACRES of good wooded deer habitat for hunting, prefer within 100 miles of Bismarck. 701-391-8874, Keith Telenga, Bismarck.

ISO CATTLE OPERATION for rent.

Young producer east of Bismarck looking for pasture and hayland to rent in Bismarck, Sterling, Wing areas. Prefer long-term lease. Interested in any and all arrangements, would work cows on shares. Please call/text 701-426-3015, Nathan Kuntz, Bismarck.

SEED/HAY FOR SALE SPRING WHEAT SEED, Elgin and Barlow, HRSW, registered/certified, bulk or totes, delivery available. 701-739-0191, Brian Ludwig, New Rockford/Minot.

VARIETIES, Soybeans: ND17009GT, RR1 from NDSU, can keep your own seed.

HRSW: MS Barracuda, new balanced variety, MS Camaro, LCS Breakaway, LCS Rebel. Peas: Agassiz, Carver, Amarillo, Saffron. Chickpeas: Orion. Flax: Prairie Thunder. Durum: ND Grano. Legacy corn and soybeans. Custom treating and inoculating. finkenfarmsandseeds.com 701-529-4421 Bob Finken, Douglas.

ALFALFA, second cutting, net wrap, 1,600-plus pounds, no rain. 701-302-0569, Rick Irmen, New Rockford.

WE’RE A FAMILY OF COMPANIES. AND FAMILY IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU.

WWW.FUILLC.COM

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

Protecting Those That Protect America’s Food Source.

Don’t be fooled by that beat up old cap.

Its faded crown represents the tireless work of America’s farmers and ranchers.

Its sturdy brim represents their dedication to providing our nation with a safe, abundant and affordable food source.

From sun up to sun down, they’re turning quarters into the dollars that drive our rural economy.

So, we’d like to tip our hat to them.

Simply Different www.fumic.com

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402