Union Farmer - October 2019

FARMER UNION

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RURAL RALLY

COMMUNITIES TURNING TO COOPERATIVES TO SOLVE CHILDCARE PROBLEMS OCTOBER 2019

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GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY

Zunich Agency WILLISTON

The father and son team of Jerry and Sjon Zunich run the Zunich Agency in Williston.

Jerry was born and raised in western North Dakota, working his way to a mathematics degree at Minot State Teachers College with a variety of jobs in the oil patch. He taught in Ray and Williston before replacing Jack Findlay and joining Dave Reyerson in the Williston office nearly 40 years ago.

Jerry and his wife Carol raised three boys in Williston including Sjon, who works with him every day.

Jerry said working with his son every day for the past 23 years is what he loves most about his work.

He also enjoys the fact that he’s helped so many families from those who are now grandparents down to their grown grandchildren.

When asked what makes a good agent, Jerry said it’s always remembering that the needs of the client come first, as well as having a good staff committed to servicing clients. He credited their staff (Heidi and Cindy) for the great work they do. He also credited his wife for raising three boys to be “good citizens.”

Over his time with Farmers Union Insurance, Jerry has served on the Williston Chamber of Commerce board, St. Joseph Church Parish Council and the Williston State College Foundation board.

Sjon is a graduate of Williston High School and the University of North Dakota. He and his wife Lisa have two children, Sophie and Trygve. In his spare time, he enjoys following his kids’ activities, camping, boating

and golf. He also likes bowhunting, fishing for walleye, running and weight training.

Sjon said he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do out of college, but that he liked Williston and wanted to stay in western North Dakota. He said working with his father the past 23 years has been a big part of his success, calling his father both “a mentor and friend.”

When asked what makes a good agent, Sjon said attention to detail and treating others as you would want to be treated. Sjon also credited the office staff for the hard work it puts in every day.

He volunteers his time by coaching his son’s various sports teams, though he joked he won’t be volunteering to coach his daughter’s dance team as he doesn’t “look good in a tutu.”

He said the Zunich Agency financially supports many groups and events throughout the area.

Zunich Agency 113 Washington Ave Williston ND 58801 PH: (701) 577-5721

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 66 • Number 10

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: 33,048 • USPS 016-211

SIMPLY DIFFERENT! FIND US ON THE WEB:

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

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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 • October 2019 • Union Farmer

Calling all ranchers: Time to act is now

It is not often when I write my president’s message that I call on cattle ranchers to step up and be part of the political process. That time has come, as we are debating and having dialogue on a number of issues of great concern to livestock markets and potential demand for products.

Two weeks ago, I returned from an NFU fly-in and board meeting in Washington, D.C. We took a stand on everything from labeling products according to their country of origin to the Impossible Burger and lab-grown meat. In each case, Farmers Union was asking for truth in labeling laws, so consumers know what they are eating or buying. Truth in labeling is essential for consumer choice and eliminating false advertising.

With USMCA getting close to passage, it is terrible that Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) will not be part of this new agreement. Consumers still believe that food labeled “USDA Inspected” means it was grown and raised in the U.S. Many other nations in the world have the right to label their products. Our ranchers should be allowed to do the same here.

We also talked about the impact of current trade wars on beef markets. While USDA is set to purchase beef in response to the trade war’s impact, it is not near the quantity that may actually move market prices up.

NFU and NDFU have also joined a lawsuit on market concentration. The suit alleges the nation’s four largest beef packers violated U.S. antitrust laws, the Packers and Stockyards Act,

and the Commodity Exchange Act by unlawfully depressing the prices paid to American ranchers.

In August, live cattle prices dropped $3 per cwt on a Monday following news that a Kansas beef processing plant was severely damaged by fire. At the same time, margins increased as prices for choice cuts of beef shipped to wholesale buyers in large boxes climbed 10% to $237.85 per cwt, according to USDA data. Cattle traded for $105 per cwt in cash markets in Kansas and Texas that week, down about 5% from the previous week, according to traders.

USDA also stripped away rancher rights in GIPSA. We had four rules that would have enabled ranchers to take action against processors due to unfair contracts and monopolistic practices.

Our only tool now is to go the path of extremely expensive class action lawsuits. This gives the individual very little opportunity to fight for their rights against a large conglomerate.

It seems odd that all this is happening at once, but it is really a lack of attention over time that has brought us to this point. As producers, we can no longer ignore what is happening around us, thinking someone else will speak out.

When ranchers are not at the table, we are ON THE TABLE and our friends in the processing industry have become extremely selfish and only responsible to their shareholders.

Farmers Union is working all of these issues. But to be more effective, we need individual ranchers calling their representatives, demanding action and solutions. The time to act is now.

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

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

2019 NATIONAL FARMERS UNION FLY-IN

NDFU SENDS CONTINGENT TO D.C. WASHINGTON — After yet another year of depressed commodity prices, uncertainty in export and biofuels markets, rapid consolidation in the food and agriculture sectors, and extreme and unseasonal weather events, nearly 400 of National Farmers Union’s (NFU) family farmer and rancher members traveled to Washington, D.C., Sept. 9-11 to meet faceto-face with administration officials and members of Congress.

“In early September, most farmers are busy harvesting, planting winter crops, and attending to livestock,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “The fact that nearly 400 (attended) to advocate better food and agricultural policy speaks volumes to how exceptionally challenging things are right now in farm country.”

Advocates from across the country campaigned for policies that strengthen the farm safety net, reduce chronic overproduction, help farmers and ranchers implement climate smart practices, restore competition to the agricultural economy, resolve ongoing trade disputes, and expand the market for homegrown biofuels.

The three-day event began with a briefing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

NFU members heard from Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Gregory Ibach, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs Ted McKinney, as well as top officials from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The event continued when a number of industry experts and agricultural policy specialists spoke to attendees about the farm economy, corporate consolidation, international trade, and biofuels.

NFU members then took to Capitol Hill to meet in small-group meetings with all 535 congressional offices, and to present congressional champions of family agriculture with the Golden Triangle Award, the group’s highest legislative honor.

North Dakota Farmers Union sent a contingent to the 2019 National Farmers Union fly-in.

A Future Farmers of America (FFA) group joined NDFU on the fly-in.

NDFU members Shaun Ness, left, and Justin Sherlock visit during a trip to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Representative Kelly Armstrong addressed NDFU’s members during the fly-in. NDFU President Mark Watne, left, looks on.

Senator John Hoeven spoke to NDFU’s members and also received a Golden Triangle Award.

NDFU member Ryan Taylor, right, speaks to a congressional aide about the problems farmers and ranchers are facing in rural America.

SUPPORT THE NDFU FOUNDATION!

On the first line of the application form attached to this page, the name of the organization you are selecting is: North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. Your current Vehicle Registration Card has all the information you need to complete the application attached!

The “Organizational Plate Fee” is $25. Of that amount, $15 will go to the NDFU Foundation!

If you want to personalize your NDFU Foundation plate, it will cost an extra $25. No more than five characters are allowed. Go to https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/plate.htm and click on “Search Plates” to see what personalized plate options are available. You can keep your current personalized plate if it is five characters or less.

Once your application has been approved, your new plates will arrive in four to eight weeks. A new registration card will be issued with the plates as well as new decals. Your renewal month won’t change. If you decide not to renew the plate the following year, it will cost $5 to have a standard plate issued.

Vehicles weighing greater than 20,000 lbs. do not qualify for organization plates. Trailers also do not qualify.

Mail your application and check (or put credit card info on the form) to: Motor Vehicle Division, N.D. Dept. of Transportation, 608 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0780.

Questions? Call Pam Musland at 701-952-2154 or pmusland@ndfu.org.

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PUT THE FOUNDATION LOGO ON YOUR LICENSE PLATE FOR $25! IT’S AN EASY WAY TO SUPPORT NDFU’S YOUTH PROGRAM. THE FOUNDATION RECEIVES $15 FOR EVERY PLATE!

October is Co-op Month!

TURNING TO CO-OPS D

ana Santini understands why the childcare facility she runs in Hazen is so valuable to the community.

The local businesses do as well, which is why they chose to undertake such a big project to make it happen.

A collaboration of businesses including Basin Electric Power Cooperative formed a co-op to tackle the childcare needs of the community. As October is Co-op month, North Dakota Farmers Union is celebrating communities turning to cooperatives to solve their problems.

Hazen School District superintendent Ken Miller, who sits on the co-op board, said the town of roughly 2,300 needed to solve a growing crisis in the community.

At-home daycares were looking to close, but felt obligated to stay open.

“We had some people who were in, but didn’t want to be anymore,” he said. “They knew they had to do it.”

Energy Capital Cooperative Child Care was introduced as a facility that would house a large portion of the

community’s children. The center has exceeded expectations, housing 87 children including 77 at any one time.

“There was a huge need for daycare in this area,” said Santini, who is director of the facility. “Companies were losing employees. Parents were having to double up on shifts to make daycare work. Some companies saw that need, came together and formed a daycare.“ Joining Basin Electric Power Cooperative were Sakakawea Medical Center, North American Coal Corporation, Union State Bank, Knife River Care Center, Coal Country Community Health Centers, Coyote Station and Hazen Public Schools.

Continued on next page

Story and Photos by Chris Aarhus / NDFU

need for the community and decided to take action.

“We lost all of our at-home daycares, so a Each of the companies involved have a few of us got together and discussed what seat on the co-op board, which Miller said is we could really do going forward,” Fjeldahl important because of the local control. said. “I was losing employees because there “We needed something bigger to scale,” was no daycare.” he said. “Being able to form a co-op meant Fjeldahl and others started fundraising it could include a wide range of entities, for a daycare, which started in a church whereas allowing someone else to have it and eventually moved into a new building in their hands doesn’t always turn out the in 2013. While the daycare, named Kids way you want it and it usually doesn’t get to Academy, is technically a non-profit with the finish line. To make sure it did go to the a five-person board, it is run similar to a finish line, we needed to band together. cooperative with Fjeldahl’s roots from the “Our financial partners probably felt co-op world. in order for their investment to be worth “It’s like a co-op as far as representation it, they needed to make sure they had an of a board and membership,” said ownership in it and to be Fjeldahl, who has been part of it.”

“Our financial partners a board member since The center opened in its inception. “The main May of 2017 with 30 kids probably felt in order for difference is we don’t pay and draws children from their investment to be dividends.”

20 miles around Hazen. worth it, they needed to The board is made up It features separate of three parents and two make sure they had an rooms for infants, older non-parents, typically ownership in it and to infants, 2-year-olds and local business leaders like 3-year-olds, as well as be part of it.”

Fjeldahl. The community a combined room for has played a big part, 4-5-year-olds and then Ken Miller especially in the beginning one for school-aged Energy Capital Cooperative Child when $500,000 was raised children. Outside, there Care board member on why the to build the facility and get are separate playgrounds cooperative model was chosen the ball rolling. for infant/toddlers and “We had some really preschool/school-aged nice grants,” Fjeldahl said. children. The daycare is run inside of a “Verendrye (Electric Cooperative) was very former church on the west end of town. good to us with a zero percent loan through “Our families love it,” she said. “We had USDA.” one family call looking for a spot. I always While the facility works well in the ask them to come and meet the teachers and community, it’s not without its challenges. take a tour. Her answer was, ‘I already know Currently, a staffing shortage keeps the parents who (send their kids there). I’m child count well below the 30 that would comfortable with what they tell me, so I’m normally be allowed. good to go.’”

“Our biggest issue is getting help — Going forward, Santini said the co-op being able to pay enough, but also not make is discussing whether a second facility in it too expensive,” Fjeldahl said. nearby Beulah is necessary, as they have Kids Academy continues to look for ways parents from Beulah who make the drive. In to improve the experience for their children. this facility, however, the focus is on more It’s fundraising for an infant playground to fundraising for updates including new add to its regular playground for ages 3-5. flooring.

Additionally, they’re hoping to raise money “We need to replace that because we have for an awning to their rolling gardens, a lot of little bodies running around,” she which gives the children a chance to learn said. how to grow produce.

Fjeldahl said the community has embraced the Kids Academy.

KIDS ACADEMY “My family has always been in the A similar situation unfolded a few years community and involved with co-ops, and earlier in Berthold, which saw at-home it was a need here for our businesses,” daycares closed and left a void. Andy he said. “The community has been very Fjeldahl, manager of the Farmers Union Oil Company of Berthold and Carpio, saw a supportive of everything.”

Continued from previous page

Do you

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attend the NDFU state

convention?

We’re giving away this Cub Cadet Challenger 400 LX! Must be present to win! Visit ndfu.org for more information!

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

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Farmers Union Industries

REUSE RECYCLE

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

Farmers Union Industries’ businesses are centered around one theme — collecting that which was once simply thrown away and turning it into products consumers demand.

Midwest Grease is no different. Collecting used cooking oil from restaurants in all of Minnesota as well as significant parts of North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, Midwest Grease’s trucks transport the used grease to Central Bi-Products where it is processed into yellow grease, which is a feed additive.

Based out of Redwood Falls, Minn., Midwest Grease is one of seven businesses owned by Farmers Union Industries, which is partially owned by North Dakota Farmers Union. Midwest Grease manager Jamie Trebesch said he’s proud of what the business does every day.

“If this restaurant grease was thrown in the garbage, it would be unbelievable how much it would fill landfill facilities,” he said. “We keep it out of there. It’s reused and recycled. That’s what we’re all about.”

Midwest Grease also cleans grease traps for restaurants, which is a service Trebesch said has been added in the past 10 years.

“Those traps catch the grease before it gets into the sewer lines, so they don’t get plugged up,” he said.

Trebesch said Midwest Grease often deals with two types of systems at restaurants — outside and inside containers. Outside containers often sit outside by a dumpster and are lifted and dumped, while inside containers require a hook-up and are pumped out. Trebesch said the latter is becoming more common.

“It’s a lot cleaner,” he said.

Midwest Grease is always looking for new customers, Trebesch said. Currently, it provides service to all of Minnesota including the busy Twin Cities area. It even travels all the way to Minot to provide service.

“There is never a shortage of new restaurants opening up, especially in larger cities,” Trebesch said. “It’s been picking up the last number of years.”

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

Former board member Baranko passes Emil Baranko, 84, Dickinson, passed away Aug. 19, 2019, at Country House in Dickinson.

Emil Wayne Baranko was born Feb. 25, 1935, at Belfield, the son of Steve and Olga (Evoniuk) Baranko. He grew up and attended country school in the Fairfield area, later graduating from Model High School. Emil attended one year at Dickinson State Teachers College. He then began working for the North Dakota State Highway Department. Emil enlisted into the U.S. Army in September 1957 and served until 1959 when he was honorably discharged. Emil returned to North Dakota and began roughnecking in the oil patch and later began working construction with Schultz and Lindsay in North Dakota. Emil and Marcia (Ryberg) were united in marriage on June 16, 1962. The two were blessed with three children – Gregg, Gail and Glenn. Emil began farming and ranching with his father and brother. In 1967, he and his brother Ernie began Baranko Bro’s. Together they operated the business until 1979. When Ernie took over the farm and ranch, Emil continued working with Baranko Bro’s.

Emil enjoyed spending his time traveling both in the U.S. and abroad. He and Marcia enjoyed wintering in Arizona until his health started to fail. They continued to make Dickinson their home. Emil liked gardening and working in the yard, making it a showpiece. He loved his grandchildren, especially attending their events.

He served on the North Dakota Farmers Union Board of Directors and was a director for the Farmers Union Marketing and Processing Association. Emil was a lifetime member of the Elks and Eagles. Emil sat on the Billings County School Board and also was proud to have his private pilot’s license.

Emil is survived by his loving

wife, Marcia; his children, Gregg, Belfield, Glenn (Jolene), Dickinson, Gail (Steve) Famias, Maple Grove, Minn.; daughterin-law, Mary Jo Baranko, Dickinson; grandchildren, Jacob, Jared, Rose, Hope, Savanna,

Matthew, Brandon; and brother, Orest “Ernie” (Phyllis) Baranko, Fairfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Olga; and his brother, Theodore Baranko.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION 1.Title of Publication: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer 2. Publication #: 01-6211 3. Date of filing: 9-16-2019 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly + one special edition in October 5. Issues per year: 13 6. Annual subscription: $30 members 7. Complete address of known office of publication: 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters: 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 9. Full name and address of publisher: Mark Watne, NDFU President, 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 Full name and address of editor: Chris Aarhus, 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 10. There are no known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities.

11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None 12. Tax status has not changed during preceding 12 months.

13. Publication title: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer 14. Issue date for circulation data below: October 1, 2016 Extent and Nature of Circulation 13 Issue Average Actual Number Last Run 15.a

Total Number of Press Run

31,876

33,048

15.b (1) Paid/requested Outside County 31,876 33,048 15.b (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions 0 0 15.b (3) Sales Through Dealers 0 0 15.b (4) Other Classes 0 0 15.c Total Paid Circulation 31,876 33,048 15.d (1) Free Distribution Outside Co. 850 850 15.d (2) In County 0 0 15.d (3) Other Classes 0 0 15.d Free Outside Mail 0 0 15.e Total Free Distribution 850 850 15.f Total Distribution 32,726 33,898 15.g Copies Not Distributed 200 200 15.h Total 32,926 34,098 15.i Percent Paid: 97.4% 97.4%

CONVENTION NOTICE FOR NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION To All Members: Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, North Dakota Division.

Pursuant to Article III. Section 2, of the Bylaws of this Association, you are hereby notified that the 93rd Annual State Convention of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, North Dakota Division, will be held at the the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, Dec. 13-14, 2019. Official business at 10 a.m., Dec. 13, 2019.

Mark Watne, President

ATTEST: Wes Niederman, Secretary

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF FARMERS UNION MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD. Current policyholders are hereby notified that they are members of the above named insurance company and that the annual meeting of such company will be held at the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, beginning Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, and continuing on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019.

Mark Watne, President ATTEST: Mark Anderson, Secretary

To those who have already donated ...

THANK YOU!

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

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

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

COUNTY CONVENTIONS BENSON • Sunday, Oct. 27 • Maddock Community Center

BILLINGS/GOLDEN VALLEY • Monday, Oct. 14 • 6 p.m., meeting to follow at Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora BURLEIGH • Monday, Oct. 14 • 5:30 p.m. registration, 6 p.m. meal at Tumbleweed Bar & Grill in Lincoln DUNN • Wednesday, Nov. 6 • 5:30 p.m. at New Hradec Workman Hall GRAND FORKS • Wednesday, Nov. 6 • TBD GRANT • Thursday, Oct. 17 • TBD

GRIGGS • Wednesday, Nov. 6 • 6 p.m. at Binford Cafe KIDDER • Friday, Oct. 18 • 7 p.m. at Pettibone

LAMOURE • Sunday, Nov. 17 • 6 p.m. at LaMoure Civic Center MCHENRY • Tuesday, Oct. 29 • The Lariat at Velva

MCKENZIE • Tuesday, Oct. 8 • 5:30 p.m. at Roughrider Center in Watford City

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

NELSON • Tuesday, Oct. 1 • 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. meeting at Horseshoe Bar & Grill in Michigan OLIVER • Monday, Oct. 14 • 7 p.m., at Golden Age Club at Center

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

RICHLAND • Sunday, Oct. 27 • 5 p.m. at Pizza Ranch at Wahpeton

ROLETTE • Sunday, Oct. 27 • 4 p.m. meeting, dinner to follow at Rolette Country Club SARGENT • Sunday, Oct. 27 • 2 p.m. at Rutland Senior Center SIOUX • Thursday, Oct. 24 • 7 p.m. at Selfridge school

STARK • Tuesday, Oct. 22 • 6:30 dinner/meeting at Veterans Memorial in Dickinson

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 WARD • Sunday, Oct. 27 • 4 p.m.

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

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.

NFU BOARD: Strengthen ag markets During a meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Farmers Union (NFU) Board of Directors unanimously passed a pair of resolutions calling for solutions to mounting financial difficulties in farm country.

By most metrics, the farm economy is in a slump, and it has been for six years now. The Farmer’s Share of the consumer food dollar is at an all-time low. Prices for many commodities are below the cost of production. Farm debt is at its highest level in almost 40 years. And median farm income has been negative since 2014. An international trade war and the undermining of biofuels programs have added to family farmers’ and ranchers’ troubles by adding to the oversupply of many American farm products and depressing prices even further.

In order to relieve these unnecessary market pressures, the board compelled the administration to end its “erratic and destructive actions,” work to rebuild international and domestic markets, restore America’s reputation as a reliable trading partner, and reverse policies that have undermined the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Additionally, they recommended that the U.S.Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) strengthen labor, environment, and enforcement provisions; rectify language related to prescription drugs; strengthen anti-dumping protections for agricultural goods; and re-establish Country-ofOrigin Labeling (COOL) authority.

TRADE WAR HOT AND COLD

In another round of escalation, Chinese officials announced in August that the country plans to increase tariffs on $75 billion worth of American goods, including soybeans, pork, corn, sorghum and wheat. Just hours later, President Donald Trump tweeted that the U.S. would increase current punitive tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods from 25 percent to 30 percent starting on Oct. 1. Additionally, he announced that a 10 percent tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports, scheduled to go into effect on Sept. 1, would be hiked up to 15 percent.

Since then, however, the two nations have forged ahead with negotiations. In a slight détente, China decided in September to exclude U.S. soybeans and pork from additional tariffs. Additionally, the country purchased $67 million worth of U.S. soybeans – for context, the United States exported $12.2 billion worth of soybeans to China in 2017.

President Trump, in response, delayed his tariff

boost for two weeks, until Oct. 15.

Though it is promising that China has increased its purchases of U.S. agricultural goods, albeit only marginally, there is still a long way to go until the situation is fully rectified. For one, it is unclear what trade between the two countries will look like long-term, as both have begun building relationships elsewhere. For instance, during the G-7 summit, President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came to a tentative trade deal that would reportedly increase U.S. agricultural exports to Japan by as much as $7 billion. China, on the other hand, nearly doubled its imports of Brazilian soybeans in the past year.

Even in the unlikely event that the U.S.-China trade relationship returns to its pre-trade war state, there would still be outstanding issues to address. In particular, China’s unfair and manipulative trade practices, including currency manipulation and intellectual property theft, have yet to be corrected, even though these are the very practices that motivated President Trump to instigate a trade war in the first place.

EPA MUST UPHOLD RFS INTENT

In July, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the RFS for 2020.

Though the proposal would maintain the current volume of conventional biofuels at 15 billion gallons, it would also significantly reduce the statutory volume for advanced biofuels and, consequently, the total renewable fuel volume.

Furthermore, the proposal does not compensate for the 4 billion gallons of demand for biofuels that was eliminated by the ongoing misappropriation of RFS small refinery exemptions (SREs) to multinational corporations. In response to dwindling demand, at least 15 ethanol plants and several biodiesel plants have closed, and many others have reduced production, resulting in the loss of thousands of rural jobs.

PAYMENTS BOOST FARM INCOME New estimates released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture underscore the ongoing market challenges plaguing family farmers. The report set the final net farm income for 2018 at $84 billion and predicted that net farm income next year would increase to $88 billion. These numbers are still well below the 2013 high of $136.5 billion but are only slightly below the $90 billion average from 2000-2018.

Founding Farmers

brie, onion jam and crisp apple ciabatta

INGREDIENTS (serves 4) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 oz brie (cut into 8 slices) 1 small apple (cored, thinly sliced) kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper 4 = ¾-inch-thick slices ciabatta bread* 1/3 cup onion jam*

*Onion Jam 1½ teaspoons fruit pectin (grocer’s baking aisle) 1½ teaspoons warm water 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 6 cups thinly sliced yellow onions ¾ cup white wine vinegar 2¼ cups granulated sugar 2 teaspoons chopped thyme 1 bay leaf 2 teaspoons kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS Ciabatta prep Brush olive oil on ciabatta slices. Grill (or use grill pan or baking sheet at 400 degrees) until crisp (about 1-2 minutes) on each side.

Onion jam instructions Mix fruit pectin with water in small bowl. Set aside. Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add onions.

Cook until golden brown. Add vinegar, sugar, thyme, bay leaf & salt. Stir in fruit pectin mixture. Simmer on low (15-20 minutes) stirring occasionally until liquid thickens. Remove bay leaf. Transfer to Mason jar/heat resistant container. Let cool. Store covered in fridge up to one week.

Farm bread assembly Place two slices of brie onto warm, grilled ciabatta. Top with sliced apple. Spread 2-3 dollops of onion preserves on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Around the state

Mercer County Farmers Union raised $500 during a root beer float community event to donate to Evan Bier, who was recently injured in an accident. Pictured are Evan Bier (middle) and his family along with MCFU board members Ralph Bieber (far left) and Mike Eslinger (far right)

Burleigh County Farmers Union held a Farmer’s Share meal next to a farmers market in the parking lot of the Gateway Mall in Bismarck. Pictured are board members Denise Brown, Lois Sundquist, Arlene Olson and Randy Ryberg.

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 BORGAULT PARTS, for 3710 no-till drill, 20 barely used mounts and scrapers for left side. $50 each or best offer. 701-3375836 or 1-406-989-0019, Mike Carlson, Douglas.

IH 1460 COMBINE, 3600 engine hours, 24 ft. header with finger reel, new sickel, new transport, always shedded; 70ft. #55 Flexicoil sprayer, new tires, new pump, always shedded. 701-225-3516, Robert Lefor, Lefor.

STRAW CHOPPER for M2 cleaner combine. $100 obo. 701-337-6810, Paul Kastner, Douglas.

6620 COMBINE, good condition, motor good, have new feeder chain; 212 pickup header with new belts and teeth. 701-4650256, Dan Kuntz, Drake.

TWO IHC COMBINES, both 1480 model with pickup headers. One 25 ft flex with finger reel and header transport, one 25 ft rigid bat reel; 8220 IHC 25 ft swather with finger reel, shedded. 701-739-3344, 701438-2640, Howard Jacobson, Maddock.

100 JD CHISEL PLOW, 12 ft, field ready, $1200; 21 ft 645 I.H. Vibra chisel, some new shanks, $1000; 275 New Holland square baler super sweep pickup $1800; Many I.H. press drills 7, 8, 10, 12 and 14 ft, and they have grass seeders for them all.

All machinery sold to be I.H. and in good working condition. 701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.

1981 JOHN DEERE 8820 COMBINE, 3257 hrs, $8800; JD 925 straight header with bat reel; International 1066 Hydro tractor with International 2355 loader with a 4 ft grapple and a 7ft regular bucket. 701370-0078, Dennis Karsky, Langdon.

RUST 6X16 STOCK TRAILER, tires good; 6 bottom Melrowe plow 29 ft; Morris magnum 11 chisel plow; JD 6620 combine with 2 headers. 701-626-7270, Jim Haugen, Butte.

JD MODEL 1610 CHISEL PLOW, 41 ft, new 4 inch shovels, newer 3 bar harrow, 4 new tires, asking $6000. Model 1015 IH pick-up head w/ Westward model 388-7 belt hydraulic drive pick-up, asking $2200.

701-789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.

IH 800 CYCLO AIR PLANTER. 12 row narrow (30 inch), good condition. Asking $4000 obo; IH 400 Planter. 8 Row wide.

Sold as is. $500; 701-424-3734, Richard Nenow, Streeter.

22 • October 2019 • Union Farmer

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. 701-6299003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

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 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. 701-5973730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

9600 JOHN DEERE COMBINE, 1992 model. Service records available. Always shedded; 30 foot MacDon draper header with finger reel and John Deere pickup header. Always shedded. 701-240-5938, Wallace Birkeland, Minot.

H 480 24 FT DISK, IH 14 ft Chisel plow with drag, 28 ft international vibra chisel.

701-320-1058, Nic Moser, Medina.

BOX/HOIST, 19 foot knapheid steel truck box and hoist. 1967 Chevy c65 truck-cab and chassis. Driveable 427 with 5+4 trans. $1000 each obo. 701-835-2055, Ron St Croix, Kenmare.

LEON MANURE SPREADER. 42.5 hyd push tandem, 22.5 tires, $9,500; 7 Vertex business band radios, narrow band. $100 obo. 701-286-7345. Marc Sundquist,.

Baldwin.

852 NH BALER, auto wrap $1000; 851 auto wrap $500, both are in good condition plus many new and used parts obo; Hydrostatic drives for a 400 versatile swather $125 per side or $200 for the set; Vintage steel rake wheels; Farmhand rake teeth new $1.00 each, $.50 for good slightly used obo; Rebuilt Ford 390 motor, 4 speed manual transmission, transfer case; Ford 9 inch rear end also matched front end. 701424-3670, Jerry Miller, Streeter.

OLIVER 1800 DIESEL, $3500; Add the snowblower for $4200. 701-520-1867, Lee Jacobson, Esmond.

IH 382 HYDRO CADET riding lawn mower, tractor chains, fenders for 806 Case IH tractor, pump jacks; 250 gallon stainless steel bulk tank. 701-486-3319, Darlene Trautman, Medina.

660 INTERNATIONAL DIESEL, 165 Massy Gas 3 pt Hi-Low, needs work. 1970 Case diesel, 1270 Case diesel, both cabs and good glass. 701-220-8600, Dwight Reuther, Bismarck.

FARM TIRES, JD 10bolt 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 SP 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); 8 new 285/75R24.5x16ply steer or trailer tires; many others. 701-709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

1030 CASE DIESEL, add on 3 pt. with 228 Farmhand loader. 8 ft bucket with grapple fork. $3000. 701-843-7849, Jerry Maier, New Salem.

VERNERS CALF FEEDER with fold down panels, $1500; Rubber water tank, 7 foot long, 30 inches deep with steel bottom $1000 OBO. Both in good condition. 701210-1938, Tim Pahl, Oakes.

24 FT TAYLOR-WAY HD DISK w/9” spacing 24” disks; 8x30 auger w/ 13 hp Honda w/electric starter; 501 36’ Melrow chisel plow; Roskamp electric roller mill Model K18”; Centrifugal fan 10 hp single phase; Utility augers; 6x24, 6x16, 8x16, 6x50, 7x45, 10x18, all electric drive; 6x16, and 5x8 w/hydraulic motor; Rapat conveyor model 3218; 1946 IHC K5 truck; 1940 IHC 1row corn picker; Wanted JD brackets for farmhand 235 loader; 701-361-8812 Arnie Buhr, Buffalo.

WANTED HEADER, Shelbourne stripper to fit John Deere combine. 701-956-6489, Doug Graupe, Crosby.

IH TRACTORS; 806, 1206, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466, and others; John Deere; 5010, 5020, 6030, 4520, 4620; others; MM 900, 1000, 1050, 1355, others; Allis,D-21, 210, 220. All Olivers newer then 1960. Will buy all running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

PORTABLE GRAIN AUGER, older PTO. 701-220-8600, Dwight Reuther, Bismarck.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 2007 JACO CAMPER, 38 ft, 4 slides, fireplace, almost new tires. 701-698-2267, Rodney Buchholz, Fredonia.

ANTENNA TOWER, New Rohn free standing 40 ft, $400; New Rough Terrain 4 ton portable USAF Ganty Hoist. Includes new Jet Trolkey, $1000. 701-201-0095, Glenn Belisle, Willow City.

HEADGATE; Railroad ties; HP Briggs motor; Bobsled; Four wagon wheels, all real nice. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

DART RIFLE, Cap-Chur .22, includes ammo, syringes, needles and accessories. $500. 701-466-2473, Anthony Thompson, Leeds.

WASHER/DRYER, Kenmore dryer with brand new lint filter and cord, $50; Maytag washer, $30; Whirlpool washer, $30. All in working condition and sold as is. 701-3615823, Dean Hill, Fargo.

SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS: Stout Rock / Brush Graple XHD 84-6 with hyd. hoses & couplers (new, never used); Lowe 750 hyd. auger with 12 & 18 inch bits (new, never used); Jari, walk behind sickle mower. 701693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

COLEMAN GENERATOR 4000m 120= 24o outlets w/ cart used; steel fence post; 10 hp trolling motor Generac portable generator 120 =240 watt w/ cart has not been used. 701-270-0184, Harold Severson. Lakota.

WANTED DISPLAY AND SIGNS, from old stores.

701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

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 1979 CHEVY ONE-TON DUALLY FLATBED, 4wd, 4 spd manual, 456 gears, less than 5000 miles on 454 engine; 26 ft triple axle gooseneck all steel trailer, good bale hauler. $6000. 701-477-3983, Rick Haas, St. John.

OLDER FARM PICKUPS. 1990, 1991, and 1995 Fords. We still use them for errand/ running around from field-to-field pickups.

1995 is used as fuel truck. They could be used as is or for parts. Make offer on one, two or all three. 701-424-3734. Richard Nenow, Streeter.

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

1975 GMC TRUCK, 6000-V-Eight, 28,000 miles, good tires, roll tarp, excellent condition. 701- 693-2306, Steve Vetter, Harvey.

WANTED 5 SPD MANUAL TRANNY for 90s Chevy 1500 series pickup. Text best way to reach seller. 701-201-0095, Glenn Belisle, Willow City.

1-TON DUALLY PICKUP CHASSIS, with or without drivetrain. Dodge, Ford or GM. 701-680-1079, Dylan Ekstrom, Forman.

HARLEY DAVIDSON WL or WLA 45 from parts to complete bike looking for winter project; also wanting ND motorcycle license plates from 40’s and 50’s. 701-7977610, Tim Soma, Cooperstown.

M29 WEASEL. This is a small WW2 Army tracked vehicle. Complete or parts. 701381-9799, Jay Cudworth, Sheyenne.

FOR SALE

LIVESTOCK/FEED HAY, large round bales of excellent hay, 750 millet, 100 grass, 50 alfalfa, net wrapped. 65 inch high, 60 inch wide. 701202-0400, Ron Monzelowsky, Bismarck.

GRASS/GRAIN FED STEERS, ready for processing, will assist with delivery. 701220-8600, Dwight Reuther, Bismarck.

1976 CHEVY PICKUP. 4 spd. ¾. Runs on propane. 701-270-0184, Harold Severson.

Lakota.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE 4 BD, 3 BATH HOME, 2,894 sq. ft, main floor laundry, walk out basement, 2 patios, surround sound system in basement, custom built wet bar, movie theater room, heated attached 3 stall garage, 1500 sq.ft detached garage with in floor heating, underground sprinkler system, very private back yard setting with much more to offer.

701-269-2091, Mike Neva, Jamestown.

SPACIOUS HOME IN STREETER. Located in duck and whitetail country, this roomy home has 3 beds, office, laundry on main floor. Large living/dining/kitchen area.

1584 sq. feet finished and 1584 unfinished basement, 2 stall attached garage. Large backyard for garden, kids play area.

Friendly town and excellent school. Perfect for family or retirement home. Basement may be finished for add’l living space.

Newer siding, windows, shingles. 701-4243734, Richard Nenow, Streeter.

TWO BEDROOM CONDO, located on the lower level in a 30 unit complex in Grand Forks, ND. 55 years or older and is nonsmoking. Large garage attached for one vehicle. This is ideal if you are retired and have sold your home and need a go-toplace when you come back from southern USA. Unit #14. Call and leave message.

Realtor will call you back. 218-688-3210, Phyllis Rocksvold. Grand Forks.

2010 DODGE PICKUP 1500, 4 door, 4x4, auto, 5.7 gas. 130,000 miles. $8,900; 2011 Polaris side-by-side, 800 XP, roof and half windshield, 5990 miles. $7,400. 701-2867345, Marc Sundquist, Baldwin.

ALASKA JULY 18-29, 2020

See Mt. McKinley, Denali National Park & Vancouver, B.C. Ride by scenic train to Talkeetna, cruise glacial fjords, relive Gold Rush days, enjoy a seven-day Princess Cruise & so much more!

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS NOW AVAILABLE! Call 800-366-8331 for trip info Ask for Eunice (ext. 108) or Jeff (ext. 111)

WATCH FOR TRIP DETAILS TO THE CAROLINAS & GEORGIA IN THE SPRING!

SAFELY STORE YOUR FIREARMS Store (unloaded) in a locked cabinet Utilize gun locks Store ammo separate from firearms

KEEPING YOU SAFE. www.ndsc.org

A private non-profit.

NDFU.org • October 2019 • 23

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

GROUP • CORPORATE • INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL

701.204.7474 or 888.521.3432 https://farmersuniontravel.agentstudio.com/ This is for personal/work travel. Not affiliated with NDFU excursions and bus trips.

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

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