Union Farmer - October 2023

NDFU union farmer OCTOBER 2023 • ndfu.org

PROBLEM SOLVERS Western Choice Cooperative in Killdeer continues to think outside the box

IT’S CO-OP MONTH!

GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY

Lewis Schock Agency I was raised in Michigan, N.D., and after a few changes within the school district, I graduated from Dakota Prairie in Petersburg. I attended Valley City State University where I obtained my degree in business administration. Upon graduating from VCSU, I began my insurance career focusing on health insurance and Medicare options. I have 24 years of insurance experience with eight of those years being a Farmers Union agent. My wife Angela is my high school sweetheart, and we have been married for 23 years. We have two children: Brayden is a freshman at Bismarck High School, and Aubrey is in fourth grade at Prairie Rose Elementary. I am also an avid NASCAR, Vikings and Twins fan.

The thing I love most about being an agent is working with clients on their specific needs when it comes to health insurance or Medicare options as those have had historical changes with the Affordable Care Act and the growing popularity of Medicare Advantage plans. Remembering that not everyone’s

healthcare needs are the same, Farmers Union gives me the ability to help them decide which is the best option for them.

I am active in our family’s church council along with my son and I maintaining the church grounds during the summer. I also have taken an active role in coaching my daughter’s softball team.

Lewis Schock Agency 3801 Memorial Hwy Suite C Mandan ND 58554 PH: (701) 952-9150

SIMPLY DIFFERENT! CONNECT WITH US

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 70 • Number 10

The UNION FARMER is published monthly

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

EDITOR: Chris Aarhus 800-366-6338 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: 36,500 • USPS 016-211 2 • October 2023 • Union Farmer

North Dakota Farmers Union

@NDFarmersUnion @NDFarmersUnion

Read the Union Farmer online at https://ndfu.org/news/union-farmer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Mark Watne • Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Wes Niederman • Treasurer: Ronda Throener Bob Finken; Jon Iverson; Shane Sickler; Tyler Stafslien; Michelle Ziesch.

reach a bigger audience Advertise your business in the pages of the Union Farmer with its circulation of 36,000+ North Dakota families

Contact Editor Chris Aarhus at caarhus@ndfu.org for rates and details NDFU.org • September 2023 • 3

NDFU app is an effective tool Communication is key for any grassroots organization. At NDFU, we continue to adopt and adapt avenues to reach out to members, including communication by digital means.

Digital communication is any computerbased technology for communicating, which includes personal communication and the communication of information, entertainment and promotions to broad audiences. It all comes with rules and regulations. And, in most cases, it is necessary for individuals (our members) to “opt in” to allow NDFU to communicate with you using digital tools.

Your board and staff are working hard to connect members through current and new digital tools. We believe cell phones and other hand-held computers are the best source to reach members on a timely basis. That immediate connection gives us the ability to be a flexible and influential organization.

Currently at NDFU, we use social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok), email blasts and group text messages to communicate digitally with members. These platforms are great tools. But often times, they do not allow us a more direct one-on-one means of communication. Likewise, members don’t have the ability to filter the information they want to receive from NDFU. Until now.

Your organization is excited to announce our new digital app (application) for mobile devices!

It will be introduced at county conventions this fall and the state convention, but can be downloaded now in the Apple or Google Play store.

A digital app is a broad term that refers to any application software that can be used by a computer, mobile device or tablet to perform useful tasks. It opens the door for faster communication that will make us more efficient and effective. Your ability to get news, register for events, keep abreast of upcoming activities and more will be enhanced. Our research shows there are many apps available but very few organizations like ours, a membershipbased organization, have this capacity.

As with any new project that we pursue at

NDFU, it takes effort by our members to make it successful. It is essential for each of you to attend a county convention and/or the state convention to get the best information about all the capabilities of the new app and future potential functions.

The effort to build, release, educate and encourage use of the app is a financial and time commitment by our organization. My challenge to all members and our leaders is to attend a meeting to learn about the app. Please help us make others aware and encourage them to download and use the app.

The success of any new communication tool is based on a large group of members participating and using the new technology. I believe you will find this tool to be extremely effective in carrying out the mission and the goals of our organization.

The all new

NDFU mobile app CAMP SIGNUP

EVENT REGISTRATION

LATEST NEWS

SHOP

CONTACT LEGISLATORS

CALENDAR

Download the app today!

Take a picture of the QR codes on your phone to take you right to our app!

How to use the

NDFU MOBILE APP

Members can use the same email address and password they use for the NDFU portal to log into the app. If you do not know your password, use the “Forgot Your Password” option. NDFU must have an email address on file for you to use the app. If we do not have an email address for you, please call 1-800-366-6338 or email us at ndfu@ndfu.org to have it attached to your account.

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Login with your email address and password. Use the email address where you receive your NDFU communications.

Follow the on-screen prompts to login. NDFU utilizes two-factor authentication for security purposes.

Enter the code to get into the app. If the texting option does not work the first time, try again and choose the email option.

If you don’t know your portal password, use the Forgot Your Password option!

Choose to receive your two-factor code via text or email!

You will stay logged into the NDFU app continually, providing you open the app once a month!

Three of the features of the app include a home screen with notifications, state convention registration and the ability to find and contact your legislators about important issues!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do I have to be a member to log into the mobile app?

Yes. The app is for NDFU members. Those who would like to become members can sign up at NDFU.org!

What if NDFU doesn’t have my email address?

Like any online service, we require an email address to use the mobile app. Contact us at 1-800-366-6338 or ndfu@ndfu.org to have an email address added to your account.

Additionally, if we have a different email address on file than the one you’re currently using, you can use the one we have on file or contact us with your new address.

NDFU has my email, but I’ve never used the online portal. What’s my password?

Simply use the Forgot Password link on the login screen and follow the on-screen prompts to set a new password!

What should I do if I have additional problems?

If you continue to have trouble logging in, please contact Chris in the Communications Department at 701-952-0118 or caarhus@ndfu.org.

NDFU members attend fly-in Twenty-eight members of North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) urged Congress to focus on a new farm bill when they joined hundreds of family farmers and ranchers on Capitol Hill for the National Farmers Union Legislative Fly-in, Sept. 11-13.

NDFU advocated for a stronger farm safety net, new and improved permanent disaster programs, and farmer-friendly climate provisions in the new five-year bill.

Farmers Union also urged the enactment of a competition title to increase fairness in the marketplace and address corporate consolidation in food and ag markets.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack met with Farmers Union members at USDA.

Additionally, the delegation met with Sens.

John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, as well as Rep. Kelly Armstrong.

NFU Fly-in participants visited all 535 congressional offices.

North Dakota Farmers Union fly-in attendees Missy Axt, McClusky; Allee Boyer, Fargo; Kristi Brink, Davenport; Braylen Bruns, Valley City; Bob Finken, Douglas; Tim Fischer, Bismarck; Julie Gemmil, Fordville; Madison Grieve, Jamestown; Pam Gulleson, Rutland; Josh Heinrich, Kindred; Bob and Brenda Kuylen, South Heart; Sarah Kuylen, South Heart; Olivia Ewoniuk, South Heart; Chris Lundeby, Osnabrock; April Marquart, Anamoose; Lucas and Amanda McClean, Ypsilanti; Wes Niederman, Elgin; Tate Rafteseth, Elgin; Shane Sickler, Gladstone; Megan Vig, Sharon; Shelly Ziesch, Pettibone; Jane Opdahl, Zap; Hailey Beam, Jamestown; Jessica Haak, Jamestown; Mark Watne, Jamestown; Matt Perdue, Jamestown.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong met with North Dakota Farmers Union members.

8 • October 2023 • Union Farmer

MAIN: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack gave a whiteboard presentation to Farmers Union members during the fly-in in the USDA auditorium. INSET: From left, April Marquart, Bob Finken and Shane Sickler sit together during the morning meeting at USDA.

Sens. John Hoeven (above) and Kevin Cramer (below) met with North Dakota Farmers Union members.

NDFU.org • October 2023 • 9

POLICY HOPPER FROM NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Debate over IRA funds continues In mid-September, Senate Agriculture Committee leaders publicly staked out positions on a debate that has been brewing for months: the use of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) conservation funds in the farm bill. In a blog post, the Republican minority argued that IRA funds should be brought into the farm bill and its uses renegotiated. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) issued a statement countering that argument and drawing a hard line on protecting the funds’ use for supporting climate-smart agriculture practices. This article provides background on the debate over the IRA funds and discusses the implications of one of the most consequential decisions in the 2023 Farm Bill process.

based on projected economic conditions. Any changes to farm bill spending are measured against the baseline. Generally, the agriculture committees are required to draft a farm bill that does not increase overall spending above the CBO baseline.

The CBO baseline always looms large over the farm bill debate, but its presence is felt even more greatly this farm bill. The agriculture committees are facing heightened pressure to strengthen the farm safety net, which has proven inadequate in an era of rising input costs and market and weather volatility. Yet, the CBO baseline constrains the committees’ ability to fund meaningful improvements to safety net programs.

Inflation Reduction Act

Implications of IRA-Farm Bill Debate

Pres. Joe Biden signed the IRA into law on Aug. 16, 2022. The bill, which was passed through budget reconciliation and along a party line vote, was aimed at curbing inflation, lowering drug costs, and addressing climate change. Included in the $891 billion package was $18 billion for USDA’s top four conservation programs. That money will more than double working lands conservation funding over fiscal years 2023-2026 (see Figure 1 on next page).

The IRA funding addresses an important need; USDA’s conservation programs have long had inadequate funding to meet producer demand. The Senate Agriculture Committee Republicans don’t dispute that, but they do take issue with restricting those funds for specific practices. IRA funds are exclusively reserved for “climate-smart agriculture” practices, a list that includes cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage, prescribed grazing, nutrient management and more. The committee’s minority blog argues that that those practices account for just 49% of USDA-funded conservation practices over the last three years.

Farm Bill Baseline

The Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) baseline for mandatory farm programs is $1.51 trillion over the next 10 years. The farm bill baseline estimates government spending

10 • October 2023 • Union Farmer

Bringing the IRA conservation funds into the farm bill would achieve three main goals. First, it would increase the farm bill baseline, giving the agriculture committees more money to work with. Second, it would establish permanent baseline for those funds.

Right now, the funds expire in 2031. Without action, that funding will not be credited to the farm bill baseline for this or future farm bills.

Third, it creates an opportunity for additional stakeholders to influence how the money is used.

The debate poses interesting questions about the “unwritten rules” of the farm bill process. One such rule is that after a farm bill is passed, negotiations over its programs are assumed to be closed until the next farm bill debate. The IRA was passed outside the farm bill process, seemingly running afoul of that rule. On the other hand, the IRA’s conservation provisions were purely additive; the bill added money to conservation programs for a specific purpose, but it didn’t modify the underlying programs.

Bringing the IRA funds into the farm bill raises questions about another farm bill unwritten rules: funding does not move between farm bill titles. This standard generally means that cuts to programs in one farm bill title cannot be used to offset improvements to programs

Figure 1. Conservation Program Budget Authority Farm Bill & IRA 14

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10

Billions USD

8

6

4

2

0 2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

EQIP

CSP

2024

ACEP

2025

2026

2027

2028

RCPP

Source: CBO, USDA.

in another. While the Senate Agriculture Committee Republicans have not explicitly targeted IRA conservation funds to be used for other programs, that idea has certainly been floated. This is particularly noteworthy, as Congress is scrambling to find ways to fund farm safety net improvements.

As Congress wrestles with these questions, they must also delicately balance the interests of the diverse farm bill coalition. On one hand, many farm groups, including NDFU, have called for meaningful improvements to the farm safety net. The path to funding those improvements is murky at best. On the other hand, many conservation interests are very protective of the IRA funds, and many farm groups supported those provisions when the IRA was passed. This likely means that the IRA funds

will become one element in a broader strategy to address the needs of multiple stakeholder groups.

Conclusion

The funding constraints placed on the farm bill always create unique tensions among policymakers and stakeholders. The IRA conservation dollars could relieve some of that tension and give the agriculture committees more breathing room to address a long list of needs. However, simply bringing IRA funds into the farm bill is far from the end of the discussion. Regardless of the outcome, the debate is a sign that work on the 2023 Farm Bill is underway.

— Govt. Relations Director Matt Perdue

Senate Agriculture Committee Minority Staff (2023, September 14). Inflation Reduction Act Leaves Farmers and Traditional Conservation Programs Behind. Minority Blog.

Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/inflation-reduction-act-leaves-farmers-and-traditional-conservation-programs-behind.

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Stabenow, Debbie (2023, September 14). Chairwoman Stabenow: Robust Conservation Funding Supports All Farmers [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture. senate.gov/newsroom/dem/press/release/chairwoman-stabenow-robust-conservation-funding-supports-all-farmers.

2

House of Representatives, Congress. (2022). H.R. 5376 – Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

3

Senate Agriculture Committee Minority Staff (2023, September 14). Inflation Reduction Act Leaves Farmers and Traditional Conservation Programs Behind. Minority Blog.

Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/inflation-reduction-act-leaves-farmers-and-traditional-conservation-programs-behind.

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Congressional Budget Office (2023, May). CBO’s May 2023 Baseline for Farm Programs. Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-05/51317-2023-05-usda_0.pdf.

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NDFU.org • October 2023 • 11

CO-OP MONTH!

Portland co-op grateful for loyal members Story and photo by Chris Aarhus, NDFU Editor

Members of the Farmers Union Oil Company of Portland cashed some big checks last year.

With CHS retiring equity, the co-op was able to pay out 1,800 retirement checks and 1,200 dividend checks in 2022, amounting to more than $1 million.

“We had a good year, but it helped that CHS made that payment,” General Manager Dale Flaten said. “When we got that money from them, we gave 100% back to our patrons. And then we kicked in our own, so that’s how it ended up being that much.”

Flaten said equity including dividends is one of the reasons members value being part of a cooperative.

“Without our patrons, we wouldn’t be here,” he said. “We have very good patrons around here. They’re pretty loyal. We’ve got a good patron base, and I’ve got an awesome board to work with.”

Flaten is in his seventh year at the helm, taking over for longtime manager Ken Kornkven, who Flaten spoke highly of.

“I was in charge of propane and once Ken retired, they wanted to (promote the next manager) within the company, and that’s how I got here,” he said. “What you see with this co-op is mostly a credit to (Ken).

He built this station, built the C-store and built up the propane (business).”

The co-op deals in bulk fuels and also includes a service department, which Flaten said is more of a service to the community than a business that exists solely for profit.

“If you don’t have it, your customers might go somewhere else,” he said. “It’s part of the co-op way. Just treating your customers right.”

One of the big issues Flaten is dealing with currently is labor. Good help is hard to find, he said.

“It used to be a couple of times a year, people would come in and ask if you have any job openings,” he said. “Now, nobody calls.”

That meant a trip in the propane truck for Flaten in August, filling in for his lone propane driver for a day.

“If something happened to one of my drivers, I’m not sure what we would do,” he said.

Nonetheless, Flaten said the co-op continues to be as efficient as possible while maintaining a strong relationship with its patrons.

“We’ve done all right (financially) and it helps that we’re running at a skeleton crew,” he said. “We’ve been lucky so far. We’ve got loyal customers, and we try to keep expenses to a minimum. Then when it comes time for dividends, we give out as much as we can.

“When you’re asking your customers to invest in you, you want to be able to give them back something.”

Dale Flaten General Manager Farmers Union Oil Company of Portland

NDFU.org • October 2023 • 13

OCTOBER IS CO-OP MONTH!

North Dakota Farmers Union wants to say thank you to the following cooperatives for checking dues and supporting cooperative learning by paying educational funds. We appreciate your support!

Allied Energy of Edgeley

Arrowwood Prairie Co-op of Wimbledon

Central Dakota Frontier Co-op of Napoleon

Creative Energy of South Heart-Belfield-Jamestown CHS Dakota Plains Ag of Valley City-Kindred Enerbase Cooperative of Minot

Envision Cooperative of Rugby-Mohall Farmers Union Oil of Berthold Farmers Union Oil of Beulah

14 • October 2023 • Union Farmer

ENVISION COOPERATIVE OF RUGBY

Farmers Union Oil of Buxton

Farmers Union Oil of Selfridge

Farmers Union Oil of Ellendale

Farmers Union Oil of Willow City

Farmers Union Oil of Devils Lake Farmers Union Oil of Embden

Farmers Union Oil of Fessenden Farmers Union Oil of Garrison

Farmers Union Oil of Glen Ullin Farmers Union Oil of Hazen Farmers Union Oil of Hope

Farmers Union Oil of Jamestown Farmers Union Oil of Kenmare Farmers Union Oil of Langdon

Farmers Union Oil of Pettibone Farmers Union Oil of Portland

Farmers Union Oil of Tolna

Farmers Union Oil of Wilton Farmers Union Oil of York

Horizon Resources of Williston Legacy Cooperative of Bisbee Mott Equity Exchange Pinnacle of Stanley

ProPoint Cooperative of Bowman Ray Farmers Union Elevator

Rugby Farmers Union Elevator Tri-Energy of Bismarck

Western Choice Cooperative of Killdeer

Western Choice Cooperative CEO Jamie Reese is in his 10th year leading the Killdeer area cooperative.

Growing a co-op Killdeer’s Western Choice continues to thrive with new ideas When Jamie Reese took the reins of Killdeerbased Western Choice Cooperative in 2013, he had a wealth of knowledge at his disposal.

Growing up as a co-op manager’s son — his father John ran what is now United Quality Cooperative in New Town for 30 years — Jamie had good insight into why cooperatives are important. He also knew of a manager’s responsibility.

“There’s an expectation that you know a lot about everything,” he said. “

Jamie hit the ground running, and the cooperative hasn’t looked back. In the last 10 years, they’ve made the hardware store bigger, tripled the size of their bulk facility, built a car wash, expanded the tire shop, added a Dairy Queen and built an apartment building to house their employees.

Jamie credited chairman Gene Harris and the board of directors for having a growth mindset.

“They’re just all real forward-thinking guys,” he said. “We knew a long time ago that

Story and photos by Chris Aarhus, NDFU 16 • October 2023 • Union Farmer

CO-OP MONTH!

Western Choice Cooperative’s convenience store in Killdeer includes a Dairy Queen, which is owned and operated by the cooperative.

Western Choice Cooperative built an automatic car wash next to their hardware store, which they expanded when they moved the tire shop to a new facility.

diversification is probably going to be our best bet.”

He also noted the important role that former manager Art Perdue played when he was hired.

“He was the interim and then became my mentor here,” Jamie said.

When Jamie was hired, he found himself in a unique position. Suddenly, his father’s co-op in New Town was the competition. Jamie was managing their hardware store at the time.

“When I decided to take this job, he was excited,” he said. “But we share a common trade area between us, so for his last four or five years, he was a competitor. We had fun with it.”

Cooperatives run deep in the Reese family.

Jamie’s brother Mitch works for Ag Partners, a cooperative in southern Minnesota.

“They grew up with it and loved it,” said John, who has since retired as a manager and runs a co-op consulting firm. “They’ve been around it and gotten to know everybody in the co-op world. This is what they’ve chosen to do. We’ve got the background for it.”

Jamie’s experience of managing a hardware store paid dividends immediately, as he said the co-op wanted to make sure it was a priority for the sake of the community. They did so by moving the tire shop to a facility on the same site as the bulk fuel location.

“We took the hardware store that was probably about 6,000 square feet and made it 13,000 square feet,” he said.

In 2021, they built a car wash that services both light and heavy duty vehicles right next door, and the timing wasn’t easy.

“It had been on our board room agenda for years,” he said. “I’ll never forget it because the (project) was on my desk, just waiting to be approved (in late February of 2020). Then March 2020 (Covid) happens. But we pushed it through in April or May. We said, ‘We already planned and budgeted for it. Let’s get it done.’”

Not an easy decision considering the pandemic, but timing has been on his side in his 10 years as manager, he said. Many of the

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE NDFU.org • October 2023 • 17

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE improvements, renovations or new construction happened during or just after the oil boom.

Most importantly, it happened before the pandemic. Building materials saw dramatic increases starting in 2020.

“We probably spent $25 or $30 million worth of capital investment the first eight years I was here, and then inflation hits,” he said. “We go into the March 2020-Covid situation with basically all new facilities. We’re all nervous. But at the same time, we had pretty good timing in that we were able to get a lot of it (built or renovated) by then.”

Among those risks was an apartment building for its employees, not common for a traditional small-town cooperative.

Pictured here is the new bulk facility and tire shop that Western Choice Cooperative built just outside of Killdeer.

CO-OP MONTH! “It’s 27 units, and it’s 100% employees,” he said. “That’s really been able to stabilize some of the transitionary workforce.”

Jamie said he pulled the idea from his father, who had built one in New Town for United Quality Cooperative. The idea was approved by the board, which felt it necessary to alleviate one of the major concerns with finding help.

Since it’s nearby, it also meant the C-store could be open 24 hours.

“Everyone on the board realized the only way (the co-op) could control its own destiny was by having a safe place we could put people,” he said. “That was really the springboard for being open 24 hours a day. And we could have never gone after our Dairy Queen concept without

making that work.”

Western Choice has a location in Manning, which is just south of Killdeer. It added another location when it purchased the Cenex station in Sidney, Mont., from Farmers Elevator of Circle, Mont., in 2019.

“We were just in the right place at the right time,” he said. “They were looking to reposition and our name came up in conversation with all the work we’ve done with our retail establishments. We were able to come together and make a deal. We took over that location and completely redesigned and rebuilt that store.

It’s 18,000 square feet. It’s a big store.”

Growth from the oil boom played a big role in Western Choice’s success, Jamie said. That success has allowed the co-op to be less dependent on oil field traffic.

“Everything we’ve done is to try to make sure we’re not too oil dependent, or not too dependent upon any one (industry),” he said.

“Agriculture also has its ups and downs, but agriculture has always been our core support.

So, we want to make sure everything is built around something we can sustain.”

So what big idea is next for Western Choice?

Jamie said the co-op is looking at a 24-hour hardware store, in which a member would use their Western Choice card to enter the facility after hours, grab what they need, pay for it by credit card and leave. Cameras would be positioned inside and outside for security purposes, and would include surveillance from the 24-hour C-store.

“They would have to use their (co-op) card to get in, so we would get a report on everyone who enters,” he said. “They’d have to be in good standing (financially) with the co-op. It’s something we’re still working on. We’re doing a lot of testing with it.

“There is a Runnings and Menards in Dickinson, but I want customers to have something here that those (stores) can’t offer, and that’s ownership. They’re an owner here at the cooperative.”

Western Choice’s ventures might be a bit outside the box, but Jamie said it’s important to do what’s necessary to maintain the co-op’s strong level of service.

“We’ve had some wild ideas,” Jamie said.

“We’re constantly trying to find ways to give new meaning to our co-op, provide new services and promote members.”

NDFU.org • October 2023 • 19

Your families.

Your stories.

From the Grassroots.

We can’t do it without you.

Around the state COUNTY CONVENTION CALENDAR Oct. 15, 2023 Sargent County Farmers Union annual convention • Rutland Senior Center • 4 p.m.

Hudson and Harper Berger check out the door prizes at a customer appreciation event for Farmers Union Insurance agent Al Weigel Aug. 11 in Napoleon. Logan County Farmers Union board members assisted with the event as over 200 customers were served a meal.

Oct. 18, 2023 Williams County Farmers Union annual convention • The Eleven (old Elks Club) in Williston • 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 5, 2023 Barnes County Farmers Union annual convention • Pizza Corner • 6 p.m.

Nov. 9, 2023 Mercer County Farmers Union annual convention • Beulah Civic Center • 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 14, 2023 Walsh County Farmers Union annual convention • Alexander House in Park River • 6 p.m.

Farmers Union Insurance received the Mandan Progress Organization’s business of the year award for its involvement in the Christmas lights program.

FROM THE RESTAURANTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Nov. 19, 2023 Richland County Farmers Union annual convention • Pizza Ranch in Wahpeton • 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 28, 2023 Stutsman County Farmers Union annual convention • NDFU state office in Jamestown • 6 p.m.

PREVENT DUST EXPLOSIONS Farmers Restaurant Group’s Council on Culture gathered for one of their bi-annual meetings at Founding Farmers & Distillers in downtown Washington, D.C. Established in 2020, the Council on Culture is a paid advisory group of community members, employees, and industry leaders who provide leadership, insights, and consultation on internal and external communications, talent recruitment, retention and career development, and community relations.

22 • October 2023 • Union Farmer

• Implement a housekeeping program to reduce dust accumulations • Minimize ignition sources through controlling hot work • Perform regular inspections of mechanical and safety control equipment, including heat-producing equipment (motors, bearings, etc.)

Farm safety is family safety Find out more about it at

ndsc.org/ag-safety-training-program

Visit nfu.org to learn more UNITED TO GROW FAMILY AGRICULTURE

The Farmer’s Share Did you know that farmers and ranchers receive only 14.3* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend?

According to the USDA, off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.

Bacon

Retail: Farmer:

$4.99 $0.90

Bread

Retail: Farmer:

Retail: Farmer:

$9.99 $2.91

Tomatoes

Corn Cereal

$5.99 $0.09

Retail: Farmer:

$2.00 $0.67

$4.49 $0.18

Beer

Retail: Farmer:

Retail: Farmer:

12-pack cans

$3.99 $2.33

Flour

$2.29 $1.51

1 lb.

Retail: Farmer:

$14.99 $0.07

Boneless Ham

All Purpose, 5 lbs.

Fresh Apples

1 gallon, fat free

1 lb.

Retail: Farmer:

Fresh Carrots 5 lbs.

1 dozen

Milk

Lettuce

Wheat Loaf

Eggs

1 lb.

18 oz. box

Retail: Farmer:

Top Sirloin Steak 1 lb.

1 lb.

1 lb.

$6.89 $0.64

Fresh Potatos

Retail: Farmer:

$12.98 $0.90

Soda

Russet, 5 lbs.

2 liters

See the

VIKINGS vs.

Retail: Farmer:

$2.29 $0.21

Retail: Farmer:

$4.39 $1.54

Retail: Farmer:

$1.24 $0.83

Retail: Farmer:

Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2023. | Prices based on July 2023 data.

Retail prices based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted. | *Figure according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service

/nationalfarmersunion

@NFUDC

/nationalfarmersunion

$5.99 $2.47

Retail:SAINTS $0.99 U.S. Bank Stadium Farmer: $0.09

August, 2023 November 11-12 Game is at noon on Sunday.

nfu.org/topics/blog

New Orleans

Saints $600 single occupancy $525 double occupancy (per person) National Farmers Union | 20 F Street NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20001 $500 triple occupancy (per person) P: (202) 554-1600 | F: (202) 554-1654 | www.NFU.org | info@nfudc.org $485 quad occupancy (per person)

Trip includes transportation, lodging, lower bowl ticket and Mall of America.

Motor coach picks up passengers in Bismarck, Jamestown & Fargo.

Sign up with this QR code: For more info, go to ndfu.org/tours or call 800-366-6338

NDFU.org • October 2023 • 23

JOIN US Register through the NDFU app or at ndfu.org!

Join us as we give away two $4,000 cash prizes! (must be 18) Other prizes include:

• 24-volt kids dump truck (5-and-under) • Apple iPads (6-14) • Apple MacBook computer (15-17)

Don’t miss your chance to win great prizes at the NDFU state convention Dec. 10-11 at the Bismarck Event Center!

for the 97th NDFU state convention!

Dec. 15-16 • Bismarck Event Center

ALYSON VAN HOOSER Van Hooser Associates Motivational Speaker

Curious about transitioning your farm to the next generation? Sign up for succession planning workshop Thursday, Dec. 14 through the app or at ndfu.org!

Options available for ranchers facing drought Drought conditions in portions of North Dakota are forcing some farmers and ranchers to consider their options, according to North Dakota State University Extension specialists.

Currently 30% of the state is experiencing some level of drought with several counties in northern North Dakota experiencing severe drought (D2). Producers in these areas are experiencing below normal forage production and poor pasture conditions.

“Drought-affected pastures and native ranges generally do not produce adequate forage to maintain normal stocking rates,” said Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “Stocking rate can be adjusted by reducing the number of animals and/or the length the grazing period.

Farmers and ranchers must make the decision to sell cattle, relocate cattle to a drylot, or provide supplemental feed to offset nutrient deficiencies in the forage or replace a portion of pasture or range intake.”

Reductions in stocking rate will benefit range plants by reducing stress and providing more forage for the remaining cattle, Meehan added. When stocking rates are reduced, only small effects on weaning weight may be noted. If stocking rates are not reduced, supplemental feeding is necessary to maintain herd productivity and alleviate grazing pressure.

Additionaly, producers will likely see a decrease in forage production on pastures that are overstocked the subsequent grazing season.

Supplementing on pasture or range can help stretch available forage and allow farmers and ranchers to maintain “normal” stocking rates this fall. However, caution must be taken when considering supplementation strategies when the goal is to replace pasture or range intake.

“The main objective of supplementation programs is to meet nutrient requirements as efficiently and economically as possible,” said Zac Carlson, NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist. “The thought of replacing pasture or range with feed for cattle grazing would be to substitute daily pasture intake with an economical feed that doesn’t negatively impact forage digestion. To do that, factors that should be considered when making decisions about supplements include forage supply, 26 • October 2023 • Union Farmer

protein content, body condition, and cost and availability of supplements.”

“If forage production is limited, farmers and ranchers may wish to replace a portion of pasture intake with supplemental feed,” said Karl Hoppe, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist based at NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center. “Feeding harvested forages such as alfalfa or annual forages on pasture is one option; however, forage supplies are already short in many situations.”

It is also challenging to get cattle to consume harvested forage while on pasture,” Hoppe noted. Farmers and ranchers should provide at least 0.5% of bodyweight of alfalfa hay daily to replace pasture intake with alfalfa hay. It is recommended to supplement harvested forages on tame pasture over native pasture to reduce the introduction of undesirable plant species on native range.

Grain-based supplements can reduce forage intake by providing a substitution effect.

However, cereal grains contain starch and sugars, which will lower ruminal pH and reduce forage digestibility, especially at higher feeding levels. This results in less energy from available pasture or range to the animal. Therefore, cereal grain supplements should be limited to 0.25% of bodyweight to minimize the negative effects on forage utilization.

For some grains, processing may be necessary for optimum use by cattle. Corn and oats can be fed whole but may be better utilized if coarsely rolled before feeding. Barley and wheat should be coarsely rolled.

Unlike protein supplements, energy supplements should be delivered daily for optimal performance to avoid excess energy intake and maintain optimum conditions in the rumen.

Fibrous by-product feeds, such as soyhulls, wheat middlings, corn gluten feed, distillers grains, beet pulp and brewers grains, contain low levels of starch and sugars, but high total digestible nutrient values have less negative impacts on forage intake and digestibility.

However, fibrous by-product feeds should be supplemented at levels greater than 0.6% of bodyweight daily to replace pasture intake.

Article courtesy of NDSU Ag Communications

Our Fam Book the Fourth children’s book from North Dakota Farmers Union

$16.95 plus tax

Dusty learns about generations of family and equipment on their farm, and the latest in soil technology. Find out how Dusty makes Gramps a new thingamajig for his tractor to save the day!

26 • August 2022 • Union Farmer 24 • August 2022 • Union Farmer 12 • June March2022 2022• •Union UnionFarmer Farmer 4 • January 2022 • Union Farmer 28 • September 2023 • Union Farmer 4 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

mily mil y Farm Series Don’t forget! You can get all four books for one great price!

Sullivan Our Family Farm • Cows on the Mooove!

$16.95 ISBN 978-0-578-91271-4

51695>

NDFU

9 780578 912714

© North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation

GET 4 BOOKS FOR $55 + tax

NOTE: only ONE “Where Roots Run Deep” book is included in $55 deal

visit ndfu.org to purchase your books online or call the state office at 1-800-366-6338

NDFU.org • August 2022 • 27 NDFU.org • August 2022 • 25

NDFU.org • August NDFU.org NDFU.org • •March June 2022 20222023 •• 13 13 • 25 NDFU.org • January 2022 • 5

NDFU.org • September 2023 • 29 NDFU.org • June 2020 • 5

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 5

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

Deadline is the 15th of every month.

Limit 75 words.

MEMBERSHIP DUES MUST BE CURRENT!

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE PAYLOADER, John Deere 444C, 3173 hours, 2 yd bucket with gravel fork, good condition. $25,000. 701-320-4826, Gordon Greer, Cleveland.

VERMEER BALER 605 J year 1987, 1000 RPM PTO, windrow gathers, Hydraulic tailgate, electric tie and monitor, tires in very good condition. Always been shedded and it is in good condition, Hasn’t been used for a few years. Asking $3000 or best offer. 701-3910497, Randy Volk, Shields.

COMBINES, 2004 JD 9660 STS Combine, Contour Master - Eng hrs -3884/Sep Hrs2706; 2001 JD 9750 Combine, PRWD, Cont Master - Eng hrs -4968/Sep Hrs - 3331, above average condition, serviced/annually (repair list available); JD 2014 DB60 for parts; 36 JD Pro-Series XP Meters with Mini Hoppers/Trimble True Count Air Clutches/Seed Tub Sensor Wire Harnesses; 3 control boxes/Air tanks to run clutches for 3 row shutoff. Trimble Wiring/Hoses.

701-321-5711, John Kempf, Ashley.

SEMI-TRUCK, 2005 International 8600 semi tractor, ISM Cummings engine, Eaton Fuller 10 speed manual. 471,400 miles. $ 30,000 OBO; Two 3000 bushel butler grain bins. Free if you remove them. 701-320-4281, Les Koll, Wimbledon.

TRACTOR, 15-30 McCormick Tractor, 1 New Tire LT245-75R-Load Range E. 2- Cream Separators, 4-wheel Steel Running Gear, 1 Covered Wagon Running Gear, 12’ Kirschman Drill, 1 Horse Potato Cultivator, 4 Btm. Pony & Packer, Saddle and 2 Bridles, Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FUEL TANK, 60 gallon tank w/ pump; Lincoln welder 225; 2 wheel flatbed trailer. 701-2700184, Harold Severson, Lakota.

PTO GENERATOR, on trailer, single phase Winco 35000, 120/240 volts. 701-327-8399, Gerald DeWitz, Tappen.

FLEX HEAD/TRAILER/GRAIN CART, 2009 JD 635 flex head with AWS air reel with trailer, single point hydraulic hookups, new knife sections, good poly and fingers, grain dividers, shedded when not used, always updated, pictures available; 400 bu. J-Kraft grain cart, PTO drive, folding auger and folding spout, bottom gate over bottom auger, new roll tarp, 28L-26 single tires, good condition, pictures available. 701952-8973, Glen Nagel, Jamestown.

WELDER, Hobart wire feed welder model handler 187 and h100s2-10 gun, 230 volt, 25-185 amp output, made in USA, volts 230, amperes 20.5, kw3.88 phase=1 hertz 60 and welding cart. 701-448-2475, Paul Weinberger, Turtle Lake.

FOR SALVAGE, D6 Caterpillar with dozer $3,000; Tox-O-Wik grain dryer $500; 1976 Mercedes Benz 300 Diesel to be restored $2,500. 701-3735480/701-845-3594, Don Jorissen, Valley City.

1976 CHEVY C60 TRUCK. $5000. Heavy duty box with roll tarp, new brake booster and fuel pump. 24 ft IH pulltype swather w/ transport. $750. D John Deere with starter $1000. 701337-6103, Ronald Krebsbach, Garrison.

TWO STEEL BINS on cones w/aeration fans; 3 triangular grain auger hoppers w/straps/chains to fasten onto grain auger; Simer water pump; Bourgault knock on cultivator sweeps; farm scale/steel wheels; used Case IH 8230 feeder chain; used 16” cultivator shovels; John Blue anhydrous nitrolator w/hyd shut off hoses; combine pickup guards/lifters; 4x8’ wooden stone boat; old front tine rototiller; 701-6299003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

SPRAY COUPE, Melrose Kirshman spray coupe; 22ft x 6 inch hyd auger like new;16ft x5 inch hyd auger for feed and seed, all items kept inside; Horse-cattle trailer with excellent tires; 7ft cultivator with 3 point hitch for gardens and trees; antique gas pump. Call late evening or leave a message. 702-482 7749, Robert Huff, Donnybrook.

STACK MOVER, Lehmann, chain, works great for moving bales, ready to work. $1900; Lorenz feed wagon, delivery on the left side $1500; IH 5 bottom plow and packer $850; Holland baler has its own motor, electric start, $4600; Powder River squeeze chute, $900; Heavy rope, many feet free, all equipment ready to go, can deliver.

701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.

WANTED DIAGONAL ROD BRACE, Restoring a JD 191 Walking Plow. I need about 1/4 the way up between the wooden handles a diagonal rod brace that is threaded on one end with a bent turnbuckle, on the other end bent with an eye opening. Brace is about 13 inches long; Need on the hitch mechanism a brace on the one side that is about 1 inch wide and about 7 1/2 inches long. This is a diagonal brace with bent ears on both ends with holes. 701-838-5014, Don Eliason, Minot.

TRACTORS, IH 706, 806, 1206, 1456, 1066, 1466, and others; JD 4520, 4620, 5010, 5020, 6030, others; MM 950s on up; Oliver 1964 on up. AC 200, 210, 220, D-21, others. Running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

WESTFIELD AUGER PARTS, J207 41 or 39 ft Westfield auger, only need the 7 in. tube or small section. 701-626-1492, Leo Thomas, Velva.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE GIVEAWAY, Everette Spinet piano with bench.

Good condition. Call for more info. 701-2847442, Julenne Anderson, Park River.

PICKUP, 1978 Dodge D200 Adventurer Prospector pickup, restored, new rubber bed liner, 8x5 ft, 9 inches wide; Briggs-Stratton 6 HP engine, good condition. Leave message if no answer. 701-663-7973, Chris Heim, Mandan.

TORCH SET, Purox torch set with regulators, cutting torch, welding tips and rosebud, no hose. $100; Ridgid pipe cutters, Two 1/8-2” also a Ridgid pipe clamp. $75; National family scale 24 lb. max, made by American cutlery co.

1; Great Northern Railway (GNRY) lantern made

by Dressel; GNRY lantern, globe glass made by Armspear MFG co. 1925; 1 gallon size oil can, also GNRY. Best offer or trade for guns. 701-7403375, Randy Geir, Grand Forks.

MANUALS for Caterpillar BW21 Tractor; Manual for Komatauj GD 705A-4, motor grader, J619 elevating scraper for Caterpillar 619 and operating manual, John Deere 2-cylinder 1990’s issues, still in mailing envelopes; Two marble round tabletops, wooden wheels, smooth rocks for crafts and much more. 701263-4345, Mary Knutson, Dunseith.

TOOLS, band saw, router, saws, wrenches, pliers, screw drivers, drills, grinder, voltimeter, garden tools, books, screws, nails, etc; Grazier books.

701-349-4179, Betty Jo Hvistendal, Ellendale.

RUGER DELUXE 10-22 rifle. Just like new. With scope, 10 and 25 shot clips. $425; Remington Model 580 bolt action single shot .22, no open sights, 4x Bushnell scope, great first .22 for a kid or grandkid. Sightron 4x16 42 mm scope. $325, lists new for over $500. Can send picss.

701-580-3357, Martin Hanson, Zahl.

MODEL A, 1930, four-door, runs and drives. Original with a few assorted parts, approximately 97% complete. Serious inquiries only. Pictures available. If interested, come look at it. 701-216-0094, Doug Perdue, Ray. CO-OP SIGN, large oval shaped sign, John Deere bubble sign, Massey Harris sign, Our Own Hardware sign, Benjamin Moore paint sign. Cast iron lollipop sign bases, one Coke and one Pennzoil. Trades welcome. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

SMALL CAMPER TRAILER, bumper hitch. 1976 Gold. $600. Motorhome, 1982 Chevrolet Holiday Rambler motor home in working order with generator, water system, furnace, and air conditioner. $3500. Two 10x12 new non-insulated garage doors including 4 panels, 4 springs, 2 torsion shafts, 2 hardware boxes, 2 sets of tracks, $900. Golds gym cross trainer 510 elliptical $200. 701-748-2873/701-870-1970, Verna Gowin, Hazen.

WANTED OLD STUFF, Old Indian head road signs, old retired Highway Patrol door sign, North Dakota License plates, ND picked arrowheads, and ND small town metal trade tokens. Advertising signs, old gas pumps, advertising thermometers, advertising clocks, crocks, and custard glass with town advertising. Will travel and paying cash.

701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land.

Make reservations now. Email: larryn@westriv. com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.

VW BUS, 1950s-70s. 701-219-5847, Joel Herman, Harwood.

ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT NDFU.ORG/CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds by mail, fax, phone or email will not be accepted.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION 1.Title of Publication: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer 2. Publication #: 01-6211 3. Date of filing: 9-21-2023 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Issues per year: 12 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: September 1, 2023 Extent and Nature of Circulation 12 Issue Average Actual Number Last Run 15.a

Total Number of Press Run

36,778

36,500

15.b 15.b 15.b 15.b 15.c 15.d 15.d 15.d 15.d 15.e 15.f 15.g 15.h 15.i

(1) Paid/requested Outside County 36,278 36,000 (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions 0 0 (3) Sales Through Dealers 0 0 (4) Other Classes 0 0 Total Paid Circulation 36,278 36,000 (1) Free Distribution Outside Co. 400 400 (2) In County 0 0 (3) Other Classes 0 0 Free Outside Mail 0 0 Total Free Distribution 400 400 Total Distribution 36,678 36,400 Copies Not Distributed 100 100 Total 36,778 36,500 Percent Paid: 98.6% 98.6%

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 97th annual State Convention of the Farmer Educational and Cooperative Union of America, North Dakota Division, is being held at the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, Dec. 15-16, 2023. Official business at 9:15 a.m., Dec. 15, 2023.

Mark Watne, President

ATTEST: Wes Niederman, Secretary

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF AGRARIA MUTUAL GROUP

Policyholders of Farmers Union Insurance Company are members of Agraria Mutual Group and are hereby notified that the annual meeting is being held at the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, ND, Dec. 15-16, 2023. Official business begins at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2023.

Mark Watne, President

ATTEST: Kristi Schlosser Carlson, Secretary

NDFU.org • October 2023 • 31

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

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