FARME R UNION
www.ndfu.org
STRONG TRADITION With a deep Farmers Union background, Skogen keeps Williams County youth engaged
FEBRUARY 2022
GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY
Brian Devillers Agency I am from Grand Forks, born and raised. My office is actually just a few blocks away from my parents’ house where I grew up, so I love the location here. It allows me to sneak over to their house at lunch and see my nieces and nephews (some of whom Mom and Dad “babysit” now during the day). I was a baseball coach at UND for about 10 years before coming over to insurance. I’ve been a Farmers Union Insurance agent now for just under four years. Away from work, I really enjoy most things athletics (especially baseball, basketball, and football) in addition to being able to torment my nieces and nephews. I love the relationship piece of the job among other things. Being able to help people and broaden their horizons a bit (in insurance) is huge. We’re lucky enough that we’re basically a one-stop-shop for all things insurance — we can do it all. Very few in the business can say that. But at Farmers Union, we really can. Whatever
your needs are, we can take care of it. Additionally, our involvement with the North Dakota High School Activities Association is something I love. We are so lucky to have that partnership, and it aligns directly with my values. I believe athletics is among the greatest teaching tools for our youth. The ups and downs, dealing with successes and failures, problem solving — those are all things that athletics teach. I absolutely love what the NDHSAA represents and am proud we’re a piece of it. Both of my parents are from Kensal and come from farming backgrounds. Growing up, watching every single state tournament imaginable on TV, whenever there was a Farmers Union Insurance commercial on, it was almost a sense of pride even then. That continues today. I stay involved with athletics a good amount. We have our Grand Forks American Legion Baseball board (which agent Aaron Dunphy is a leader of), our even younger youth baseball teams and groups that I stay involved with, and UND Athletics as well. I also serve on the UND Letterwinners Hall of Fame Committee.
Brian Devillers Agency 1600 47th Ave. S. Grand Forks ND 58201 PH: (701) 757-0246
UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 69 • 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-NDFU 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: 37,801 • USPS 016-211
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne • Vice President: Bob Kuylen • Secretary: Wes Niederman Treasurer: Ronda Throener • Bob Finken; Jon Iverson; Shane Sickler; Tyler Stafslien; Michelle Ziesch. 2 • February 2022 • Union Farmer
NDFU focused on fairness NDFU, along with other states in National Farmers Union, have funded and are carrying out a campaign called “Fairness for Farmers” to address market concentration. This is not a new effort for Farmers Union, as we have been pushing the government to address monopolistic practices for years. Sadly, the response to our efforts has been limited. We have arrived at a place now where action is a necessity for survival of many family farm and ranch operations. The good news with this campaign is we have finally caught the attention of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of our federal government. We are fighting for stronger enforcement of antitrust laws and the breakup of corporate monopolies that use their size to unfairly take advantage of farmers and ranchers, while forcing consumers to pay higher prices at the grocery store. For these conglomerates to influence what we consume, they first need to control the people who produce our food. That is where the real power lies; dominating what is grown, how it’s produced, and most critically, how they can make the most money by paying farmers as little as possible. The strain felt by farmers and ranchers is also directed at consumers, as they see higher prices and fewer options. And in some cases, like during the pandemic, empty shelves. With less diversity across the agriculture industry, multinational corporations have too much control over pricing and offerings. This makes the food supply chain vulnerable to
bottlenecks and breakdowns. Competition in the industry keeps our supply chain resilient and our food fairly priced. Corporate monopolies are slowly erasing our rural communities. If family farms and ranches can’t stay in operation, their loss will impact everyone in that rural area and consumers reliant on a diverse food production system. The Biden administration has laid out a plan of action that includes $1 billion in funding to: • Increase competition and create more options for producers and consumers in the near-term by jump-starting independent processing projects that will increase competition and enhance the resiliency of the food supply chain. • Provide $100 million in reduced overtime inspection costs to help small and very small processing plants keep up with unprecedented demand. • Issue new, stronger rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act — the law designed to combat abuses by meatpackers and processors. • Issue new “Product of USA” labeling rules so consumers better understand where their meat comes from. • Leverage USDA’s existing authorities to increase market transparency to the greatest extent possible. Farmers Union’s push and continued focus on addressing monopolistic practices is essential to success. I encourage all of you, as members, to tell your story — our story — and participate in our Fairness for Farmers campaign when given a chance.
NDFU.org • February 2022 • 3
Our Fam
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visit ndfu.org to purchase your books online or call the state office at 1-800-366-6338
POLICY HOPPER FROM NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
NDFU eyes the next farm bill S
ince the 2018 Farm Bill passed, trade disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of natural disasters have put the farm safety net to the test. Ultimately, farm bill programs proved inadequate, forcing farmers and ranchers to rely on ad hoc support. In fact, 73% of payments to producers have come from emergency programs since 2018. As Congress begins discussing the 2023 farm bill, permanent disaster assistance has become an important focus. The purpose of ad hoc assistance is to provide relief for unusual and rare events. However, natural disasters are becoming much less unusual and rare. In the last decade, the United States experienced 142 billion-dollar natural disasters, totaling $1 trillion in cost. The number and cost of those natural disasters are nearly five times that of the 1982-1991 period. North Dakota is not immune to this trend, having experienced eight natural disasters with an estimated cost of $4.5-$10.1 billion in the last decade. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, inadequacies in the safety net have become more obvious. The 2021 drought made that fact painfully clear. While Congress again delivered ad hoc relief, lawmakers from both parties acknowledged that temporary programs provide inconsistent and uncertain relief. Notably, House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (DGA) has highlighted permanent disaster programs as a priority for the next farm bill. Scott’s focus is shared by many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and key leaders from USDA. More than any past farm bill, the next one is
also expected to tackle climate change, a main cause of changing weather patterns. Democrats already began laying the groundwork for their efforts to support climate-smart agriculture in the now-stalled Build Back Better Act (BBB Act). The current version of the bill would provide more than $28 billion for conservation programs, a move that would increase the baseline funding for the next farm bill. The BBB Act would also increase funding for research on climate change and agriculture. The BBB Act’s unclear fate and what is expected to be a tough midterm election cycle for Democrats create uncertainty for climate action in the next farm bill. Regardless, farm groups of all shapes and sizes have generally coalesced around support for farm bill conservation and climate research programs. Despite varying opinions on the government’s response to climate change, there is broad agreement that farmers and ranchers can be a part of the solution if they have access to voluntary programs and market options. Conservation programs can also help farmers be more resilient to disasters by supporting water management, soil health and pest management practices. Disaster relief and climate change have garnered much of the early attention, but rising input costs, supply chain disruptions and market concentration are all a threat to producers’ bottom lines. NDFU’s goal is to ensure that the next farm bill provides farmers and ranchers the support they need to weather whatever storms lie beyond the horizon.
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.
6 • February 2022 • Union Farmer
MAIL DONATIONS TO: NDFU Foundation P.O. Box 2136 Jamestown ND 58402 Please note if the gift is in honor of someone. For more information, contact Lucy Bardell at 701-952-0114 or lbardell@ndfu.org.
NFU working on livestock issues
T
he White House hosted an event to discuss competition and capacity building in the meat supply chain. President Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese announced the administration’s action plan for a fairer and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain. Oklahoma Farmers Union President Scott Blubaugh offered perspective LAREW and insight into the devastating impacts consolidation has had on the industry and rural America. “National Farmers Union has long advocated for increased competition in the meat-processing industry. Our national Fairness for Farmers campaign has highlighted the devastating impact consolidation has had on America’s family farmers and ranchers all over the country,” said Rob Larew, president of National Farmers Union. “At every stage of the process, farmers are squeezed and forced to choose between fewer and excessively expensive options while consumers are paying premiums at the grocery store.” “We are hopeful that the administration’s renewed focus on boosting competition and reducing prices will force the changes needed to create an even playing field for those who take on the responsibility of feeding America,” added Larew.
NFU pleased EPA includes pathway for canola
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its regulatory agenda, which included designation of renewable diesel fuels derived from canola oil as “advanced biofuels” under the RFS program. “NFU has long advocated for increased use of biofuels due to their tremendous benefits for the environment while providing much-needed market alternatives and economic stability to America’s farming and rural communities,” said Larew. In a recent letter to USDA, NFU called for the
administration to support increased growth of biofuel production, which will support increased investments in the rural economy and mitigate climate change impacts. “Farmers stand ready to meet the increasing demand for biofuels, but regulatory certainty is needed to expand production, remove any distortions in the market for canola oil, and make additional investments in processing. This EPA announcement is encouraging, and we urge prompt action to provide much-needed market alternatives and economic stability to America’s farming and rural communities.” The EPA indicated rule making is taking place in early 2022.
NFU disappointed higher level blends excluded by EPA
EPA finalized new greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks without including requirements that could have increased the use of ethanol. The rule updates GHG Emissions standards through Model Year 2026. “The EPA missed an opportunity by not including a pathway to high octane fuels, like higher level blends of ethanol, in the final rule,” Larew said. “NFU has long advocated for increased use of biofuels due to their tremendous environmental benefit and the much-needed market alternatives and economic stability biofuels provide to America’s farming and rural communities. “We are disappointed that the benefits of high octane fuels continue to be ignored and urge the administration to include it in the next rule making for Model Year 2027 and beyond.” NFU has long felt this rulemaking presented an opportunity for a pathway to higher level blends of ethanol. In June 2020, NFU, along with a broad coalition of ethanol, agriculture, and public interest groups, filed a legal challenge against the EPA for its Safer Affordable Fuel Efficiency Vehicle Rule (SAFER) on the grounds that it ignored the efficiency and health benefits of higher ethanol blends and failed to realize the promise of increased octane in gasoline. NDFU.org • February 2022 • 7
grades 3-6 (4 Days, 3 nights)* - $115**
grades 7-12 (5 Days, 4 nights)* - $165** Grade youth will have completed by the end of the school year. **Early bird price. Price will increase after may 15.
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JUNIOR CAMP -
GRADES 3 -6
JUNE 13-16 JAMESTOWN- BENSON, CAVALIER, EDDY, FOSTER, GRAND FORKS, GRIGGS, NELSON, PEMBINA, PIERCE, RAMSEY, ROLETTE, STEELE, TOWNER, TRAILL, WALSH, WELLS
JUNE 20-23 HEART BUTTE - BOTTINEAU, BURKE, DIVIDE, MCHENRY, MOUNTRAIL, RENVILLE, WARD, WILLIAMS
JUNE 27-30 HEART BUTTE - ADAMS, BOWMAN/SLOPE, GRANT, HETTINGER, MORTON, SIOUX
JUNE 28-JULY 1 JAMESTOWN - STATEWIDE JULY 5-8 JAMESTOWN - CASS, RANSOM, RICHLAND, SARGENT, STUTSMAN
JULY 11-14 HEART BUTTE - STATEWIDE JULY 18-21 HEART BUTTE - BURLEIGH, SHERIDAN JULY 19-22 JAMESTOWN - STATEWIDE JULY 25-28 HEART BUTTE - BILLINGS/GOLDEN VALLEY, DUNN, MCLEAN, MERCER, MCKENZIE, OLIVER, STARK
JULY 26-29 JAMESTOWN - BARNES, DICKEY, EMMONS, KIDDER, LAMOURE, LOGAN, MCINTOSH
SENIOR CAMP JUNE 14-18 HEART BUTTE - Grades 7-12 JUNE 21-25 JAMESTOWN- Grades 7-9 JULY 5-9 HEART BUTTE- Grades 7-9 JULY 12-16 JAMESTOWN- Grades 7-12 AUGUST 1-5 HEART BUTTE - Grades 10-12 AUGUST 2-6 JAMESTOWN - Grades 10-12
AWARD TRIPS (INVITATION ONLY)
April 30-May 1 grades 7-8 LOCK-IN TBD ALL STATES LEADERSHIP CAMP JULY 25-28 THIRD YEAR AWARD TOUR
How changes to NRCS wetland determination rules could help producers
I
mprovements to USDA regulations finalized in 2020 could provide farmers an opportunity to improve NRCS-certified wetland determinations and provide exemptions from Clean Water Act oversight by the EPA and Army Corps. Farmers who produce an agricultural commodity on a converted wetland, or convert a wetland to make the production of an agricultural commodity possible, risk losing USDA farm program benefits and their federal crop insurance premium subsidies. Acres determined by NRCS to be prior converted cropland or non-wetland on certified wetland determinations are exempt from USDA wetland conservation compliance provisions (commonly called “Swampbuster”) and can be drained or tiled without risk of losing benefits. Acres certified by NRCS as prior converted cropland are also more likely to be exempt from Clean Water Act oversight. The Biden administration recently announced its intention to revisit the ever-litigated “Waters of the United States” rule (“WOTUS”). Recent improvements to Swampbuster regulations and the upcoming changes to the WOTUS rule make now a prime time for farmers to investigate whether areas labeled wetland 10 • February 2022 • Union Farmer
and farmed wetland on their fields should be recertified as prior converted cropland or nonwetland. On August 28, 2020, USDA finalized three new regulations that have improved the wetland determination process: First, USDA clarified whether prior wetland determinations are “certified.” A “certified”NRCS wetland determination remains binding unless a person affected by the recertification requests review or the tract is no longer used for agricultural production. Determinations made after Nov. 28, 1990, and before July 3, 1996, are considered“certified” if the determination was issued on the June 1991 version of form NRCS-CPA-026 or SCS-CPA-026, the person was notified that the determination had been certified, and the map document was of sufficient quality to determine ineligibility for program benefits. If a determination during that time period was issued on a different version of the form, a determination may still be considered certified if there is other documentation that the person was notified of the certification, provided appeal rights, and the map document was of sufficient quality to make the determination. All wetland determinations made after
July 3, 1996, are considered certified wetland determinations. Second, USDA regulation now allows a farmer to request review of a specific wetland site without granting NRCS authority to conduct a new determination on the entire tract or field. This means a person can request recertification of an error on specific wetland sites without opening the entire certified wetland determination for review and without risk of new wetland acres being added or expanded. Finally, the agency also codified the “bestdrained condition” rule. When a wetland is affected by a drainage manipulation that occurred prior to Dec. 23, 1985, the wetland hydrology will be identified on the basis of the bestdrained condition resulting from the drainage manipulation. Sites previously labeled by NRCS as “farmed wetland” or “farmed wetland pasture” may qualify for the prior converted cropland exemption if the site was cropped under normal climate conditions following a pre-1985 drainage manipulation. Application of the “best-drained condition” rule is likely to increase the number of acres exempt as prior converted cropland on a farmer’s field. On June 9, 2021, EPA announced its intent to revise the definition of WOTUS. The exact language of the pending WOTUS rule is not yet known; however, EPA’s goal behind revisiting the rule is to “better protect our nation’s vital water resources that support public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth.” Both Swampbuster and the Clean Water Act include exemptions for prior converted cropland
and while both agencies define prior converted cropland similarly, how each agency makes a determination of prior converted cropland has diverged and converged over time. In June 2020, EPA codified a new definition of prior converted cropland with its Navigability Rule for WOTUS, which matches USDA’s definition. The final rule states, “EPA and Corps will recognize designations of prior converted cropland made by the Secretary of Agriculture.” Therefore, if an area was certified as prior converted cropland by NRCS, the area is also more likely to be exempt from Clean Water Act regulation by EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Relabeling an area prior converted cropland on an NRCS wetland determination now could help prevent the area from falling under Clean Water Act regulation. These recent regulatory changes and the pending WOTUS rule make now an opportune time for farmers to request review of NRCS certified wetland determinations issued prior to 2021 and to request certifications of tracts that have not been reviewed. If you would like help determining whether your property has a certified wetland determination, reviewing certified wetland determinations for accuracy, or requesting changes to an NRCS certified wetland determination, please contact one of our agricultural and environmental attorneys for more information. Article courtesy of Zachary C. Burmeister and Kale R. Van Bruggen, agricultural attorneys-at-law at Rinke Noonan, Ltd. They can be contacted at zburmeister@ rinkenoonan.com or kvanbruggen@rinkenoonan.com. NDFU.org • February 2022 • 11
Williams County Farmers Union EPIC coach Alvina Skogen, middle right, poses with her husband Gary, right, daughter Lindsay, Rath, left, and granddaughter Taylor Rath, middle left, at the NDFU state convention Dec. 10 in Bismarck. Taylor was elected to the State Youth Advisory Council.
TEACHING THE FUTURE
With a deep Farmers Union background, Alvina Skogen keeps Williams County’s youth program strong STORY AND COVER ART BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU 12 • February 2022 • Union Farmer
Alvina and Gary’s children are all Torchbearers. At left is Christian Skogen with his wife Nancy and son Ozzie of Lakota. In the middle is John Skogen and his wife Angela of Williston. At right is Lindsay Rath with her husband Keith, daughter Taylor and son Noah.
Williams County Farmers Union EPIC coach Alvina Skogen wouldn’t hear of it when she found out one of her youths couldn’t finish the final year of his Farmers Union education. Without it, the student wouldn’t become a Torchbearer, a prestigious capstone award given to Farmers Union youths for completing a long list of accomplishments. Skogen knew the student would someday regret getting so close and not crossing the finish line, so she took action. “I went to the family and even wrote them a letter,” she said. “Think about how many Torchbearers are out there hiring people? There are a number of them, and they’ll think that’s a big deal on your resume. If they’re a Torchbearer and you’re a Torchbearer, it’ll carry weight.” Skogen convinced the family, and her student finished the education and became a Torchbearer. It’s just one of many examples of her dedication to the Williams County Farmers Union (WCFU) youth program. A lifelong Farmers Union member, Skogen — who resides in Ray — started teaching classes in 2005 and has carried on a strong tradition in Williams County. The program has produced a Torchbearer 68 of the past 71 years. “It’s not difficult being a youth director when you come from a history like that,” the ever-somodest Skogen said. “We have generations of families that have been involved in it.” Skogen runs a large program, with 60-plus kids competing in her annual EPIC (Education Plan In Counties) day right after Memorial Day. It features a full day of learning Farmers Union’s AgSTEM curriculum. “She does a lot of things that other places don’t,” said Taylor Rath, who is Skogen’s granddaughter on NDFU’s State Youth Advisory
Council. “One year, we did a cooking class and gardening along with it. She does things to get other people involved that you wouldn’t normally do.” Skogen, a retired teacher who still substitutes, uses a team of six to help her teach the curriculum, and Williams County Farmers Union rents out Ray’s school for the day including the cafeteria.
The Williams County Farmers Union youth program has produced at least one Torchbearer 68 of the past 71 years. She breaks her students into three groups: kindergarten through second grade, third grade through sixth grade, and seventh grade and on. The students meet as a group in the morning, separate into their respective classes and join for lunch before going back into their classes. “You have to keep children busy – we provide total structure,” she said. Skogen said they teach the history of North Dakota Farmers Union, the value of cooperatives CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
NDFU.org • February 2022 • 13
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE and the AgSTEM curriculum. The older class often gets an afternoon trip to a place where cooperative efforts are at work, like the telephone cooperative, credit union, grain elevator or Farmers Union Mutual Insurance. “We want kids to see what’s available in this world,” she said. “We want them to see the influence of cooperatives and how important they are in our community.” With fewer family farms than 30 years ago, Skogen said she has more kids participating that aren’t from the farm – kids whose parents don’t have a Farmers Union background. She sees that as an opportunity for growth. “I try to make sure that all of the things we do goes home with them, and I tell them to show their parents,” she said. “It educates their parents who have not grown up in Farmers Union.” Skogen comes from a Farmers Union family. She went to classes as a young girl, as her mom 14 • February 2022 • Union Farmer
was youth director. And she’s passed that spirit onto her family as well. She and husband Gary have three grown children with families: Christian Skogen (Lakota), John Skogen (Williston) and Lindsay Rath (Williston). All three participated in the WCFU youth program. John is the treasurer for WCFU. Her family went to camp as well, which Alvina believes is integral to the youth program. “What’s so important at Farmers Union Camp is that everybody counts,” she said. “You don’t have to have a Nike shirt to be someone at Farmers Union Camp. It’s a positive experience.” But it starts in the community, and that’s where the youth program comes in. Alvina said having a strong youth program with buy-in from the community is rewarding. “Our school (in Ray) is very supportive of it, because it’s for our kids and community,” she said. “For kids, it really develops leadership skills. It’s rewarding to see the kids succeed and to see children learn and enjoy the day.”
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EPIC COACHES
ADAMS Rhonda Knutson, Arlene Walch BARNES Tyler Van Bruggen BILLINGS/GOLDEN VALLEY Wendy & Dave Ekre BOTTINEAU Brandy Brown BOWMAN/SLOPE Mary Fischer, Joy Kinsey BURKE Denise Miller BURLEIGH Michaela Froseth CASS Kristi Brink
& EDUCATORS!
EDDY Kathryn Fleming
EMMONS Acacia & Aaron Stuckle GRAND FORKS Jill Johnson GRANT Linda Koepplin GRIGGS Kristi Halvorson HETTINGER Nancy Nadvornik KIDDER Stacie Fettig
CAVALIER Carissa Iverson
LAMOURE Carly Rott, Connie Bitz, Karen Sandness, Mary Schlosser
DICKEY Pam Henningsen
LOGAN Bailey Becker
DIVIDE Jessalyn Thomas
MCHENRY April Marquart
DUNN Eliza Jenson
MCINTOSH Brandon Meidinger
The commitment of youth leaders to the development of our young people is of primary importance to the growth and success of rural America and Farmers Union. The following list recognizes our NDFU youth leaders for their energy and exceptional service. MCKENZIE Steph Scofield MCLEAN Roxann Bloom MERCER Kandie Lindemann MOUNTRAIL Jodi Obert NELSON Sheila Rude OLIVER Becky Berg PIERCE Becky Tofte RAMSEY Andrea Johnson RANSOM Tyann Henderson RENVILLE Thurstan Johnson RICHLAND Heather Woods
ROLETTE Jackie Heinz SHERIDAN Kady Rath SIOUX Mary Jean Hunter STARK Sarah Ewoniuk STEELE Megan Vig STUTSMAN Ashley Vinje, Danielle Walleen, Maria Willer TOWNER Karly Held WALSH Kathy Houser WARD Karley Porter, Shirley Christensen WILLIAMS Alvina Skogen, Bernadette Perdue EPIC coaches needed for Benson, Foster, McIntosh, Morton, Pembina, Sargent, Traill, and Wells counties. Contact Bri Sorensen at 701-952-1404 or bsorensen@ndfu.org.
FRG wins restaurant award On Nov. 16, Farmers Restaurant Group won the High Road Award at the 2021 Local First Awards in Washington, D.C. The High Road Award — envisioned by Think Local First DC – recognizes a model employer who puts their people first by providing quality jobs, fostering a positive work environment, and championing beneficial business practices. “We are honored to be recognized by our community and Think Local First,” said Meaghan O’Shea, FRG vice president of marketing and communications. “We love this town! We work hard to take care of our people, our guests, and our communities, and we appreciate the recognition.” O’Shea accepted the award at a private ceremony at the Hamilton in downtown DC. Hosted by Allison Seymour of Get Up DC on WUSA9, the awards were also streamed live to the public on We Act Radio.
The Local First Awards are a celebration of local independent businesses, entrepreneurs and artists who give back to the community and create a positive impact. FRG was nominated from the DC community at large in the High Road category, out of approximately 100 other businesses. Think Local First DC is a nonprofit dedicated to the success of local independent businesses and works to build more prosperous, connected and entrepreneurial communities. They support and encourage others to spend their money in locally owned businesses to build the District’s next generation of entrepreneurs, enhance social and civic well-being, and reduce inequality while strengthening the middle class. North Dakota Farmers Union owns seven restaurants on the East Coast including six in the D.C. Metro area and one near Philadelphia.
Do you know a member who does something interesting or unique? Let us know! We may feature them in the Union Farmer! Contact Editor Chris Aarhus at caarhus@ndfu.org or 701-952-0118
18 • February 2022 • Union Farmer
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JAMES RIVER FARMERS UNION CAMP GRAND OPENING June 24 • Jamestown Reservoir
Cement your legacy at the brand new James River Farmers Union Camp The North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation invites you to become a permanent part of the new Farmers Union Camp by purchasing a personalized engraved brick paver that will forever be part of the new camp location. This is an easy way to leave a lasting legacy, and at the same time, donate to the new Farmers Union Camp.
Paver prices 4"x8" – $250
8"x8" – $450
16"x16" – $850
8"x16" – $550
12"x24" – $1,050
Payment can be made with cash, credit card, check or directly on our website at ndfu.org. Scroll to the bottom and click on the ad! To order by phone, call the state office at 1-800-366-6338. Please consider making this donation to support the North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation!
CLASSIFIEDS
Ads must be submitted through the online form at www.ndfu.org. Click “Classifieds” at the very bottom of ndfu.org and fill out the online form. 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 RAKE, R-21B Vermeer twin rake, good condition, $2000 OBO; 20’ wrecked aluminum Sundowner trailer, could be repaired or use as flat bed. Excellent rubber. $1500 or OBO. Leave message. 701-878-4967, Roy Schneider, Hazen. 15-30 MCCORMICK TRACTOR, 1 new tire LT245-75R-Load Range E., 2 new P235705-15. One David Bradley metal grain box, like new. 2 pairs of cowboy boots size 6 ½, to small, like new $40. 1905 JD metal corn sheller, 4-wheel steel running gear, 1 covered wagon running gear, Saddle and 2 Bridles. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields. FETERL 8 ft 2 Stage Snow Blower. Hydraulic Schute, 540 PTO. Still works well. Have not used it for about 8 years. Always been stored inside. $2500. 701391-6404, Patrick Roehrich, Washburn. JD 3010 DIESEL, w/wo #10 JD belly mount, 9’ sickle mower, 3 pt , ROPS ,and complete engine overhaul. Wishek 3 pt bale fork. Pro-Tach hydraulic wire winder 3pt and mounts for JD loader (wind without looking back). IHC TD18 crawler with new steering clutches and dozer. Heavy duty spread axle/pintle hitch bale trailer. Hydraulic post pounder. Six 7:50x16 trailer tires. I’m a retired farmer and don’t need these excellent items. Delivery possible. 701-974-3644, Loren Myran, Taylor.
COMBINE. 2003 9650 JD walker combine. 5654 engine hours 3979 sep. contour master, auto-steer, very good mechanical condition, always shedded; 2011 630f JD flex head. Call for more info. 701-3203172, Mike Carlson, Jamestown. PRESS DRILLS, 2 10 ft. IH press drills grass seeders, fert. reconditioned, field ready $3800.00 will split. also 14 ft. Case disk reconditioned $1400; 9 ft. 1100 IH mower new guards, sickle and new paint $3500; 9 wheel rake new wheels & paint $2200, Can deliver. 701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.
WANTED TILLER, John Deere Model 30 hydraulic tiller for JD 318 garden tractor. 701-2904992, Kenneth Greni, Dickinson.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE BOAT, 1994 Lund ProV 1890 Tiller Gary Roach Edition, 1990 Merc 90 hp, 1993 Shorelander rller trl, Foldback hitch/ surge brks/spare tr/LED lights. 4 pwer ped seats, 4 RAM 360 degree rd hlds, 2 live wells, cargo netting. Removal plate on Minnkota 24 vlt Autopilot 60” shaft. On board charging syst. Sitex WR77 Marine band, Kenwood stereo/CD, 90” beam, tarp, excellent condition. Call for more info. 701989-0204, Ron Kraft, Bismarck. CORN STOVE. Magnum Countryside pellet/corn stove, used 11 seasons. excellent condition, includes all pipes $1,000. 1906 Victrola, very good condition, new pool table cloth on turntable, lots of extra needles and about 40 78 rpm records $700. 701-572-2618, Harold Lund, Williston. AUTOMOTIVE TIRES, two brand new Hankook Optimo 195/75/R14 asking $120 for the two; Two fairly new Ironman 195/70/ R14 tires - asking $80 for the two. Call/text, will send pictures. 701-228-4924, Mike Forsberg, Fargo.
ANTIQUE KEROSENE LANTERNS, excellent condition; Two croquet sets; Antique radio record player; Large wall mounted cupboard; Antique metal head and foot board; Antique snow sled with steel rails; 2 blue in color zip sleds for pulling behind boat; 2200 to 2500 bushel Cenex grain bin, Real good condition, Have pictures. Fair prices on everything. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau. RANCHHAND GRILL GUARD to fit 19972003 ford pickup. 4 Goodyear Destination AT tires 245/75/16” tires on chevy chrome rims with approximately 3-4k miles on them. 3 firestone tires 245/70/17 separate from 3 17” chevy chrome rims, take either or both. Craftmatic adjustable electric bed with massage. Adjustable on both ends. Miscellaneous white spoke older rims. 701226-0424, Robert Beth, New Salem.
WANTED VW BUS, 1950s-1990s Volkswagen Bus. Condition doesn’t matter. Interested in VW accessories. Roof racks, engines, parts as well. 701-219-5847, Joel Herman, Harwood. OLD STUFF, Westland Gas Station, advertising signs or oil cans or any other brand of gas station stuff. Old embossed Indian head road signs. ND license plates, crock jugs that have advertising the small town store. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land. Make reservations now. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields. GUNS, Savage 340, 840, or Western Field SB-712, 30-30 rifle in good working condition. 22” or longer barrel. Serious inquiries only please. 701-521-0052, Leeroy Carpenter. Walhalla. TOPPER OR TONNEAU for a Subaru Baja (not Brat). Hard or soft models. 357 lever action rifle or carbine. 701-390-9335, Dustin Hammond, Napoleon.
PLANTER, 2010 AGCO White 8222 Planter. Liquid fertilizer. Front fold. 12 row 30” Flex Frame. 3 bushel hoppers. Heavy duty down springs. Martin row cleaners. GTA 1 Monitor. Can send pictures. 605530-2296, Vern Snow, Tolstoy, SD. 4 HEAVY DUTY TANKS. Former LPG Propane Semi Tankers. Cannot be used for propane service. 11,000 Gallon. Excellent for stationary bulk liquid storage, fuel, water, etc. $7,500 each OBO. 701-5210052, Leeroy Carpenter, Walhalla. SEVERAL HOPPER BINS; aeration fans; IH Cadet 75 & 68 JD w/bagger riding mowers, both run; Kawasaki generator KG 1500B; combine pickup guards/lifters; Simer water pump; Lincoln electric grease gun; steel fence posts; used Case IH 8230 feeder chain; Antique pump jack/wooden lift arms; farm scale/steel wheels; wooden dog house on skids. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley. CULTIVATOR, used Koehn (now Lorenz) 8 row Danish time cultivator, 3 pt. hitch, 30” row width adjustable, depth wheels, sway discs, stand, $300 OBO. 701-659-8238, Glen Nagel, Jamestown.
WINTER DRIVING SURVIVAL TIPS
IF YOU BECOME STRANDED:
• Stay with your vehicle • Put light flares in front and back of the vehicle • Be sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked • Signal distress with a brightly colored cloth
www.ndsc.org
Dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives. 22 • February 2022 • Union Farmer
Around the state
Farmers Union Insurance agents Robbi Larsen, left, and Kjell Vassen pose with Noonan City Commissioner Jeff Henze after the two agents donated $1,000 to the Noonan Park Board to be used toward the purchase of new playground equipment.
ALASKA July 12-23, 2022
See Anchorage, the Inside Passage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Skagway, Glacier Bay and more!
Farmers Union Insurance agent Mary Smith of Ray donated to Boots & Clover, the local 4-H club.
The tour features a seven-night Princess Cruise! For cabin rates:
Call 800-366-6338 Ask for Nichole (ext. 108) or Jeff (ext. 111)
NDFU.org • February 2022 • 23
Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
Collette Tours Presents
Christmas on the Danube Nov. 27 - Dec. 5, 2022
Trip powered by Farmers Union Travel
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402
Take a timeless trip down the Danube and experience holiday cheer in Vienna, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg and more. Go to gateway.gocollette.com/link/1086453 for trip details. This is a travel opportunity offered through Farmers Union Insurance. For more info, contact Jeff Willer at 952-9111.