Union Farmer - July 2019

FARMER UNION

www.ndfu.org

WHY PALMER MATTERS NOW AMERICA’S NO. 1 WEED PROBLEM HAS FOUND ITS WAY TO NORTH DAKOTA

JULY 2019

For more information, email us at info@fumic.com or visit www.fumic.com

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 66 • Number 7

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: 32,350 • USPS 016-211

FIND US ON THE WEB:

www.ndfu.org

http://ndfu.org/news/union-farmer

Read the Union Farmer online

CONNECT WITH US: North Dakota Farmers Union NDFU Tours @NDFarmersUnion @NDFarmersUnion

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 • July 2019 • Union Farmer

Farmers face a pricing dilemma

I

spent the end of May and early June with farmers around the world. We all like to say that agriculture is a global market, but we forget that we, as farmers globally, are actually quite similar in our quest for profitable operations. We “compete” with farmers around the world that face similar challenges in our operations.

It is amazing that the issues to maintain a successful farm are similar but yet different in size, input access and scale.

We all face the challenges of weather, prices and input costs.

In each case, we rely on others to provide our inputs and to market our products. We also have minimal ability to pass on additional costs of commodity production and logistics to the market.

Farmers worldwide face a pricing dilemma. We have a billion chronically hungry people, a large need for renewable fuels, and it is still suggested that we lack demand to overcome supply. Farmers receive prices for commodities

on overproduction in exporting countries, not based on the actual commodities’ need for demand.

Some suggest that all commodities are priced on the first pound or bushel that is available to the market where there is no buyer or distribution system to move the product.

Pricing to the lowest common denominator appears to minimize the opportunity for a commodity to ever reflect the true cost of production.

At these world conferences, we debated the value of food to the consumer, and by maintaining lower cost commodities, we inexpensively feed more people.

I believe that commodity prices have lost a direct relationship to food prices. When commodity prices increase, food costs do go up, but rarely does the reverse happen that food comes down due to lower commodity prices. In fact, the cost of the commodities in our food is so low even doubling the commodity price would only

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

have a minimal effect on the price of food.

In the interest of farmers worldwide, we need to find tools to match supply and demand. We need to address distribution challenges that limit our ability to feed the world, meet our renewable energy needs and utilize the large supply of commodities in exporting countries that burden commodity prices for all. We need to raise the standard of living in developed countries so they can become consumers that can meet and exceed their basic needs.

We need all family farmers, family ranchers and consumers to understand the value of a diverse and successful food production system. We should never force farmers and ranchers from their occupation because they are too good at production.

This is so true when we are facing huge disruptions in trade, weather, population growth, energy demand and people starving. We can do better than this.

WWW.FUILLC.COM NDFU.org • July 2019 • 3

NDFU HOUSE VOTING RECORD R=RIGHT , VOTED WITH NDFU

State representative

P-D*

1019

W=WRONG, VOTED IN OPPOSITION

1020 1066 1349 1388

2012

2033

NV=ABSENT/NOT VOTING

2297

2315

Mary Adams D 43 R R R R R R R R W Bert Anderson R 2 R R R R W R R R R Dick Anderson R 6 NV R R R W R R R R Pamela Anderson D 41 R R R NV R R R R W Thomas Beadle R 27 R R R R W R R R W Rick Becker R 7 W W W R W W R W R Larry Bellew R 38 W W R NV W W R W R Jake G. Blum R 42 R R R R W R R R R Tracy Boe D 9 R R W R R R R R R Glenn Bosch R 30 R R R R W R R R W Josh Boschee D 44 R R R R R R R R W Mike Brandenburg R 28 R R R R W R NV R R Ruth Buffalo D 27 NV R R R R R R R W Chuck Damschen R 10 R R R R W R R R R Jeff Delzer R 8 R R W R R R W W R Bill Devlin R 23 R R R R W R R R R Gretchen Dobervich D 11 R R R R R R R R R Jason Dockter R 7 R R R R W R NV R W Matt Eidson D 43 R R NV NV NV R R R W Sebastian Ertelt R 26 W W W R W W R W R Clayton Fegley R 4 R R R R W R R R R Jay Fisher R 5 R W R R W W R R W Jim Grueneich R 12 R R R R W R R R W Ron Guggisberg D 11 R R R R R R R R W LaurieBeth Hager D 21 R R R R R R R R W Karla Rose Hanson D 44 R R R R R R R R W Patrick Hatlestad R 1 R R R R W R R R R Craig Headland R 29 R R R R W R R R R Pat D. Heinert R 32 R R R R R R R R W Richard G. Holman D 20 R R R R R R R R W Jeff A. Hoverson R 3 W R W R W W R W R Michael Howe R 22 R R R R W R R R R Craig Johnson R 6 R R R R R R R R R Dennis Johnson R 15 R R R R W R R R R Mary Johnson R 45 NV R R R W R R R W Daniel Johnston R 24 R W W R R W R W W Terry B. Jones R 4 R R R R W W R R R Tom Kading R 45 R R W R W W R W W Karen Karls R 35 R R R R W R R R W Jim Kasper R 46 R R R R W R NV R W George Keiser R 47 R R R R R R R R W Keith Kempenich R 39 R R R R W R R R R Dwight Kiefert R 24 R R NV NV NV R R R W Lawrence R. Klemin R 47 R R R R R R R R W Ben Koppelman R 16 R W R R W W R W W Kim Koppelman R 13 R R R R W W R W W Gary Kreidt R 33 R R R R W R R R R Vernon Laning R 8 R R W R W R R R R Mike Lefor R 37 R R R R R R R R W Donald W. Longmuir R 2 R R R R W R R R R Scott Louser R 5 R R R R W R R R W

Continued on next page

FOR 2019 SESSION *PARTY-DISTRICT

2344

2345

2360

Votes w/ NDFU

R R R R W R W NV R R R R W W R R W W W W W NV W R R W R W W NV R R R W W R R NV R W W R W W R W W R R R R W W R R R R R W R W W R W W R W W R R R R R R R R R R W W R W W R W W R R R R R W W W W R W W R W W R W NV R R W R W W R W W W W W W W W R W R R W W R W W R W W R W W W W W W W W R W W R W W W R R W R W W

11 10 8 10 8 4 3 9 10 7 11 8 9 9 7 9 12 7 8 5 9 6 8 11 11 11 9 9 9 11 5 9 10 9 7 6 8 4 7 7 10 9 6 9 4 5 9 8 8 10 8

% of votes w/ NDFU 91.67% 83.33% 66.67% 83.33% 66.67% 33.33% 25.00% 75.00% 83.33% 58.33% 91.67% 66.67% 75.00% 75.00% 58.33% 75.00% 100.00% 58.33% 66.67% 41.67% 75.00% 50.00% 66.67% 91.67% 91.67% 91.67% 75.00% 75.00% 75.00% 91.67% 41.67% 75.00% 83.33% 75.00% 58.33% 50.00% 66.67% 33.33% 58.33% 58.33% 83.33% 75.00% 50.00% 75.00% 33.33% 41.67% 75.00% 66.67% 66.67% 83.33% 66.67%

BILL SUMMARIES HB 1019 (second vote) houses the budget for Adult Farm Management.

Passed and signed by the Governor.

NDFU supported.

HB 1020 (second vote) houses the NDSU Extension, Northern Crops Institute (NCI), and Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) budgets. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

HB 1066 revises the oil and gas gross production tax distribution formula to address municipal, county, and township infrastructure needs. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

HB 1349 amends the hemp laws to align with the 2018 Farm Bill. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

HB 1388 adds “second cousin” to the list of kin that can form a corporation or limited liability corporation for farming and ranching. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU opposed.

SB 2012 (second vote) is the budget for the Department of Human Services. The bill extends the Medicaid expansion program through July 31, 2021. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

SB 2033 (first vote) would have provided drafting services for an initiated measure sponsoring committee. Defeated. NDFU monitored.

SB 2297 (second vote) appropriates $20 million for the Ag Products Development Center at NDSU and allows the Northern Crops Institute to begin fundraising. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

SB 2315 (second vote) would have amended the posting and hunting on private land laws. Defeated. NDFU supported.

SB 2344 (second vote) allows for the use of pore space for oil and gas recovery and disposal operations.

Deems that the migration of substances into pore space is not a trespass, nuisance, or other tort.

Passed and signed by the Governor.

NDFU opposed.

SB 2345 (second vote) restricts counties and townships from establishing setbacks that exceed state law and establishes ordinance review procedures through the Agriculture Commissioner’s office.

Passed and signed by the Governor.

NDFU opposed.

SB 2360 changes the farm residence property tax exemption from “net” to “gross” and removes the dollar limitation for allowable non-farm income. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

NDFU HOUSE VOTING RECORD R=RIGHT , VOTED WITH NDFU

State representative

P-D*

1019

W=WRONG, VOTED IN OPPOSITION

1020 1066 1349 1388

2012

2033

NV=ABSENT/NOT VOTING

2297

2315

Jeffery J. Magrum R 28 W W W R W W R W R Andrew Marschall R 16 R W R R W W R W W Bob Martinson R 35 R R R R W R W R W Aaron McWilliams R 20 W W W R W R R W W Lisa Meier R 32 R R R R R R R R W Alisa Mitskog D 25 R R R R R R R R W Corey Mock D 18 R R R R R R R R W David Monson R 10 R R R R W R R R W Mike Nathe R 30 R R R R W R R R W Jon O. Nelson R 14 R R R R R R R R R Marvin E. Nelson D 9 R R R R R R NV R W Emily O’Brien R 42 NV NV R R R NV NV NV NV Mark S. Owens R 17 R R R R W R NV R R Bob Paulson R 3 W R R R W R R W R Gary Paur R 19 R R R R R R W W W Chet Pollert R 29 R R R R W R R R R Todd Porter R 34 NV R R R W R W R W Brandy Pyle R 22 R R R R W R R R R David Richter R 1 R R R R W R R R R Shannon Roers Jones R 46 R R R R W R R R W Karen M. Rohr R 31 R R R R R NV R NV W Dan Ruby R 38 R R R R W W R R W Matthew Ruby R 40 R R R R W W R W W Mark Sanford R 17 R R R R W R R R W Bernie Satrom R 12 R R R R R R R R W Mike Schatz R 36 R NV R R R NV R NV NV Austen Schauer R 13 R R R R W R R R W Jim Schmidt R 31 R R R R R R R R R Mary Schneider D 21 R R R R R R R R R Randy A. Schobinger R 40 R R R R W R R R R Cynthia Schreiber-Beck R 25 W R R R W R R R R Luke Simons R 36 W W W R W W W W R Kathy Skroch R 26 R R R R W R R R R Vicky Steiner R 37 R R R R W R R R W Michelle Strinden R 41 R R R R W R R R W Nathan Toman R 34 R W R R W W R W W Wayne A. Trottier R 19 R R R R W R R R R Bill Tveit R 33 R R R R R R R R R Steve Vetter R 18 R W R R W R R R R Don Vigesaa R 23 R R R R W R R R R Robin Weisz R 14 R R W R W R R R R Greg Westlind R 15 R R R R W R R R R Denton Zubke R 39 R R R R W R R R R

TOTAL 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94

FOR 2019 SESSION *PARTY-DISTRICT

2344

2345

2360

Votes w/ NDFU

% of votes w/ NDFU

R W R 5 41.67% W W W 4 33.33% W W R 7 58.33% W W R 4 33.33% W W W 8 66.67% R W R 10 83.33% W W R 9 75.00% W W R 8 66.67% W W R 8 66.67% W W R 10 83.33% R R R 10 83.33% NV NV NV 3 25.00% W W R 8 66.67% NV W R 7 58.33% R R R 9 75.00% W W R 9 75.00% W NV W 5 41.67% W W R 9 75.00% W W R 9 75.00% W W R 8 66.67% W W R 7 58.33% W W W 6 50.00% W W W 5 41.67% W W R 8 66.67% W W R 9 75.00% W W W 5 41.67% W W W 7 58.33% W W R 10 83.33% R R R 12 100.00% W W R 9 75.00% W W R 8 66.67% W W R 3 25.00% W W R 9 75.00% W W R 8 66.67% W W R 8 66.67% W W W 4 33.33% W W R 9 75.00% W W R 10 83.33% W W R 8 66.67% W W R 9 75.00% W W R 8 66.67% R W R 10 83.33% NV W R 9 75.00%

94 94 94 1128 100.00%

BILL SUMMARIES HB 1019 (second vote) houses the budget for Adult Farm Management.

Passed and signed by the Governor.

NDFU supported.

HB 1020 (second vote) houses the NDSU Extension, Northern Crops Institute (NCI), and Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) budgets. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

HB 1066 revises the oil and gas gross production tax distribution formula to address municipal, county, and township infrastructure needs. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

HB 1349 amends the hemp laws to align with the 2018 Farm Bill. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

HB 1388 adds “second cousin” to the list of kin that can form a corporation or limited liability corporation for farming and ranching. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU opposed.

SB 2012 (second vote) is the budget for the Department of Human Services. The bill extends the Medicaid expansion program through July 31, 2021. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

SB 2033 (first vote) would have provided drafting services for an initiated measure sponsoring committee. Defeated. NDFU monitored.

SB 2297 (second vote) appropriates $20 million for the Ag Products Development Center at NDSU and allows the Northern Crops Institute to begin fundraising. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

SB 2315 (second vote) would have amended the posting and hunting on private land laws. Defeated. NDFU supported.

SB 2344 (second vote) allows for the use of pore space for oil and gas recovery and disposal operations.

Deems that the migration of substances into pore space is not a trespass, nuisance, or other tort.

Passed and signed by the Governor.

NDFU opposed.

SB 2345 (second vote) restricts counties and townships from establishing setbacks that exceed state law and establishes ordinance review procedures through the Agriculture Commissioner’s office.

Passed and signed by the Governor.

NDFU opposed.

SB 2360 changes the farm residence property tax exemption from “net” to “gross” and removes the dollar limitation for allowable non-farm income. Passed and signed by the Governor. NDFU supported.

Farmers Union Industries Series

Positioned for success

PANIES. AND FAMILY IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU.

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

WWW.FUILLC.COM

With consumers moving toward all-natural products, sWheat Scoop is in prime position to take advantage of new markets EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a monthly series dedicated to Farmers Union Industries and its seven businesses.

Read the June edition to learn about Central Bi-Products.

BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

At the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, sWheat Scoop complex manager Bob Larson received a glimpse of the future.

“We literally had people from India begging us to do business with them,” he said. “In India, people often have multiple cats in their house.

They were really interested in our product.”

The push for all-natural, biodegradable products has gone global. That puts sWheat Scoop — produced by Pet Care Systems in Detroit Lakes, Minn. — in a good position. Pet Care Systems is one of seven businesses owned by Farmers Union

Industries, which is partially owned by North Dakota Farmers Union.

Celebrating 25 years in business in 2019, Pet Care Systems uses wheat from local family farms to make environmentally friendly cat litter.

“We are very pleased to purchase 640,000 bushels of wheat every year that’s grown by our local farmers and put it to good use,” Larson said.

“We feel we’re an integral part in helping our local farmers succeed with what we run through our facility.”

Once the wheat is received, Larson said it goes through a rigorous process to ensure quality including a specification of 99 percent purity.

“We have pretty stringent standards,” he said.

“We monitor the protein, test weight, moisture and dockage for foreign materials. We also have criteria

38

million pounds of wheat used

25

years in business in 2019

99

percent purity in wheat used

Packaging is the final stage of sWheat Scoop’s process, which starts with wheat from family farms.

on insects or bugs in our wheat, so receiving is very important.”

The wheat goes through a final cleaning before it is milled into powder. From there, it’s run through a 205-degree steam and pelletized.

“We take those pellets and crumble them,” Larson said. “Then we run them through our Rotex sifters to get the perfect granulation sizes into the final product. Our final product is tested hourly to ensure clump-ability, odor elimination and performance.”

So why does wheat work so well? Larson said it’s all about the process.

“This process activates the natural enzymes in wheat, which eliminates odors in the litter box,” Larson said.

Another great advantage for pet owners is the

205

ability to flush clumps down the toilet. Traditional cat litter is made from clay and doesn’t break down as well.

“It’s wheat, so it disintegrates in the toilet,” Larson said. “Scoop it into the toilet, give it about five minutes and flush it.”

SWheat Scoop is available across the United States. In North Dakota, it can be found in every Target, Petco and PetSmart. Larson said it can also be found at Walmart, Runnings and Mills Fleet Farm. It can also be found in numerous small-town grocery stores across the state.

“We’re working on expanding in the U.S., and we’re well-positioned,” Larson said. “We’re also working on expanding into export markets, and we’ve had a lot of calls from people across the pond to purchase our product.”

640,000

degrees that the wheat is steamed

bushels of wheat from family farms

905

trucks leaving with product annually

Alicia Harstad, Extension agent for Stutsman County, holds a Palmer Amaranth plant.

THE WEED TO WORRY ABOUT

W

Described as America’s No. 1 weed problem, Palmer Amaranth has been found in five North Dakota counties

eed scientist Brian Jenks with NDSU Extension is warning farmers about a noxious weed possibly heading their way.

A farmer discovered Palmer Amaranth — a rapidly-spreading pigweed — in McIntosh County in August 2018.

It’s been found in nearly 30 states including Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota Jenks said it’s imperative that JENKS farmers take this weed seriously.

Weed scientists are calling Palmer Amaranth, “America’s No. 1 weed enemy.”

“It’s unique because of how aggressive it grows,” Jenks said. “It can grow 2-3 inches per day and get 6-8 feet tall. We found Palmer last year that was easily 8 feet tall.

“And it’s a prolific seed producer. It can produce a million seeds per plant. This is why we want zero tolerance.”

In parts of Nebraska, it can cover fields quickly.

Greg Krueger, with University of NebraskaLincoln Extension, said the weed itself isn’t new, but lately it has come with a new twist.

“We’ve had Palmer documented here for over 100 years, and we never thought of it as a major problem until it became glyphosate-resistant,” he said. “It completely changes things. Once it’s resistant, it’s a nightmare to deal with.”

EMERGENCE

According to the USDA, Palmer is native to the desert southwest and northern Mexico. However, it has since made its way to the Midwest.

It’s been found in five North Dakota counties to this point – McIntosh, Dickey, Richland, Foster and Benson. As troublesome as that is, Jenks said a saving grace is that those counties are in eastern North Dakota, and that means there is a better chance of eradication.

If it’s found in western North Dakota, Jenks said it’ll be hard to control it.

“If you see Palmer Amaranth and you don’t manage it, you have three years. ... (After) that point, you might as well figure that you’re now growing Palmer Amaranth.”

Greg Krueger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln weed scientist

“It would certainly thrive there,” Jenks said.

Stopping Palmer from entering North Dakota could prove to be difficult, though, as there are numerous ways for the weed to get here.

Among the ways scientists believe Palmer has moved throughout the Midwest include sunflower screenings as animal feed, custom combining, manure spreading, migration of birds and hay donation. The latter is a big deal in that ranchers brought in hay from other states during a drought in 2017, especially to western North Dakota. If a drought occurs again and hay is transported from a surrounding state, Jenks said, “we need to be concerned about Palmer being in that hay.”

Jenks said farmers in other states have obtained manure from a feedlot for their fields, and “now they’ve got Palmer in their fields.” A University of Missouri study on Palmer found that 25 percent of the seeds were still viable after passing through the system of migratory birds, while the Palmer found in Benson County actually came from a rail car along the tracks.

“Somebody must have cleaned out railroad cars and Palmer was in that material,” Jenks said.

“It makes you wonder how many cars have been cleaned out along the railroad tracks. It’s certainly something we need to keep an eye on.”

ERADICATION

If a farmer or rancher comes across Palmer Amaranth, Jenks said positively identifying it is Continued on next page

story by chris aarhus of ndfu. photos, graphics and information courtesy of ndsu extension.

A FIGHTING CHANCE

According to NDSU Extension weed scientist Brian Jenks, pulling the Palmer Amaranth plant to prevent seed production is the best way to manage the glyphosate-resistant noxious weed.

However, there are herbicides that could help with prevention.

PREHARVEST DESICCANT OPTIONS

• Gramoxone (16 fluid ounces) plus Sharpen (2 fluid ounces) plus AMS plus MSO. This probably is the best option, Jenks says.

• Gramoxone — 8 to 16 fluid ounces. Apply with NIS (nonionic surfactants). This has a 15-day preharvest interval (wait time between the application and when the crop can be harvested).

• Sharpen — 1 to 2 fluid ounces. Apply with AMS (ammonium sulfate) plus MSO (methylated seed oil). This has a three-day preharvest interval.

POSTHARVEST DESICCANT OPTIONS

• Gramoxone - 2 pints. Apply with NIS. • Sharpen - 1 to 2 fluid ounces. Apply with AMS plus MSO. • Gramoxone plus Sharpen plus AMS plus MSO • Gramoxone plus 2,4-D plus NIS Jenks suggests producers apply these chemicals at a spray volume of 20 gallons per acre to obtain adequate coverage.

It should be done so during warm, sunny conditions. He also cautions producers not to use Roundup or Sharpen preharvest on soybeans grown for seed.

the first step. Most types of pigweed typically have fine hairs on the main stem, but Palmer and water hemp do not. From there, Jenks said to look at the leaves coming off the main stem. If the leaf stem, or petiole, is longer than the leaf itself, then it’s likely Palmer.

Once it’s identified, Jenks recommends calling the local Extension agent so they can officially identify it before the farmer takes steps to remove it. Jenks said the farmer should be careful during removal.

“Bag it up, so we’re not spreading seeds all over the field,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re eradicating this plant as much as possible.”

Jenks said it’s important to recognize it early, as it’ll be difficult to contain if it drops seed — which can happen as early as July with a May emergence all the way until September.

“It emerges in all seasons,” Jenks said. “If it emerges in May, it’s probably not going to produce seeds till July or August. But if it emerges in August, it’s going to try and produce seeds as quickly as possible. The later it emerges, the quicker it tries to produce seeds. Last September, we saw Palmer that was 2 inches tall trying to put out a seed head. That’s one of the biggest reasons we need to be concerned.”

Krueger said farmers should have a plan if they find Palmer. Without a plan, serious yield loss could follow. The USDA reported it has seen losses of 91 percent in corn and 79 percent in soybeans.

“If you see Palmer Amaranth and you don’t manage it, you have three years,” Krueger said.

“After three years, it’s over. The second year, it’ll come in patches, and the third year, it’ll take over your entire field. At that point, you might as well figure that you’re now growing Palmer

Amaranth.”

RESEARCH

Ag research does its best to stay ahead of weeds, but it’s hard to compete with the efficiency, endurance and seed quantity of Palmer.

One of the benefits of Dicamba was to control Palmer and water hemp in soybean fields, but Palmer is fighting back, Jenks said.

“In Nebraska, they’ve already found some species resistant to Dicamba,” Jenks said. “Once it gets above 3 or 4 inches high, it can’t be controlled with post-emergence herbicides.”

Jenks said not every Palmer plant is resistant to glyphosate — some plants can be eradicated with herbicides, while others are resistant to nearly everything. However, he stressed that an attitude of “zero-tolerance” is best to avoid the headaches associated with the noxious weed.

“We haven’t tested every Palmer plant to see what it’s resistant to, but we’re telling farmers to just assume that it’s glyphosate-resistant,” Jenks said.

Research is still being done to attempt to make identification easier for farmers. The National Agricultural Genotyping Center worked with NDSU Extension’s weed scientists to develop a rapid DNA test that can tell producers in seven days if Palmer is growing in their fields.

Krueger said farmers need to be on the lookout for Palmer and not just in their own fields.

“Folks in North Dakota need to take this seriously,” Krueger said. “I would encourage them to be proactive. You can say it’s the neighbors’ problem. But if they see anything at all, they better be careful. If it’s not actively managed, they’ll be dealing with it, too.”

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Cook up some hot deals

online or in the store

Log in to https://ndfubenefitsplus.enjoymydeals.com

EXTENSION DIRECTOR PLEASED Lardy highlights changes to funding formula, website as positives for Extension

BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

A 14-percent budget cut during the 2017 legislative session left NDSU Extension with some difficult decisions. But the 2019 session was much more positive, said Greg Lardy, interim director of NDSU Extension.

Lardy said prior to the 2019 session, Extension was planning for further budget cuts while managing morale.

LARDY “We had some trepidations and angst with our employees about the possibility of additional budget cuts,” Lardy said. “We were very concerned.”

But Lardy said he is “quite pleased” with the

funding from legislators, who targeted areas identified by Extension’s governing body, the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE).

“We received a good compensation package for employees, and that was one of our key asks,” Lardy said. “We went through the last session with no pay raises, and that can damage morale with people with young families and keeping up with the bills. I’m certainly glad we got that compensation package from the state.”

Additionally, the legislature directed money toward Extension’s partnership with the counties.

Lardy said currently the state pays 60 percent of the salary and benefits for county Extension agents, and the county pays the rest while also being

WITH 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION responsible for the facility and operating costs. The legislature recently added $840,000 to take some pressure off the counties.

“We received monies for a more equitable relationship with the counties,” Lardy said. “That will enhance our county partnerships. We expect the numbers to move to a more favorable position for the counties.”

Lardy said the North Dakota Association of Counties played an important part.

“Our county partners worked very hard in lobbying to make sure appropriators knew that was a high priority for them,” he said.

The legislature also set aside money to improve Extension’s website, which is a one-time cost.

“Farmers are busy getting the crop in the

ground, and we hope to make it easier for them to access information and read it more effectively from their devices,” Lardy said.

Lardy was appreciative of the legislature as well as stakeholders for their support of NDSU Ex-tension.

“Budgets are hard and complex and finding money is not easy, so we want to thank the members of the House and Senate for what they do,” he said. “I also want to thank our supporters and constituents. Many people reached out to their senators and representatives and talked about the value of our programs, for both Extension and ag research. Having those people engaged at the local level is so critically important to the process in making sure we have a voice in the system.”

Around the state Billings/Golden Valley Farmers Union worked a table at a local plant sale in Beach to sell “Our Family Farm.”

Pictured from left is EPIC coach Tina Davidson and treasurer Wendy Ekre. They had EPIC activities with the kids planting flowers in anticipation of spring. They even signed up 12 new members!

Wells County Farmers Union hosted a family event to recruit kids for their EPIC program and nearly 70 people attended. Pictured top right is Wells County Farmers Union President Patti Patrie.

Burleigh County Farmers Union donated an “Our Family Farm” children’s book to the Bismarck Veterans Public Library and Bookmobile. Pictured from left are Christine Kujawa, director of the library, and Burleigh County board members Arlene Olson, Lois Sundquist and Tracey Miller.

Robert Fitterer (middle) stands with his parents after he received a $500 scholarship from Mercer County Farmers Union.

Around the world

NDFU President Mark Watne (middle back) stands with other presidents and Future Farmers of America members after National Farmers Union and the FFA announced a partnership to cultivate the next generation of American agricultural professionals.

NDFU president Mark Watne (second from right) was the World Farmers Organisation’s representative at the World Seed Congress in Nice, France.

Watne was a part of a larger contingency that toured farms in Luxembourg and visited an export terminal on the Seine River in France.

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.

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.

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 ndfubook.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.

Founding Farmers

tableside guacamole

In the spirit of our annual summer series, we want to highlight one of our most popular share plates: tableside guacamole.

As the name suggests, our guests love that our servers make this starter fresh at their table. The avocados, the minced onion, the undeniable scent of finely chopped cilantro, and the traditional heat of the jalapeño, make this classic summer dish a perennial crowd pleaser.

Serve all on its own with your favorite tortilla chips, add a dollop to a crisp summer salad, or top your burger with this flavorful guacamole for a fresh take on your seasonal grilling. However you serve it, you and your guests will love the flavor it adds to your summer menu. And the best part? It’s really easy to make! Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2-3) 1 large, ripe avocado (diced to ½ inch pieces) ¼ tsp kosher salt 1 tbsp yellow onion, finely minced 1 tsp jalapeño, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat) 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped ¼ lime (for juice) tortilla chips INSTRUCTIONS In a bowl (a Molcajete bowl is traditional), place avocado, salt, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Squeeze lime over top.

Use a fork (or a traditional pestle) to mash avocado and blend all ingredients. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

HAWAII FEB. 4-12, 2020

THREE-ISLAND ADVENTURE Oahu ~ Hawaii ~ Maui

Volcanoes Nat’l Park Haleakala Nat’l Park Honolulu City Tour Pearl Harbor Punaluu Black Sand Volcanic Beach Lahaina Village Iao Needle & more!

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT: $4,999 a person (double occupancy) $6,799 a person (single occupancy) *Price includes airfare, hotels, 11 meals

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

NO SEAT? NO RIDER. If there’s one seat, there’s only room for an operator. No extra riders should be allowed on fenders, hitches, or in the bucket.

KEEPING YOU SAFE. www.ndsc.org

A private non-profit.

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

TIRES, 30.5L-32 Goodyear combine tires and 10-hole rimes of John Deere 9750.

Also have short ladder extension and rials.

Make offer. 701-321-5711, John Kempf, Ashley.

BUCKETS, 8’ MDS heavy duty rock/brush/ scrap buckets; 7’ & 8’ MDS Euro-global buckets; 8’MDS-JD Classic Tach bucket w/5-tine grapple; 8’MDS 148-158 bucket w/JD grapple; 7’bucket w/Koyker quick tach; 9’ MDS bucket w/5-tine MDS grapple w/Koyker quick tach; MDS attachment adaptor from skid steer quick-tach to Euro-Global; MDS rock badger; 10’MDS heavy snow pusher w/skid steer attach.

3-skidsteer 5000lb pallet forks (1 hydraulic adjust). 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

PULL-TYPE SPRAYER, 2002 Summers Ultimate 90 ft, 200 gallon tank. $9,000 obo.

701-796-8341, Jeff Trzpuc, Kathryn.

7 FT. MELROE PACKER in excellent condition. $350. 701-748-2665, Byron Grosz, Hazen.

OLIVER TRACTOR, 1800 with cab. Used for snowblower. $7000 obo. 701-520-1867.

701-520-1867, Lee Jacobson, Esmond.

JD 16 FT CHISEL PLOW, $500; IH Farmall M tractor, narrow front ; 22 ft Noble V blade Plow, $300.; 8x16 Flatbed trailer, made from a truck chassis, has steel floor and tilt bed, $450; Old JD grain elevator, paddle type; Horse drawn 2 row corn planter and one row corn cultivator. 701483-4825, Richard Jablonsky, Dickinson.

VERMEER 605K BALER, good condition, field ready, auto tie, twine only, also 605k for parts to go along. 701-260-0661, Eldon Rohde, Halliday.

230 JOHN DEERE DISC, with drags, excellent condition; Six-wheel rake, real nice; No. 10 pull-type Versatile swather, 24 ft, stored inside, real nice; 1985 IH 1460 combine, always shedded, chopper, 11-ft Sund pickup, also an 810 20-ft straight header, all in excellent condition; End cutter for pull-type swather. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

1977 JD 6030 TRACTOR; JD 336 square baler; Allied 6 bale stoker; JD 6620 combine with 2 headers; JD 7720 combine with 2 headers. 701-626-7270, Jim Haugen, Butte.

4 WHEEL STEEL TRAILER; 15-30 McCormick tractor; 2 cream separators; Late-Model Super M, w/live PTO, 12 ft Kirschmann drill, 1 New Tire LT24575R-17; Load Range E, Saddle & 2 Bridles, 1905 JD Metal Corn Sheller.

Covered wagon running Gear; 1950 2-wheel bicycle. Horse potato cultivator.

Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

HESSTON 565T ROUND BALER. Monitor, twine tie, field ready, always shedded.

701878-4967 (nights). 701-878-4966 (days), Chester Brandt, Hebron.

NUMEROUS HOPPER BINS; 1,000 gallon fuel tank; MayRath 6x28 ft grain auger w/ Briggs engine; 40 used Lange anhydrous knives; Anhydrous nitrolator w/hyd shut off & hoses; steel fence posts; used cultivator shovels; transition & aeration screens; 25ft heavy duty 5/8 alloy log chain; closing wheels plus hardware for 50 ft 3320 Bourgault air seeder. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

2 IH C MODEL 645 Vibra-Chisel cultivators with 2 bar mounted harrows, several field sprayers, Hardi Navigator 800 gallon tank, 66 foot booms, with nearly new ACE hydraulic pump, Raven 440 rate controller; A Summers “skid”/pickup box sprayer, 350 gallon tank, 103 Spray-Coupe, with factory cab. All have 10 gallon per acre low drift nozzles; IH C model 1460 Axial Flow combine. 701-465-3749, Arlo Blumhagen, Drake.

22 • July 2019 • Union Farmer

WANTED IH TRACTORS, 806,1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466 and others, John Deere 5010, 5020, 6030, 4520, 4620, others; MM, 1000, 1050, 1355, others; Allis D21, 210, 220; Will buy all running or not. Olivers too.

701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley Stanley.

IH HOE DRILL W/FERTILIZER, 12-14 ft, solid press wheels. 701-693-5552, Arnold Seibel, Harvey.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE LUMBER, black walnut, two different lots of walnut about 600-750 feet each, air-dried. $5.50 a board foot. Located in Sartell, Minn. 701-256-3220, Ashley Livingood, Langdon.

GARAGE DOOR WITH OPENER, 16 x 7 ft overhead complete with opener. Insulated, brown, $300; 72 inch landpride 3 point, 3 blade finishing mower, $1000. Can text photos. 701-208-0516, Daryl Klein, Balta.

FRIDGE/FREEZER, 12 cubic ft side by side. Clean and runs great. $100; 42 inch concrete power trowler. New motor, $250.

701-320-2466, Craig Neys, Jamestown.

STORAGE CONTAINERS, 20 and 40 feet, Storage Trailer and loading ramp. Water Trailer ready to use. Delivery available.

(701) 474-5780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

VALVE GRINDING MACHINE, Black and Decker, with all the accessories, excellent.

701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

THREE BRITTNEY SPANIELS, registered, 15-weeks-old, $500 each. Have shots.

701-626-7270, Jim Haugen, Butte.

HEAVY COVERED WAGON TARP, 10x18 ft, Adventurer 910FBS 4 season truck camper, needs an 8 ft pickup box. 701662-4397, Gerald Nelson, Devils Lake.

SEARS ALTERNATOR 115-230 VOLTS, 4000 watts, $150; Coleman generator 120-240, 4000 watts w/cart $150; Generac generator 120-240 volts, 4000 watts w/cart $250. 701-270-0184, Harold Severson, Lakota.

TIRES, JD 10 bolt 18.4x42 duals @50% w/ 85mm hubs; 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%; New 18.4x30x12ply Titan R-4 tread for discbine; 2-new Goodyear 520/85 R42; 4 Goodyear- 620/70R42@75%; 4 Firestone 620/70R42@50%; 2- new 14.9x24x8ply & 2-new16.9x24x8 ply (combine rears); new 285/75R24.5x16ply steer or trailer tires; many others. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

STEEL WHEELS, small @ $15.00 each, medium @ 20.00 each, and large @ 50.00 each. Great for outdoor décor; Big Iron water softener, $50. 701-748-2665, Byron Grosz, Hazen.

WANTED LEVER ACTION DEER RIFLE, all farm equipment signs and advertising. 701-6282130, Jerry Lumley Stanley.

METAL CUPOLA in good condition. 701252-4858, Larry Burkle, Jamestown.

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1995 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME, convertible. Only 74,000 miles. Dual climate, steering wheel controls, leather seats. Red. 701-206-0082, Marcus Fischer, Bowman.

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.

2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE LT, original owner, FWD, Silver Moss Metallic, medium gray interior, good tires, dual sunroof, trailer package, 3rd row seat, bench middle seat. Good condition and dependable. 701-529-4421, Bob Finken, Douglas.

WANTED 1966 CHEVY PICKUP, good condition.

701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley Stanley.

Everyone benefits with change to E15

BY DAVID RIPPLINGER, NDSU EXTENSION

On May 31, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a policy change that allows E15 fuel to be sold year-round across the country. This change provides a great opportunity to learn more about the fuel.

E15, sometimes marketed as Unleaded 88, is a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol. It has slightly higher octane and slightly less energy than regular gasoline.

There are a few reasons why consumers may purchase E15: it may cost less than regular gasoline, even on a mileage equivalent basis; it has a smaller carbon footprint; and it expands the market for U.S. corn.

It is important to note that it’s not how much energy there is in a fuel, but how well that fuel is converted to mechanical energy by the engine that matters.

A fuel with higher energy density or octane doesn’t guarantee that a vehicle will get better mileage.

With about 2% less energy per gallon than regular gasoline, quick math can provide guidance for the purely financially-motivated consumer regarding E15 use.

If regular gasoline is $2.50 per gallon, to get the equivalent energy for the same price or less, the consumer needs to save five cents per gallon ($2.50 x.02) or more on E15. Again, actual mileage

changes will vary.

Because ethanol has a smaller greenhouse gas footprint than straight gas, higher ethanol blends have smaller footprints than those with less or no ethanol. E15’s footprint is about 1% smaller than E10’s footprint.

Summertime E15 sales had been prohibited because it exceeded volatility standards designed to reduce smog. A special carve out for E10, which has approximately the same volatility as E15, was made in 1990. With the EPA’s new rule, environmentally conscious consumers can now buy fuel with a smaller greenhouse gas footprint and equivalent volatility.

In what may be a surprise to many consumers, E15 has been approved by the EPA for all car and truck engines beginning with the 2001 model year.

Nearly all recent model year vehicles sold in the U.S. are approved by their manufacturers to use E15.

A sure way to see if your vehicle is warrantied to use E15 is to grab your owner manual or check your gas cap, as they usually have fueling information on them.

Now is a good time for consumers to take a few minutes and revisit the fuel their cars or trucks are approved to use and do some quick math to see if E15 works best. Five minutes could help consumers’ pocketbooks, the environment and North Dakota farmers.

NDFU.org • July 2019 • 23

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

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