Union Farmer - November 2019

FARMER UNION

www.ndfu.org

FUTURE OF RADIO

FUI donation aids North Dakota’s only high school radio station NOVEMBER 2019

GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY

Shane Lebahn Agency WEST FARGO

I was born and raised in West Fargo. After attending NDSU, I was hired by Farmers Union Insurance as an agent in West Fargo in 1991.

I had the benefit of starting my agency in the same office as my father who began his career with Farmers Union Insurance in 1971.

I have been married to my wife Tami for 22 years and we have two great children who both attend NDSU. My daughter Alexandra, 22, is studying for a degree in English, and my son Riley, 20, is majoring in mechanical engineering. In our spare time we enjoy time with friends, traveling and watching NDSU football.

Both of my children attended Farmers Union camps throughout their youth, both received their Torchbearer Award, both have been staff members at Farmers Union Camps in Heart Butte and Wesley Acres, and both have represented the North Dakota Farmers Union at fly-ins in Washington, D.C. This past March, Riley, who served on both the SYAC and NYAC, was invited to give the National Youth Advisory Council speech at the 117th

National Farmers Union convention in Bellevue, Wash.

In my community, I’ve been a member of the Lutheran Church of the Cross finance committee. I was a parent leader with the local Boy Scout troop. I’m currently a member of the West Fargo Planning and Zoning Commission and a board member of the West Fargo Exchange Club including being co-chairman of their large annual fundraising event held each April.

Our family history with North Dakota Farmers Union goes back several generations to my great-grandparents who were very involved with the farm organization. Following in their footsteps were my grandparents, as well as several of their siblings, and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins, who have been extremely involved in their local, county, and state Farmers Union organization and the Farmers Union Insurance companies.

The best part of working with Farmers Union Insurance is the people we get to be in contact with.

Our customers, my office staff, and the home office personnel in

Shane Lebahn Agency 623 E. Main Suite #106 West Fargo ND 58078 PH: (701) 282-9402

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 66 • Number 11

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: 33,288 • USPS 016-211

Jamestown all make me excited to come into the office every morning.

A good agent never stops doing what is right for the customer and strives to find the coverages that fit both their needs and budgets.

Being involved locally and doing what you can to make your community a better place is also important.

SIMPLY DIFFERENT! 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 • November 2019 • Union Farmer

NDFU members are forward-thinking

Members of Farmers Union are the most forward-thinking and have the greatest forward awareness of all farmers and ranchers. A bold statement, but very true as the policies you select represent the future and represent the importance of maintaining our successful food production system. The challenges we face today are due to the lack of others’ willingness to address the problems and opportunities we identified before we arrived in this current financial challenge.

Farmers Union has said farm safety nets are necessary and cannot solely be based on budget constraints. Farmers Union identified this problem knowing we would be in trade wars, have surplus production coupled with an unwillingness to create demand for renewable fuels, and an environment driven by monopolistic practices of suppliers and buyers of farm and ranch products.

Farmers Union stated emphatically not to open our doors to free trade without negotiating all the variables that will haunt us in the future. The mantra “free trade,” said by all, was too easily accepted and now we are left trying to fix the poor agreements we accepted. In fact, most of the agriculture industry has now adopted our “fair trade” message over “free trade.” Wouldn’t it be great to have a farm program that allowed us to fix trade and demand solutions to issues to keep farmers and ranchers financially sound?

Many years ago, we raised alarm about competition in the marketplace. We were told a few mergers were necessary to allow for efficiency.

We are now in a time when nearly every market we buy from, transport in and sell to is owned by so few players that there is nothing left for competition to truly allow for market-oriented pricing to happen. We simply buy, transport and

then, sell at whatever price they want to pay.

Recently, while testifying at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the Monsanto and Bayer merger, we were told that they agreed with our assessment but felt this merger was not going to make any additional impact on the industry because it is already monopolized. While DOJ officials were defending the Administration’s trade actions, we asked them about China stealing our genetics.

Specifically, why did they allow China to purchase Syngenta and get access to nearly one-third of all the genetics in the world? Their comment was “This is different.”

We understand that corporate farming is old school methodology. In most rules of business, you give the customer what they desire. Ask any food consumer where they prefer their food be produced, I guarantee you will not hear from a corporate farm. This is why corporate farms misrepresent their business name in marketing and many times represent themselves as family farms to confuse consumers. We have identified tools to help the consumer identify with U.S. family farm food. Our restaurants are one of these forwardthinking tools.

Truth in labeling laws have been ignored. We have always been on the side of labeling items with their origin and contents. We generally support labeling the positive science-based connotations.

We championed Country-of-Origin Labeling and continue to do so. Now we are fighting over what is milk, what is meat, and labeling things that never contained items as “free from.”

Farmers Union members: Be proud to be as forward-thinking as you have always been. Keep up the fight! Even in dismal times, we can and will continue to make a difference.

NDFU.org • November 2019 • 3

NDFU CANDIDACY

NDFU/FUI board elections will be held for officers and even-numbered districts at the state convention Dec. 13-14 in Bismarck. Directors serve two-year terms, while the president and vice president are elected each year. Candidacy announcements should be submitted to the office of the president and be no longer than a double-spaced page. Announcements must be submitted by Nov. 15.

OFFICE OF PRESIDENT – MARK WATNE I am deeply honored to have an opportunity to serve the forward-thinking members of North Dakota Farmers Union. Even in times of economic challenge, we find ways to work for solutions. This is a positive reflection on our staff, board and each of you as a participating member.

I have enjoyed my time working for NDFU. If you will consider voting for me, I assure you I will work with all my capacity to meet the North Dakota Farmers Union mission of helping family farmers and ranchers succeed. We continue to build a stronger image of the organization with unique projects and are seeing the growth of our positive image statewide and throughout the nation.

Serving as NDFU president also places me as president of Farmers Union Insurance.

The board of directors are committed to setting policy for the insurance management team and employees to grow the company, achieve financial success, build surplus and provide our members with high quality insurance products necessary for their farms and ranches.

Thank you for the support in the past. I ask for your vote for president of North Dakota Farmers Union.

OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT – BOB KUYLEN Thank you for the honor of electing me to be your vice president of North Dakota Farmers Union. I have enjoyed representing you at local, national and international levels. I would appreciate your vote to continue to serve as vice president of this great organization.

Farmers continue to face many challenges. Due to tariffs, we have lost markets that our check-off dollars had established, input costs keep going up and prices keep going down.

During the September fly-in, we continued to stress that farmers can’t afford to be patient. We are losing many young farmers, and older farmers are losing equity.

Politicians need to quit using farmers as pawns in the trade wars. We need to educate people that family farms play an important role in food safety and security.

Working with our competent staff, prosperous insurance company, successful restaurants and, most importantly, all you members, continues to be a great pleasure.

I look forward to visiting with many of you at your county conventions. Brenda and I also hope to visit with many of you at the state convention in Bismarck. Your support to reelect me as vice president would be much appreciated.

ANNOUNCEMENTS DISTRICT 1 DIRECTOR – JON IVERSON My name is Jon Iverson. I farm with my wife Carissa in Cavalier County. We grow white wheat, peas, canola, corn, flax, barley and soybeans on 3,200 acres. We have three children: Jakob, Marcus and Maggie. Jakob was a camp counselor, attends NDSU and would one day like to farm. Marcus is a senior in high school and was on NYAC this year, and also attended the fly-in to Washington, D.C. Maggie, a sixth-grader, raises chickens and ducks and loves to ride horse. She also loves to go to Farmers Union camp. Carissa has a boutique and is part of the Pride of Dakota showcase.

I serve on the township board, Cavalier County Soil Conservation District board, our local Farmers Union Oil board, and I’m president of Cavalier County Farmers Union.

I’m running because I want to get more involved in Farmers Union and keep working to help family farms. I would appreciate your vote at the state convention!

DISTRICT 3 DIRECTOR – TYLER STAFSLIEN My first term serving as director on the North Dakota Farmers Union board has been a great experience. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work to ensure that the challenges those of us involved in agriculture have been facing are recognized by the people who make policy in Bismarck and Washington, D. C. I have worked to inform the citizens of this country about the incredible importance of family farmers and ranchers to the economy, and to food security for our nation. I represent all of you in District 3 with great passion because I am like you; I live and work with my wife and two children on my fourth-generation farm. I would like my children to have the opportunity to be fifth generation farmers. I love my way of life and I will continue to work to ensure that all people can have a sound financial future, while living the lives they love as farmers and ranchers. I would appreciate your vote as I seek reelection in District 3.

DISTRICT 5 DIRECTOR – WES NIEDERMAN It is an honor and privilege to represent District 5 on the state board of directors for NDFU. As a board member, I try to help guide policy that our staff can follow to effectively help our members. Challenging times in agriculture call for an efficient and proactive farm organization to represent a producer’s interests. NDFU is that farm organization.

I look forward to visiting with many of you at the county conventions, and then later at the state convention. I would appreciate your support as I run for reelection.

DISTRICT 7 DIRECTOR – RONDA THROENER I would like to announce my candidacy for District 7 board of directors. The past six years have been truly an honor and privilege serving your farm organization, insurance company, restaurants and all other business that comes before the board.

This has been a very challenging year in agriculture. I enjoy working on behalf of our farmers and ranchers, especially during these challenging times. I look forward to seeing you at your county conventions and also at our state convention in December in Bismarck. I wish you a safe harvest and hope for some nice weather to get your work done before winter.

North Dakota Farmers Union • Dec. 13-14 • Bismarck Event Center

State Convention Friday, Dec. 13

7:30 a.m.

Registration opens 8 a.m.

Frayne Olson, NDSU crop economist 9:30 a.m.

Convention convenes; FUMIC

annual meeting 11 a.m.

President’s Report –­Mark Watne 11:40 a.m. District caucuses and lunch 1:10 p.m.

Jay Debertin, CHS President and CEO 2:05 p.m.

Nominations for candidates for NFU

delegates, NDFU president, vice

president and district directors;

Bylaws Committee preliminary

report; Policy and Action

introduction and debate.

2:30 p.m.

Policy and Action 5 p.m.

Social with appetizers 6 p.m.

Live auction 6:30 p.m.

Dinner 7:30 p.m.

Live music, “Hard Day’s Night”

(Beatles tribute band)

Saturday, Dec. 14

7 a.m.

Voting begins; Registration opens 8 a.m.

Convention reconvenes 8:10 a.m.

Financial report 8:30 a.m.

Farmers Union Insurance

partnership with ND Safety Council 9:05 a.m.

Tom Halvorson, President and CEO

of CoBank 10:30 a.m. Member Q & A with NDFU President

Mark Watne and FUI CEO Mark Anderson 11:30 a.m. Roger Johnson, National Farmers

Union president 12:10 p.m. Lunch 1:15 p.m.

Convention reconvenes;

SYAC presentations 1:30 p.m.

Policy and Action 2:05 p.m.

Sen. John Hoeven 2:20 p.m.

Policy and Action continues 3 p.m.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong 3:20 p.m.

Policy and Action continues 4 p.m.

NDFU Bylaws consideration; Policy

and Action continues; Final report

of Credentials Committee; Elections

Committee report; Introduction of

new board members 5:30 p.m.

Torchbearer Award ceremony;

Speaker: Josh Kramer, CEO and GM

of NDAREC; Bergman Scholarship presentation 6:30 p.m.

Torchbearer banquet & Cadet giveaway 8 p.m.

Live music, “Too Old To Stand”

Register for the NDFU state convention today at ndfu.org!

We’ll be giving away this Cub Cadet Challenger 400 LX! Visit ndfu.org for more information!

Must be present to win.

Winner is responsible for transport, license, registration and taxes.

Redwood Farms EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth in a series of monthly stories dedicated to Farmers Union Industries and its seven businesses.

BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

Estherville, Iowa-based Redwood Farms Meat Processors isn’t your ordinary meat processing facility.

While most processors expect a hog to be a specific size because of how the facility is set up, Redwood Farms prides itself on being versatile for family farmers. Redwood Farms is one of seven businesses owned by Farmers Union Industries, which is partially owned by North Dakota Farmers Union.

“Our hogs can average anywhere between 150 to 350 pounds,” said Dale Bednarek, chief operating officer for Farmers Union Industries.

“I call them off-spec animals. They’re not the big packing plant animals that you would sell to a major packer. They don’t meet the packer standards because of their size.”

For animals of an unusual size, it’s not easy finding a home. But for farmers in the area, Redwood Farms is a facility where farmers can receive benefit for these atypical hogs.

“Some of their animals, they don’t know if they’re going to be spec or not,” Bednarek said.

“If they find out their animal doesn’t meet (the specifications of a big packer), we offer them an

about versatility avenue to receive some value out of it after they’ve put value into it.”

There is no major difference in the end product, Bednarek said, only size.

“The finished product is the same – it’s just that the hog’s size didn’t meet the specs of the typical packer,” he said.

One of the latest additions to Redwood Farms is a Cryovac machine, which Bednarek said gives them another avenue of selling product into the retail market. Additionally, a boxing line was installed that allows Redwood Farms to market fresh meat.

“It’s another opportunity to market the meat out in the retail world,” Bednarek said.

Farmers Union Industries purchased Redwood Farms in 2015. Bednarek said recent renovations were needed to get the facility up to Farmers Union Industries’ high standards.

“We’ve added a state of the art fabrication floor,” he said. “At the end of July, we put in a new commons area and locker rooms for employees that were needed, and a new office facility. This is our dedication to keep the tradition of this facility going and to add value back to family farms.”

To learn more, go to redwoodfarmsmp.com. To read more about Farmers Union Industries and its commitment to family farms, visit fuillc.com.

TWO CANDIDATES The CHS annual meeting is set for Dec. 5-6 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Jarred Billadeau of Parshall and Kevin Throener of Cogswell are running for an open seat on the CHS board of directors.

1. Tell us about yourselves.

BILLADEAU: I am a fourth generation farmer from Parshall graduating from Parshall High School in 2004 and NDSU in 2008 with my Bachelor’s degree majoring in crop and weed science and minoring in ag business. For the past 18 years, I have farmed alongside my father and brother.

We raise durum, spring wheat, field Billadeau peas, canola, corn and soybeans also run a cow-calf operation. I have been on the United Quality Cooperative Board of Directors, with locations in Parshall, New Town, Keene and Ross, for the past seven years, being chairman of the board for the past three years. In 2014-2015, I had the honor of being named the Corteva Young Leader in Agriculture for the state of North Dakota.

THROENER: I am a first-generation farmer from Sargent County where we grow corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, along with a cow-calf and feedlot operation. I was raised on a dairy farm near Little Falls, Minn., and I attended NDSU, majoring in ag systems management for three years before the opportunity to start my own farming operation presented itself.

Throener My wife Ronda and I have been farming together for 24 years and now involve our four children in the operation as well.

As a first-generation farmer, I relied heavily on our local cooperative to provide me with the services and support I needed to get my operation off the ground. Over time, the relationship became more than just rooted in service; they became partners to me and my family.

2. As a farmer-owned cooperative, what responsibility does CHS hold in being a leader in biofuel offerings under Cenex canopies?

BILLADEAU: As the nation’s largest agribusiness cooperative, I believe it is part of CHS’s responsibility to advocate for both a better outlook and further advancement in agriculture. One of the best examples of that is to advance the use of biofuels. Not only is this advancement a win for agriculture, due to the additional use of corn that is produced every year, it is also a win for the environment thanks to the reduction of greenhouse emissions. As farmers, we all want to see our businesses succeed, and one avenue of success is increased revenue from our crops.

With biofuels as an option, that revenue stream continues to remain open thanks to an increased demand for our crops.

THROENER: CHS’s responsibility should be to produce, promote and distribute biofuel products under the Cenex name. CHS owns an ethanol plant in Rochelle, Ill., and a plant that produces biodiesel from corn, in Annawan, Ill., which shows its commitment to the biofuels industry. But more needs to be done including persuading our government and EPA to support the biofuels industry with policies that help the industry remain profitable. As a farmer-owned cooperative, biofuels are a key component of creating demand for grain produced by our members.

VIE FOR CHS BOARD 3. In this farm economy, what are the advantages of doing business with CHS and member cooperatives vs. independents?

BILLADEAU: As anyone involved in agriculture right now knows, these are difficult financial times and by doing business with CHS or a member cooperative, you are doing business locally. You are investing in your own local community, your local business and you local citizens. The revenues generated from your investment are used to fund projects that both you and your neighbors have the ability to access, and as profits increase, you begin to see a return on your investment via cash payback that you can once again reinvest in your local economy where you feel it is needed most. The cooperative business model has proven successful in the good times and resilient in the bad times whereas an independent is not always rooted in the community and may leave at anytime.

THROENER: The advantage of doing business with cooperatives during a tough farm economy are not much different from when times are good. However, you own the company. You have a voice through your board of directors and your annual meeting.

You shoulder risk together through the tough times. You share profits when times are better.

You build equity in the company. Cooperatives provide jobs and services to its members, not purely based on profit, and take into consideration the needs of small communities.

A well-led cooperative is committed to its local community long term.

4. What opportunities exist for CHS to add value for its members in North Dakota?

BILLADEAU: North Dakota has always been a large supporter of CHS and for the past two decades our support has continued to increase, as a voting region, we are the largest equity holder in the CHS network.

However, that support is not guaranteed and for it to continue, CHS must find ways to add value to not only the member owners of North Dakota but all across the United States. Not long ago, CHS invested capital in the exploration of a fertilizer plant in Spirtwood, and even though it didn’t come to fruition, those types of opportunities still exist. Whether it is a partnership with a food processor or an ethanol producer, I believe all opportunities that add value to the member owners of CHS as well as the cooperative as a whole should be considered.

THROENER: CHS has great products; feed, fuel, and fertilizer, all of which I use on our farm and ranch. I believe opportunities could be created by CHS working on better relationships with its customers, especially the member cooperatives; working harder to earn their business; not taking their business for granted; minimizing competition between CHS Country Operations and the local cooperatives; building and restoring trusting relationships; and seeking opportunities to work together. I believe if we focus on these, opportunities will present themselves.

Linton school thriving with ND’s only prep radio stations

BY PAM MUSLAND, NDFU

In a classroom at the end of a hallway at Linton Public School, Roy Orbison is singing “Oh, Pretty Woman” while Justin Moore belts out “Backwoods.” To the music, students move in and out of doors marked “KLHS,” “KLPS” and “Production.” There is energy in the room.

Jay Schmaltz stands at his desk, orchestrating the activity. His classroom is headquarters for KLHS and KLPS, the only two high school student-led radio stations in North Dakota and anywhere between Salt Lake City and Eau Claire, Wis.

TUNED INTO EDUCATION

In operation since February of 2017, the school’s radio classes are the brainchild of Schmaltz, a 40-year radio veteran. The goal of this unique program is to get kids back to the basics of communication.

“I’ll say a million times over, this class is about getting kids away from their cell phones, away from texting friends, and realizing that you have to interact with people once you get out in life,” he explained emphatically. “My kids know how to talk to people, they know how

to do an interview, they know how to conduct an interview, they know how to be cordial, they know how to act on the street, because we do live broadcasting.

This is what it’s about: being life ready.”

With a crew of seven students at the microphones, the stations broadcast 24 hours a day, year-round. With call letters that stand for “Linton High School,” KLHS-AM 1620 sends out a low-watt Continued on next page

Pictured are the Golden Microphone awards earned by Linton students at a conference in New York.

COVER: Linton junior Madi Ptacek works a shift on the radio.

“I’ll say a million times over, this class is about getting kids away from their cell phones, away from texting friends, and realizing that you have to interact with people once you get out in life. My kids know how to talk to people, they know how to do an interview, they know how to conduct an interview, they know how to be cordial, they know how to act on the street, because we do live broadcasting. This is what it’s about: being life ready.”

JAY SCHMALTZ Linton High School radio instructor

Continued from previous page signal from the school within a three-mile radius (depending upon the terrain) of Linton, a southcentral North Dakota town of about 1,000 people.

Students broadcast Oldies music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, along with local news, weather and sports. They operate the console board, conduct interviews, write stories and ad copy, sell advertising and conduct marketing including prize giveaways. (Listeners can also hear online at klhslintonhigh.com or through BEK Communications’ TV cable channel 22.)

When setting up the music format of the station, Schmaltz admits that was his idea. “I’m an Oldies guy, so it was an easy choice for me.”

But with increased student interest in “Radio 1” in a high school of 80 students, he said they needed something more.

The original intent of the broadcast program, he explained, was to offer students two years of radio experience and two years of online TV. “But what happened is the students talked me out of it. They said, ‘Why don’t we just keep going?’” So, the idea of a second station was born and the students decided themselves on the hot new country format for the school’s newest station: KLPS “Outlaw Country – Your Most Wanted Country.”

(The station’s call letters stand for “Linton Public School.”)

Although a strictly online radio station at klhslintonhigh.com/klps, KLPS might not have hit the airwaves without a much-needed sponsorship from Farmers Union Insurance that allowed the school to construct a dedicated studio. In return, listeners hear KLPS being broadcast from the “Farmers Union Insurance studio” as part of a five-year naming agreement.

“Words cannot express how much this means to my students and myself and mostly this program and the service it offers the community,” said Schmaltz, who had students pitch the naming rights agreement to Ressler in a formal presentation.

“I was very impressed with the students and curriculum,” said Ressler. “It’s a unique learning opportunity and one we’re proud to support.”

Support has come in other ways from Schmaltz’s radio peers. Warren Abrahamson of i3G Media has given the students a tour of their Jamestown stations, recorded a “how to” video on news reporting, and is setting up a system for students to record public service announcements and possibly ads.

“We’re happy to help them get a taste of radio life,” said Abrahamson, i3G’s news director, “and to give the kids outside experience.”

Those experiences are paying off for students and it shows in the quality of their broadcasts.

Last school year, they earned five golden microphones at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference in New York City. Their first time participating, Schmaltz submitted just six entries in 80 categories. Of the more than 3,000 nominations that were submitted, Linton High School was a winner or finalist in four categories and earned a fifth golden microphone as a runnerup for Best High School Radio Faculty Adviser.

“That was an award my kids put me up for, so it means a lot,” said Schmaltz. “But there were only four finalist nominees for Best High School Radio Station in the nation and we were one of the four!”

What’s most remarkable, Schmaltz says, is two of the three other finalists have been on the air for over 40 years.

Schmaltz, who always hoped the program would be where it is today when he pitched the idea to the school’s superintendent three years ago, said expanding KLHS’s reach is next on his list. “I’d like a real radio station, I mean a real frequency. It’s expensive and it’s time-consuming to get a frequency here, but that’s what I would like to see. A real low-power FM frequency, 5,000 watts, where we cover a 60-mile radius.”

A lot has happened in just three years for Schmaltz and his radio proteges. He shares a note from a former student, now in college, who wrote him, “Of all the classes I took in high school … what I learned in radio broadcasting class was the most important thing I’ve learned so far in my life.”

“I’m very proud of this program,” said Schmaltz, tucking the note back in his desk. “I’m very proud of the kids and the distance that they’ve all come – what they’ve done and what’s left to do.”

EXTRA MOISTURE WILL MEAN MORE GRAIN-DRYING

The current wet field conditions mean producers may have to dry their harvested wheat this year, a North Dakota State University Extension grain drying expert says.

Sprouted wheat due to excessive moisture leads to low falling numbers. The falling number is a test that measures starch damage in wheat that reduces the quality of baked goods and noodles.

Weather conditions play a huge role in preharvest sprouting of wheat and other cereal grains. Periods of cooler, wet weather at the stage when the crop is mature and starting to dry down are ideal for sprouting to occur. Limiting the time mature wheat is exposed to wet field conditions by harvesting and drying it reduces the potential for low falling numbers, according to Ken Hellevang, Extension agricultural engineer.

Adding supplemental heat when natural-air drying wheat generally is not needed, even during September, for most of North Dakota, but it may be needed if wet conditions continue.

“Adding heat reduces the air relative humidity and the final grain moisture content, so it should be used when outdoor air relative humidity is too wet to dry wheat to the desired moisture content,” Hellevang says. “However, adding too much heat frequently causes wheat in the bottom of the bin to dry to a lower than desired moisture content.”

Air will be warmed 4 to 5 degrees as it passes through the fan on a bin of wheat when the fan is operating at a static pressure of about 6 inches.

Warming air by 5 degrees reduces the relative humidity about 10 percentage points.

Warming air that is at 60 degrees with a 70% relative humidity by 5 degrees reduces the relative humidity to about 60%. This air will dry wheat to about 13.5% moisture content with just fan heat. A supplemental heater is not needed if the average relative humidity is less than 70%.

If the average relative humidity exceeds 70%, then a little supplemental heat is needed. Even if the average relative humidity is 75%, the air will need to be heated only 2 or 3 degrees.

For example, if 60-degree air has a relative humidity of 75%, warming the air 3 degrees in addition to the 4 degrees from the fan reduces the relative humidity to 59% and permits drying wheat to about 13.5% moisture.

“Only running the fan during the warmer and drier portion of the day lengthens the drying time,” Hellevang says. “The estimated drying time during September is 35 days using an airflow rate of 0.75 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per bushel with the fan operating 24 hours per day, and 62 days when the fan is operated just during the warmer 12-hour portion of the day.

Running the fan 24 hours a day, and adding supplemental heat if necessary, permits drying

to the desired moisture content faster than only operating the fan 12 hours per day.”

Turn off the fans if the weather is foggy or rain is falling. Wheat up to 16% moisture can be without airflow for a few days, but wheat at 18% moisture should not be without airflow for more than a day or two due to the potential for heating and spoilage.

The drying rate is directly proportional to the airflow rate. If drying 16% moisture content wheat using an airflow rate of 1 cfm per bushel takes 21 days, it will take 28 days with an airflow rate of 0.75 cfm per bushel and 42 days at 0.50 cfm per bushel. The airflow rate must be increased to increase the drying speed.

The maximum recommended moisture content for natural-air drying wheat is 18% with an airflow rate of 1 cfm per bushel (cfm/bu), 17% for 0.75 cfm/bu and 16% for 0.5 cfm/bu to complete drying before significant deterioration occurs.

Hellevang recommends an airflow rate of 0.75 cfm/bu and limiting the initial moisture content to 17%. The maximum recommended wheat depth for drying is 18 to 20 feet.

The NDSU Grain Drying and Storage website (http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/graindrying) has a link to a fan selection program. With the program, you can determine the fan size needed to obtain the desired airflow or the airflow provided by an existing fan.

Hellevang also recommends high-temperature drying if the wheat moisture content exceeds 17%. However, use caution because high temperatures affect the chemical structure and milling quality of the grain.

A common practice of some millers is to test a sample of the grain for milling properties before purchasing. High temperatures can damage baking quality severely even though the grain kernels appear undamaged.

Allowable dryer temperatures will vary with dryer type and design. However, a general recommended maximum drying air temperature for milling wheat in a cross-flow dryer where some of the wheat approaches the drying air temperature is 150 degrees for 16% moisture content and 130 degrees for 20% moisture content wheat.

Frequently, a plenum air temperature about 30 degrees warmer is used in dryers where the kernel temperature remains below plenum temperature and the wheat kernel is not damaged. Also, drying wheat will be slower than corn drying due to the reduced air temperature and airflow rate.

Article courtesy of NDSU Ag Communications.

COUNTY CONVENTIONS BOTTINEAU • Monday, Nov. 4 • 6 p.m. meal, meeting to follow, Norway House in Bottineau

BOWMAN/SLOPE • Tuesday, Nov. 5 • 6 p.m. social/dinner, meeting to follow, Bowman Lodge CASS • Tuesday, Nov. 19 • Time TBD at Drekker Brewing Company, Fargo

CAVALIER • Monday, Nov. 18 • 6 p.m. meal, meeting to follow, NDSU Research Center, Langdon DICKEY • Monday, Nov. 4 • 6 p.m. meal, 7 p.m. meeting, American Legion Post #277, Forbes DIVIDE • Tuesday, Nov. 5 • 6 p.m. meal, meeting to follow, Crosby Community Center DUNN • Wednesday, Nov. 6 • 5:30 p.m. at New Hradec Workman Hall EDDY • Tuesday, Nov. 19 • 8 a.m., Eagles Club, New Rockford FOSTER • Monday, Nov. 25 • 6 p.m., Pizza Ranch, Carrington

GRAND FORKS • Wednesday, Nov. 6 • 6 p.m. meal, meeting to follow, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Grand Forks GRIGGS • Wednesday, Nov. 6 • 6 p.m. at Binford Cafe

LAMOURE • Sunday, Nov. 17 • 6 p.m. at LaMoure Civic Center MCLEAN • Monday, Nov. 4 • 6 p.m., Garrison Senior Center

MERCER • Friday, Nov. 1 • 6 p.m. social, 7 p.m. meeting at Civic Center in Beulah

MOUNTRAIL • Friday, Nov. 15 • 6 p.m. meal, meeting to follow, Mountrail County South Complex, Stanley PIERCE • Monday, Nov. 25 • 6 p.m., Rugby

RAMSEY • Thursday, Nov. 21 • 5:30 p.m. at KC Hall in Devils Lake

RANSOM • Sunday, Nov. 3 • 5 p.m. meal, meeting to follow, Enderlin Fire Hall RENVILLE • Wednesday, Nov. 13 • 6 p.m., Prairie Bistro, Mohall

STEELE • Sunday, Nov. 17 • 2 p.m., Hope Senior Citizens Center

STUTSMAN • Thursday, Nov. 7 • 6 p.m supper followed by meeting at NDFU Conference Center TOWNER • Sunday, Nov. 3 • Masonic Lodge in Cando

WALSH • Friday, Nov. 1 • 6:30 p.m. meal, meeting to follow at American Legion in Park River WELLS • Sunday, Nov. 24 • 4 p.m., Harvey City Hall

WILLIAMS • Wednesday, Nov. 6 • 5:30 p.m., meal/meeting to follow at Williston Research Extension Center

Lead Local is an NDSU Extension program. NDSU Extension specialists partner with local Extension agents to bring this information to local community members. North Dakota Farmers Union staff/county board members will also be on hand to help lead training.

The events are open to everyone. Farmers Union members are encouraged to attend to increase membership engagement in local boards and organizations as well as at the state level.

NDFU members can register online at ndfu.org through the member portal!

Want to learn more? Attend the WILD conference Nov. 14-15 to find out what Lead Local is all about!

March 9 & 16 Jamestown March 10 & 17 Devils Lake Feb. 18 & 25 Belfield

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 Brandee at 701-952-1160. Please add $5 for shipping for any purchase of 1-3 books. Call for pricing on larger orders.

Founding Farmers

Cornbread stuffing INGREDIENTS (serves 12) 1/2 loaf day-old white bread, cut into ¼-in cubes 1 cup shelled chestnuts, frozen or canned & rough chopped 8 oz thick-cut bacon, cut into ¼-in pieces 3/4 cup unsalted butter 4 1/2 cups celery, diced to ¼-in 2 cups yellow onion, diced to ¼-in 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning 2 tablespoons rubbed dried sage 1 1/2 pounds baked cornbread, crumbled 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 1/3 cups chicken stock 1 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place bread cubes on In a large bowl, toss together the crumbled baking sheet; bake until dry. Remove from oven. Set cornbread, dried bread cubes, bacon and sautéed aside. Place chestnuts on baking sheet and bake for 5 vegetables, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, lemon minutes (until chestnuts begin to release their natural juice, chicken stock, roasted chestnuts and parsley. oil). Remove from oven. Set aside.

Stuffing can be prepared up to this point and In a large, deep skillet, sauté bacon over moderately refrigerated to cook the next day, if you prefer. high heat, stirring until brown for 10 minutes. Add butter, To cook, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer celery & onions. Let simmer. Stirring until vegetables stuffing to a buttered, 3-quart baking dish. Bake, are soft for 5 minutes. Add poultry seasoning and dried covered with foil for 30 minutes (or until top is golden sage. Let cook for one minute. Remove pan from heat brown). Remove from oven. and allow to cool.

TRAVEL WITH US HAWAII Feb. 4-12

Three-Island Adventure Volcanoes National Park Pearl Harbor & more $4,999 (double occupancy)

Go to ndfu.org for details or call 800-366-8331 ext. 108

THE CAROLINAS Feb. 21-March 6

Savannah, Georgia Boone Hall Plantation Charleston, South Carolina Biltmore Estates NFU Convention & more $2,200 (double occupancy)

SAFE OPERATION OF FRONT-END LOADERS Keep the bucket low while carrying loads Watch for overhead powerline clearance while the bucket is raised

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 1975 2- TON DODGE TRUCK. Runs well.

New tires. Hoist and roll-top tarp. 49,000 actual miles. 318 engine. 4+2 speed transmission. $5000. 701-202-0400, Ron Monzelowsky, Bismarck.

JD 16 FT CHISEL PLOW, $450.; IH Farmall M tractor-narrow front; 22 FT Nobel V blade plow, $250.; 8x16 Flatbed Trailor, made from a truck chassis, has a steel floor and tilt bed, $450. Old JD grain elevator, paddle type; Horse drawn 2 row corn planter and one row corn cultivator; and a Western Saddle with padded seat, bridle, pad and breast collar. 701-4834825, Richard Jablonsky, Dickinson.

ONE JD CORN CULTIVATOR, 2 Row Front Mount Quick Tatch. Fits 2 cylinder tractor. $500. Richard Muscha, 701-3474984, Casselton.

SEMI-VAN WATER TRAILER; Spray parts; Semi-van storage trailer; Loading ramp; 20-40 ft containers. 701-474-5780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

28 FOOT TIMPTE HOPPER BOTTOM. Black, all aluminum. Set up to pull pup.

DOTed, good tires and brakes. Nearly new electric roll tarp. Ag hoppers. Pictures available. 701-208-0516 or 701-542-3345, Daryl Klein, Balta.

INTERNATIONAL 80 SNOWBLOWER. 7 ft, 540 pto, 3pt hydraulic chute, cylinder and hoses. New bearing on auger. $1400; 6000 gal upright fuel tank plus gas boy pump and 18 ft hose. $1000. 701-7890327, Doug Lund, Aneta.

2010 JD 640D DRAPER HEAD with serial number of 1H00640DJA0735974. This draper head is in excellent shape and ready for harvest—must see! Has a poly tine pick-up reel, stubble lights, full width skid shoe, and single point hook up. Asking $26,000. Come and view or call anytime!!

701-226-9518, Archie Wanner, Hebron.

1964 JOHN DEERE 2010 w/ JD 36A Loader - $4,950, wide front, 40 hp, 4 cylinder gas engine, live PTO, full loader hydraulics, new 13.8 x 36 rear tires. Shows 3,420 hrs., hrs meter not currently working.

Located near Kindred. If interested contact 712-577-2679. Pictures available at our email address bonniewold3604@gmail. com. 712-577-2679, Thomas Wold, Fargo.

6620 JOHN DEERE COMBINE, gear drive, good condition, one season on new clutch. Have a new feeder chain for it. Also have a 212 pickup head for it with new belts. 701-465-0256, Daniel Kuntz, Drake.

22 • November 2019 • Union Farmer

4 WHEEL STEEL TRAILER, 15-30 McCormick tractor, 2 cream separators, Late-model Super M, w/ live PTO, 1 new tire LT245-75R-17 ; Load Range E, Saddle & 2 Bridles, 1905 JD metal corn sheller. Covered wagon running gear. 1950 2-wheel bicycle. Horse potato cultivator, small square bale buncher. Email: larryn@ westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

LEON MANURE SPREADER, 425 bu, hyd push tandem, 22.5 tires, $9,500: 7 vertex business band radios, narrow band, $100 each or obo. 701-286-7345, Marc Sundquist, Baldwin.

JOHN DEERE PLOW, 2 bottom, mechanical lift; JD hay rake, 12 ft; 4000 watt Generac generator; 10 hp trolling motor. 701-270-0184, Harold Severson, Lakota.

NUMEROUS HOPPER BINS; Case IH 75A Farmall FWA tractor w/540 loader, no cab, 202 actual hours; Mayrath 6x28ft 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 & fans; 25ft heavy duty 5/8 alloy log chain; closing wheels plus hardware for 50ft 3320 Bourgault air seeder. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

TRACTOR TIRE, Goodyear, size 10:36, good condition obo. Leave message if no one answers. 701-663-7973, Chris Heim, Mandan.

WHEEL HUBS, for 1986 series IH tractor.

701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

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- 16.9x26x10ply FWD’s @ 70%; New 18.4x30x12ply Titan R-4 tread for SP discbine; 2-new Goodyear 520/85R42; 4 Goodyear 620/70R42 @ 75%; 4 Firestone 620/70R42 @ 50%; 2 new 14.9x24x8ply & 2 new 16.9x24x8ply (combine rears); 8 new 285/75R24.5x16 ply steer or trailer tires; many others. 701-7090103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

WANTED IH TRACTORS; 806, 1206, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466, and others. John Deere 5010, 5020, 6030, 4520, 4620; Others: MM 900, 1000, 1050, 1355, others; All Oliver’s newer than 1960. Will buy all running or not.

701-628-2130. Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE GARAGE DOORS, two 8X8 5 Panel Brown Metal Garage Doors, brand new.

Used Hardware included. $400. Richard Muscha, 701-347-4984, Casselton.

5 FT FENCE POSTS, used, $1. 701-7201288, Tom Lundeen, Burlington.

3 SHOTGUNS. 2 Ruger Red Labels, 20 and 12 gauge, both in excellent condition, both with choke tubes and wrench, over/ under double barrels. 1 Winchester model 21 SxS double barrel, 30-inch barrels, 2 triggers, modified and full choked, beautiful wood, must see to appreciate. 701-5803357, Martin Hanson, Zahl.

FOUR TIRES, Hankook, 20-inch, 2400 miles. $550. 701-794-3385, Howard Windhorst, Center.

BRIGGS/STRATTON MOTOR. 9 hp, runs great; TIRE, Good year, 16.5L by 16.1SL. Fourteen ply; Railroad ties. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

TREADMILL, Pro-Form I-Fit, with Pro Shox cushioning. 701-882-3245, Roger Evanson, Lisbon.

GARAGE DOOR, 16x8 ft, Midland, insulated white door with 2 windows on top panel. Complete with track and springs.

New still in packaging. Paid $1300, will sell for $1000. 701-678-2908, Doug Martin, Lisbon.

HUNKER 1979 YEARBOOK; Rose Berries in Autumn by Nina Farley Wishek. 701346-0170, Beulah Sears, Casselton.

RATCHET SOCKET TOOL SET, 1 ¾ inch Black Hawk, complete with many tools. $200 obo; Brand new set of four whitewall tires, Goodyear car tires, size P225/75/ R14, $200 obo. Leave message if no one answers. 701-663-7973, Chris Heim, Mandan.

FOUR WAGON WHEELS, with center pole; Homemade bobsled, real nice. 701771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

BUCKETS, 8’ MDS heavy duty rock/brush/ scrap bucket; 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 adaptor from skid steer to Euro-Global; MDS rock badger; 10’ MDS heavy snow pusher w/ skid steer attach; Skidsteer 5000lb pallet forks (1 hydraulic adjust); 4 used Bobcat buckets.

701-709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley

WANTED BUDD WHEELS, 20x7, 6 lug with 6.5 inch pilot hole and 9 inch bolt pattern. Tires not needed. I’ll be using for restoration of an old army truck. Call or text. 701-308-1371, Greg Anderson, Jamestown.

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

OLD STUFF, ND License Plates, advertising signs from old gas stations or old country stores, arrowheads found in ND, or anything else that you might have that’s old and interesting. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1995 RED SUBURBAN, 243,000 miles, 4x4, automatic, electric windows and locks, cloth interior, new tires, some rust, AC does not work, third row seats, cargo doors, great hunting vehicle, $1,000. 701840-1094 or 701-749-2646, Brett Kapaun, Tower City.

2016 CHEVY TAHOE LTZ. 32000 miles.

Silver; 2015 GMC K3500 Crew Cab Denali. Dually. 36000 miles. Maroon.

Has lots of extras added; Call or text for more information. 701-206-0082, Marcus Fischer, Bowman.

Around the state TOP: Amber Backen of Creative Energy reads to kindergarten students at Louis L’Amour Elementary in Jamestown. Creative Energy of Jamestown, Belfield and South Heart purchased NDFU’s children’s book for every kindergartener in Jamestown.

Aaron Stuckle of Farmers Union Insurance in Linton sponsored an open house event and made a donation to Little Lions Daycare. Also pictured, from left, are Ashley Tougas, director and provider, Michelle Masset, Jodi Kelsch, Crystal Jahner, Acacia Stuckle, and Liz Hanson.

2014 BUICK REGAL PREMIUM 1, very clean and dependable. Great gas mileage!

Never been in an accident. Non smoker, 45300 miles plus, still driving daily. Key features: heated driver & passenger seats, heated steering wheel, leather seats, auto start & keyless entry & start, rear air, power & lumbar driver & passenger seats, back up camera, turbocharged, dual zone A/C, satellite radio, cd player, onboard communications system, sun moon roof, heated mirrors. 701-436-3368, Gene Miller, Mandan.

FORD RANGER, low miles. 701-320-2526, Dan Sizer, Wimbledon.

Veronica Schwartzenberger and Macey Schuler worked a table for the NDFU collegiate chapter at Valley City State University.

1971 FORD PICKUP. $600. 701-769-2306, Bill Rahlf, Sutton.

LIVESTOCK

2012 DODGE PICKUP, 4 door, 4X4, 3/4 ton, 5.7 gas, 130,000 miles. $11,300; 2011 Polaris side-by-side,800XP, roof and half windshield, 5,990 miles $7,300. 701-2867345, Marc Sundquist, Baldwin.

FOR SALE

KAWASAKI SIDE BY SIDE, 2510 Mule, high & low range 4 wheel drive, windshield & roll bars, 490 actual hours. 701-6299003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

CATTLE, about 90 Red Angus Simmental and Red Angus Heifers bred to Red Angus, easy-calving proven bulls to start calving March 25 for 48 days. Heifers should average 1100 lbs. Use to dogs, ATV’s, horses and bucket trained. Will be ultra-sounded. Poured, first scour boss and preguard shots first week in November.

701-391-6404, Patrick Roehrich, Washburn.

NDFU.org • November 2019 • 23

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

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

We Know Farming We’re more than just a voice on the other end of the phone.

We live nearby. Our roots are here in farm country just like yours. To put it plainly… we know farming.

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Contact John Brown For more information, email usTown, at State Phone 000.000.0000 info@fumic.com or visit wwww.fumic.com Other information

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