FARMER UNION
www.ndfu.org
A LIFE IN
AGRICULTURE
FORMER AG COMMISH TALKS LOVE OF AG, FARMERS UNION
SEPTEMBER 2019
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UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 66 • Number 9
The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. EDITOR: Chris Aarhus 800-366-8331 ext. 118 caarhus@ndfu.org Annual subscription is $30 with membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU • PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 32,834 • USPS 016-211
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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 • September 2019 • Union Farmer
Do not accept the decline in agriculture
S
erving the members of North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) is very rewarding. Even in the challenging times we face, our members continue to dedicate their time to enhance farm and ranch life and support their communities. We believe we are stronger together as we work to achieve our goals. The current financial challenges we face are widespread. No farmer or rancher should feel alone or unique in meeting farm or ranch operational needs. Much of what you are facing isn’t due to any lack of effort on your part. Farmers and ranchers of today are extremely good at food production and deserve credit for all the work they do to provide this nation with a large, high quality and inexpensive food supply. NDFU is committed to the fight for economic justice for family farms and ranches. The current ag crisis is not inevitable and should be managed better. Over time, we have deteriorated the value of the farm program; we have mismanaged trade agreements; promises haven’t been kept; and the effort to push our excess production on other countries has not been successful. NDFU remains nonpartisan and will challenge any administration whose interest and policies lower the potential income of family farms and ranches. It is true that we did not arrive in this financial crisis overnight. Trade challenges began when we opened our doors to imports without any
consideration of the impact to our own markets, along with currency and labor inequities. In essence, we chased the short-term game of exploiting access to cheap goods at the cost of our economy. We also have shortsighted ourselves with renewable fuels by caving to the crude oil industry’s hunger for endless profit. It is hard to understand why farmers and ranchers are being told to look to markets for financial success when markets are manipulated against them. The promise of an agricultural free market is unrealistic and doesn’t exist. We should lose the free market language and search for fair markets in both exports and domestic markets. It is simply wrong to accept the continued decline in the number of farms, and aging of our farmers, as the new reality in agriculture. Proper agriculture programs, efforts to match supply and demand, feeding the world’s starving population, supplementing our energy needs with renewable fuels, enforcing antitrust laws, and paying farmers equitably to achieve a return on their investment will lead to a long-term food system that is in the best interest of our nation’s continued success. These tools and policies can sustain family farms by providing the necessary income to survive. I have said many times that agriculture and food production are what make this country great. Agriculture has built our nation and will lead it into the future. We should not put it at risk – it’s made our country the strongest in the world.
WE’RE A FAMILY OF COMPANIES. AND FAMILY IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU.
WWW.FUILLC.COM NDFU.org • September 2019 • 3
NDFU PARTICIPANTS SET FOR NFU FLY-IN SEPT. 9-11
Farmers Union members from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 9-11 for the 2019 National Farmers Union Fly-in. During their time in Washington, members will be afforded the opportunity to hear from U.S. Department of Agriculture officials about current events, opportunities, and other work the department is doing on behalf of farmers. They will receive briefings from other administration officials and the leadership and staff of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives committees on agriculture. The most important agenda items of the fly-in, however, are the meetings on Capitol Hill. Teams of Farmers Union members will stop by the office of every member of Congress. Grassroots efforts at their finest, Farmers Union members will highlight the key priorities for the organization, struggles they are facing and goals for future legislation and the next farm bill. For 2019, fly-in participants will be advocating four policies to support agriculture
STRENGTHEN SAFETY NET
American family farmers and ranchers are enduring the sixth consecutive year of depressed farm income. Chronic overproduction and disruption in international markets have
driven prices for many commodities well below the cost of production. At the same time, severe weather has wreaked havoc on many U.S. farms and ranches. While trade aid and disaster assistance have offset some of farmers and ranchers’ recent losses, Congress and the administration should work together to provide a reliable, consistent safety net. Congress should increase reference prices under the Price Loss Coverage program to account for cost of production; address chronic oversupply in the marketplace, including the creation of programs that divert acres to conservation uses; and create a long-term supply management program that balances milk supply with demand.
SUPPORT CLIMATE, BIOFUEL POLICIES
American family farmers and ranchers can play a key role in curbing and adapting to climate change through farming practices and renewable energy production. Efforts to make farmland more resilient to changing and extreme weather also helps to sequester carbon. The growth
of renewable energy use in transportation fuels through the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will be a key component of America’s clean energy future. Congress and the administration must promote programs and policies that encourage climate friendly practices on farmland, installation of on-farm renewable energy systems, and promote higher blends of ethanol and advanced fuels. Congress should support USDA conservation programs and a strong RFS; incentivize new markets and supply chains that help farmers and ranchers make climate friendly decisions; and eliminate barriers to higher blends of ethanol and advanced biofuels.
CONCENTRATION IN AG
American family farmers and ranchers have been dealing with rapid consolidation in the industries that both supply and buy from their operations. This consolidation has led to increased costs for farmers, less choice and competition in the marketplace, less innovation, and increased prices for consumers. In order to reverse this disturbing trend, NFU is calling for the restoration of competition in agricultural markets through increased antitrust enforcement in the food and agribusiness sectors and fair treatment for farmers in the contract poultry and livestock sectors. Congress should cosponsor the Food and Agribusiness Merger Moratorium and Antitrust Review Act of 2019 (S.1596 and H.R.2933) to stem the tide of increased concentration; enhance
antitrust enforcement in the food and agribusiness sectors; and establish protections for farmers and ranchers from the worst abuses in the contract poultry and livestock sector.
IMPROVE USMCA AND RESOLVE ONGOING TRADE DISPUTES
Ongoing trade disputes are harming demand for U.S. farm products abroad, further depressing already low prices. Family farmers and ranchers are facing significant financial strain due to retaliatory tariffs and uncertainty in U.S. trading relationships. Meanwhile, the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), as written, fails to protect rural jobs and rein in health care costs. Congress and the administration should improve USMCA and resolve trade tensions with China and other trading partners. Congress should work with the administration to improve USMCA to reflect the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural communities; resolve trade tensions with U.S. friends and allies; and develop a long-term plan that ensures the viability of U.S. farmers and ranchers that is less dependent on exports.
NDFU PARTICIPANTS
Attending the fly-in for North Dakota are Levi Borstad, Cando; Terry and Mary Borstad, Devils Lake; Brady, Jaden and Sara Grosz of Minot; Adam Held, Egeland; Crystal Hotovec, Pettibone; Marcus Iverson, Langdon; Kevin Johnson, Plaza; Emily Ketelsen, Ray; Bob and Brenda Kuylen, South Heart; Allen Lund, Selfridge; April Marquart, Anamoose; Bradley McKay, Page; Raymond and Tracy Miller, Lincoln; Brittney Muskie, Spearfish, S.D.; Shaun Ness, Turtle Lake; Madeliene Nichols, Sykeston; Wes Niederman, Morristown; Carmen Rath-Wald, Kintyre; Hannah Remington, Minot; Justin Sherlock, Dazey; Jana and Shane Sickler, Gladstone; Anna Stoppleworth, Horace; Nicole and Ryan Taylor, Towner; Ronda Throener, Cogswell; Cole Turchin, Lisbon; Tyler Stafslien, Ryder; Benjamin Van Berkom, Burlington; John Wald, Kintyre; Michelle Ziesch, Pettibone.
Great pet food starts with great ingredients EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of monthly stories dedicated to Farmers Union Industries, and its seven businesses. BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU
Since 1988, Northland Choice has been delivering quality proteins for pet food companies. Northland Choice uses fresh poultry from USDA-inspected edible facilities and converts it “into a variety of products suitable for multiple pet food manufacturing processes,” according to its website, northlandchoice.com. Northland Choice is one of seven businesses owned by Farmers Union Industries, which is partially owned by North Dakota Farmers Union. It has three facilities in Minnesota — Waite Park, Redwood Falls and Long Prairie. Division manager Chelsea Hussong said Northland Choice ships its high-quality chicken and turkey proteins in a variety of forms including: frozen block, fresh chilled and in tankers. “The product that we’re making is such a high quality,” she said. “Some of our inbound material looks like it could be put on your barbecue grill. It’s awesome to work with that high of quality ingredients.” Some pet foods need more fat, while others need to maximize protein. This means customers often request products with different specifications. “For the most part, the industry is pretty standard,” Hussong said. “However, we have some
customers who want a very specialized product. Thankfully, our plants have a lot of employees who have been with us a long time. They understand the importance of these parameters and have the knowledge to make the correct products from raw material. At the end of the day, it’s really about close teamwork with everyone involved to make sure we have the best possible product.” Northland Choice’s facilities are all SQF Certified, which Hussong said is one of the highest quality audits available. In addition to industry audits, customers will also audit the facilities throughout the year. “There is a lot of paperwork involved with making pet food ingredients,” Hussong said. “Everyone must constantly document and review each step of the process to ensure a safe finished product and safe working environment. The Waite Park facility has been an amazing example of this dedication to safety. They have gone over eight years without a lost time accident. It’s something we’re really proud of.” The latest development for Northland Choice has been the addition of porcine proteins, which allows the company to expand within the pet food market. “We’re definitely excited to add pork/boar to our lineup,” Hussong said. To learn more, go to northlandchoice.com. To read more about Farmers Union Industries and its commitment to family farms, visit fuillc.com.
FUI donation helps Mott-Regent upgrade sports complex BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU
MOTT — A donation from Farmers Union Insurance will mean some much-needed upgrades for the MottRegent Wildfire sports complex. With a significant contribution from Farmers Union Insurance and agent Brad Greff, the complex will receive a variety of updates including the naming rights, as it will be referred to as the Farmers Union Insurance Sports Complex. “It’s nice that Farmers Union Insurance covers the whole state of North Dakota, both large and small areas,” said Willie Thibault, MottRegent superintendent. “It’s great what they do for the smaller towns and smaller-enrollment schools. It’s very appreciated.” Greff said he feels it’s important to contribute to his community. In the past, he has served as a bus driver, coach, referee and school board president. He still announces the football games every fall. “My kids all went through the school system, and they got a great education,” Greff said. “That’s the reason I like to give back. People here put their faith and trust in me handling their insurance. This is how I give back to those who have helped me and my family.” With the funds, Thibault said the school intends on putting up a new scoreboard. They’re also moving the announcer’s box back so those inside the box don’t have to lean out the window to see the end zones. After it’s moved back, they’ll also add
steps with railings, as opposed to the wooden ladder that’s used now. “We’re glad to support Brad’s community involvement and achieve something the whole town can take pride in and enjoy,” said Kevin Ressler, chief sales, marketing & brand officer for Farmers Union Insurance. “We’re all about strong rural communities.” A third plan with the donation is particularly pleasing to Greff, as the school is installing a four-lane track that gets student-athletes off the streets and onto a regular track surface down at the complex. “We had 54 kids out for track 7-12 (in a co-op with New England), and the kids are running throughout the town,” Greff said. “They have to do their relays on the street by the school. To me, it’s a safety factor.” Thibault said other plans are also in the works, but are “farther down the road.” They’d like to tap into the Southwest Water pipeline across the road, rather than the Cannonball River. They’re also working on a shared concession stand with a storage building and eventually, locker rooms. For now, Thibault said the goal is to finish the first few items on the list within the next year or two. “Mott-Regent is a big sports community,” he said. “Everything revolves around the school. As long as we can keep improving our facilities for our kids and our patrons, I think it’s awesome. We appreciate Farmers Union Insurance being involved.”
CONTINUING NDFU EDUCATION WITH
collegiate chapters
BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU
When North Dakota Farmers Union campers and counselors are off to college, their involvement doesn’t have to stop. NDFU has collegiate chapters for those heading off to North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, Valley City State University and Bismarck State College. Member Relations Specialist Molly McLain said collegiate chapters are an exciting way for members to stay involved. “Collegiate chapters are opportunities for youth to continue their experiences and journeys in the Farmers Union family by bridging the gap between youth and adult memberships.” Kelsey Perdue of Ray and Heather Knutson of Kathryn are co-leaders at NDSU. Perdue said last year the chapter had events in the fall to increase its membership. “We kicked off the year with a fun social event at Sky Zone to get people in the door,” she said. “We had events throughout the fall semester, and that includes a formal meeting. Our main goal is to get people involved in Farmers Union together.” McLain said NDFU has worked to increase involvement with collegiate chapters on campus and the new structure of having co-leaders is paying dividends.
“We have some pretty incredible leaders to thank for that,” she said. “We’ve really been working to revamp collegiate involvement. (Our leaders) are tasked with being collegiate ambassadors, so we have an official presence on campuses.” Those getting involved with collegiate chapters receive unique opportunities such as attending the National Farmers Union fly-in each September in Washington, D.C. The chapters are required to meet a certain amount of times each semester and plan an educational event, McLain said. For anyone wanting to get involved or even start their own chapter at a different college, contact Youth Education Specialist Miranda Letherman at 701-9520166. Collegiate chapters also have their own Facebook groups where co-leaders can be reached. Perdue said collegiate chapters fill an important gap. “It’s a really good way to continue your involvement with Farmers Union,” she said. “It bridges you from camp into being involved as an adult. I would highly encourage anyone to get involved. It can be tough to get people involved because time is such a priority and there are so many things to devote your time to. We respect your time. It’s not a huge time commitment — just a great way to stay involved.”
Heidi Jacob and Riley Lebahn help package food as part of a volunteer effort at the Great Plains Food Bank by NDFU’s collegiate chapter at North Dakota State University.
Contact Youth Education Specialist Miranda Letherman at 701-952-0166 or mletherman@ndfu.org to get involved or start a collegiate chapter at your school!
ROGER’S RIDE TO D.C.
Former ag commissioner from McLean County has spent his life supporting agriculture
I
n late 1988 amid the ongoing crisis of high interest rates, farm foreclosures and rapidly decreasing land values, North Dakota Ag Commissioner-elect Sarah Vogel was worried about the short time frame from her election to taking office.
With an average of 20 farm foreclosures per county, farmers had 45 days to file for Chapter 11, which is a restructuring of debt. Rather than wait, Vogel acted, negotiating to immediately install Roger Johnson to lead the
statewide Agricultural Mediation Service. “We were in a phenomenal crisis,” Vogel recalled. “We needed Roger to step in and run that program. People’s lives depended on it.” Johnson took over, and it set the stage for a long, productive career of advocating for farmers and ranchers everywhere. National Farmers Union reelected Johnson as its president at the national convention in March in Bellevue, Wash. He is in his 11th year at the helm after serving as North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner for 12 years.
GROWING UP
Johnson grew up on the family farm homesteaded by his grandparents near Turtle CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson checks his wheat on his family farm near Turtle Lake.
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Lake, where the family continues to farm today. They grew mostly spring wheat and raised cattle, along with some barley, flax, oats and sweet clover. He remembers his childhood as “typical” for a farm kid with no shortage of chores. “Getting up in the morning and milking cows before the school bus came,” Johnson remembered. “After school, come back and milk cows again. In the summer months, it was picking rock and hauling hay bales. In the summer months, my brothers and I were pretty much the bale-hauling labor for a lot of farmers in the area. We’d haul 40-to-50 thousand square bales in a summer. That’s how we made spending money.” Johnson said he was introduced to Farmers Union when he was very young. Eventually, he went to camp, became a camp counselor and then a camp director. “My folks would go to Farmers Union meetings, and we’d run outside and play in the schoolyard,” he said. “We did day schools, and I went to summer camp. I did the whole youth program — most of my siblings did as well.” He went to North Dakota State University, graduating with a degree in ag economics. He came back to take over the farm and was elected McLean County Farmers Union president as well as chairman of the board for Farmers Union Oil of Turtle Lake in the early 1980s. As his responsibilities grew, so did Johnson’s desire to help farmers.
AG CRISIS
Johnson became a part-time farm credit counselor during the collapse of the farm economy in the 1980s. “I went out and met with farmers having financial difficulties,” he said. “I helped them with their lenders to see if we could figure out a way to keep them on the farm and resolve whatever problem there was.” Johnson said his time as a credit counselor shaped his
future, as he learned to appreciate individuals, the struggles they faced and the dedication they had. Johnson called them important social connections. “It was a really impactful part of my life,” he said. “That work really honed my ability and desire to understand financially where the farm was at — to think more like a business person and more objectively.” Vogel was elected Commissioner of Agriculture in 1989, while Johnson was already working as a credit counselor for the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. She said she had seen him work while she was assistant attorney general. “He listened, and he was quick — he put things into effect,” Vogel said. “He impressed me.” Johnson started running the ag mediation service before Vogel took office — per her request — and started working on paperwork and counseling for 1,400 farmers in crisis. “When we helped all those farmers in 1989, that might have been my most significant achievement in eight years (as ag commissioner),” she said. “Roger hired people, trained them and ran it. And he worked hard. If farmers would have missed that 45-day window, many of them would have been lost. That was a heroic effort.”
TAKING OFFICE
When Vogel decided not to run for reelection, Johnson was elected in 1996 and stayed in that post until 2009, winning reelection three times. He credited the Farmers Union family for his successful bid. “There is no question in my mind that had it not been for those connections I made through Farmers Union with friends around the state, that I never would have been elected,” he said. “Both Democrats and Republicans — they ended up being supporters I relied on to do campaigns around the state.” When Johnson took office, the Marketplace of Ideas was already in full effect. A brainchild of Vogel and Sen. Kent Conrad,
the annual event was an entrepreneurial and economic development showcase and forum for farmers with ideas on creating extra income. It ran for more than 20 years, with Johnson serving as a co-sponsor during his tenure as ag commissioner. “In the ‘90s, a lot of effort was put into value-added agriculture,” Johnson said. “It was as much about trying to build optimism in agriculture as anything. We had all of this despair coming out of the ‘80s. If we could just add value to what we were producing, we could increase the likelihood that farmers were successful. It’s something I’m really proud of.” Johnson, who was a Democratic-Nonpartisan League candidate, was no stranger to narrow election victories during his time as ag commissioner. He beat Republican Dina Butcher in 1996 with 129,423 votes to 129,140 — one of the closest votes in state
Johnson stands by his family’s fully restored Case V, which is the first tractor he drove as a boy. He used it primarily to mow grass and cut hay.
history. He won reelection in 2000, 2004 and 2006. “One of the themes that ran through all the years as ag commissioner had to do with this constant debate in North Dakota between family farms and corporate farming,” Johnson said. “Every campaign I ran, it was an issue. I’m convinced it was why I was elected in every election. That corporate farming theme kept coming into this value-added ag discussion. That helped me focus on the people in farming as opposed to what it was that we were producing. That’s what government ought to be doing — focusing on people and how policies impact them, as opposed to sheer economics. You have to balance those two.” In his first few years in the position, Johnson recalled dealing with some extraordinary circumstances including advocating for flood disaster payments and drought disaster
payments in the same year. “It was a really nasty winter — over a 100 thousand head of cattle died,” Johnson said. “We had a raging drought in the west, but major flooding in the eastern part of the state.”
GOING NATIONAL
In 2009, Johnson ran for president of National Farmers Union while still holding an elected position. He said thenNDFU President Robert Carlson asked him to consider running for the post. “I pretty much dismissed it,” Johnson said. “Then I started getting other calls from Farmers Union folks in the state and around the country. I had three days to make a decision.” Johnson said his tremendous respect for Farmers Union moved the idea from “you got to be nuts” to actual consideration. With his three children off to college, Johnson said it made
sense the more he thought about it, and it would allow him to work for agriculture on a bigger stage. “I was attracted to (the ag commissioner) job because I loved farming, not because of the political environment,” Johnson said. “I never would have been commissioner if not for my involvement in Farmers Union. In a lot of ways, it was almost more logical to do this than run for ag commissioner again.” Upon being elected in 2009 and moving to Washington, D.C., Johnson said it took him a little while to get used to the partisanship. “In 12 years as ag commissioner — elected as a Democrat — in almost every one of those years, the Republicans were in charge of the House and the Senate, and the governors were all Republicans,” he said. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Roger Johnson, left, smiles as the newly elected president of McLean County Farmers Union in this undated photo from North Dakota Farmers Union’s archive. Johnson said the photo is from 1980 or 1981.
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE “I worked with a Republican legislature in North Dakota in a pretty bipartisan, respectful fashion. It wasn’t so overt. “Out here, it seems like every year is worse and worse. The ability to get along politically is really difficult. It was noticeable the first month I was out here. Yes, government is set up to have some friction, to have countervailing forces as an inherent part of our machinery. But throughout most of history, it’s been based on respect and the clash of ideas, not personalities. Unfortunately, it’s too much of the latter now.”
AG ISSUES
As president of National Farmers Union, Johnson, 66, makes sure the organization executes a list of priorities set by
the board of directors. The four key priorities for 2019 are farm economy, trade, ag consolidation and concentration, and climate change. Johnson said farm income is often the top priority, but that it can be hard to move the needle if farmers don’t have some incentive to limit production. “We have got to have some sort of public policy that provides incentives for farmers to produce less during periods of burdensome supplies and below the cost of production,” he said. “We’ll continue to see rapid consolidation in the industry until we have few enough farmers that they’ll begin to behave like other businesses and shut down production. I don’t think that’s the kind of agriculture we want in this
country.” Johnson said NFU continually works on trade, which is arguably the most talked about agricultural issue in the news with the ongoing trade war with China. Johnson believes it’ll take a long time to get back what’s been lost. “We’ve lost a lot of friends on the world stage,” he said. “The decades of work done by farmers building markets have suffered a major setback. The world trading system is in disarray. It’s not just a USA phenomenon, it’s worldwide. The WTO is not working as well as folks imagined it would.” Getting less coverage in the news is ag concentration, which has seen four companies control 85 percent of beef processing, 74 percent of pork processing and
Farmers Union Oil of Turtle Lake board chairman Roger Johnson, left, receives a plaque from then-NDFU President Alan Bergman to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the co-op in 1988.
Farm credit counselor Roger Johnson speaks during a farm stress meeting in McLean County in this undated photo from the late 1980s.
54 percent of poultry processing. Three companies control almost 70 percent of the agricultural chemical markets and two-thirds of the seed market. “This is sort of slowing innovation in the economy,” Johnson said. “Huge corporations are dominating sectors. Farmers are paying more than we should have to because of noncompetitive markets.” Climate change is also a problem NFU is working on, and it might be the most significant in the long run. Incentivizing carbon capture is key to farmers playing a pivotal role, Johnson said. “No matter how many
North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson speaks to a member during NDFU’s state convention in 2001.
people wish this would go away, it’s not going to,” he said. “We have to hone in more as policymakers and figure out how to decarbonize this economy over the next several decades. There will be opportunities for farmers to add economic value to what they do by following these practices that are good for society and good for earth.” When he’s not advocating for farmers, Johnson’s spending time with his wife of 41 years, Anita, or his four grandchildren. Johnson, who enjoys biking, has long participated in cycling events to raise money for multiple sclerosis. While he was
ag commissioner, he did rides in North Dakota and Minnesota every year. Now, he does them in Maryland and Colorado. Having spent his entire life advocating for agriculture, Johnson said his success starts and ends with the success of family farms. “One of the attitudes I brought with me when I became ag commissioner is that you needed to be an advocate for family farmers, and that’s really part of my growing up with Farmers Union,” Johnson said. “It’s about the people more than just the money. I was always proud to carry that with me.” s
What’s happening The Grow to Lead class traveled to Minnesota for an educational trip to learn about Farmers Union Industries businesses, Central Byproducts and SweatScoop. The group also learned about local agriculture producers in urban settings in Minneapolis, including Beez Kneez and Growling Lots Urban Farm.
Bowman/Slope Farmers Union held an EPIC event.
Bowman/Slope Farmers Union and Farmers Union Insurance had a float in the Bowman County Fair parade.
Adams County Farmers Union sponsored a Vitalant blood drive July 14 at the Hettinger Research Center. Fifty people donated with 14 of them donating double red cells.
Kyle Haas enjoys watermelon served by Logan County Farmers Union member Bailey Bitz and board president Bill Becker at Napoleon’s Alumni/Community Day.
around the state? Billings/Golden Valley Farmers Union had their community picnic and EPIC event July 15 at the Medora Community Pool. Kids enjoyed swimming and learning EPIC curriculum from coach Tina Davidson.
Mike Lamb of Lamb Honey Farm, right, was the tour guide for a Renville County Farmers Union EPIC event, as the kids learned about pollinators and food.
Towner and Cavalier County Farmers Union held an EPIC event Aug. 13 in Devils Lake. They learned how Grubbersputz’s popcorn is made, how donuts are made at Devils Lake donuts, and the services offered for farmers at CHS.
To those who have already donated ...
THANK YOU! FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFT TO THE NDFU FOUNDATION
Donations of more than $1,000 are recognized at the state office on the NDFU Donor Recognition wall. Giving levels include: COBALT – $1,000 to $4,999 BRONZE – $5,000 to $14,999 GOLD – $15,000 and above.
MAIL DONATIONS TO: NDFU Foundation, P.O. Box 2136, Jamestown, ND 58402 Please note if the gift is in honor of someone. For more information, contact Lucy Bardell at 701-952-0114 or lbardell@ndfu.org.
NATIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meet the NYAC EMILY KETELSON, RAY I graduated from Ray High School in 2018. I’m currently attending Minnesota State University Moorhead for actuarial science and plan on graduating in 2022. I’m involved with my campus math club, and in my free time, I enjoy writing and spending time with friends. What I enjoy most about Farmers Union camp and the youth program is the freedom to be yourself. It’s a very welcoming and comfortable judge-free environment where kids of all ages can express themselves. Since being elected to NYAC, I’m looking forward to seeing more how Farmers Union runs at the national level. I’m very excited to go to the fly-in in Washington, D.C., this year.
MARCUS IVERSON, LANGDON
I am Marcus Iverson, son of Jon and Carrissa Iverson. I attended Langdon Area High School. Some off the things I enjoy doing are farming, horse riding (barrel racing), snowmobile riding and restoring old tractors. I love the Farmers Union youth program because of all the people you meet from all over North Dakota, and the lessons on cooperatives. I’ve attended camp since third grade, and I’ve met and seen a lot of people. The counselors are great. The EPIC events are fun to attend also. The thing I’m most excited for being on NYAC is the fly-in. I have never been to Washington, D.C. It’ll be a great experience. Also, I’m excited to go to the national convention for the first time, as I’ve attended the NDFU state convention for many years. I’m also ready to get to know more about my fellow NYAC, and the next year’s All-States Camp in Wisconsin.
This year marked the final year of All-States Camp in Bailey, Colo. Next year, the camp will be held in Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of National Farmers Union.
Founding Farmers
farmers tots INGREDIENTS (serves 4-6) ¾ cup water 5 teaspoons unsalted butter ¾ cup all-purpose flour 2 large egg yolks 4 teaspoons kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground white pepper 3 cups potato flakes 5 cups finely shredded russet potatoes (squeezed of liquid) 4 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying INSTRUCTIONS
Bring water to boil in small pot. Add butter, decrease heat to low; whisk in flour. Transfer mixture to bowl of a stand mixer and mix on low with whisk attachment for 5 minutes. Add egg yolks. Mix for 5 more minutes. Add 3 teaspoons of salt, white pepper, 1 cup of the potato flakes, and the shredded potatoes. Mix for 2 minutes on low. Shape mixture into 2 equal rectangular loaves. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Freeze for 30 minutes. Heat oil in heavy-bottomed pot (or electric fryer) to 350 degrees on a deep-fat or candy thermometer. Unwrap potato mixture loaves. Cut into 20 equal squares. Roll each square between your hands to form stout cylinders. Roll each tot in remaining 2 cups of potato flakes. Fry tots until golden brown (about 7 minutes). Remove tots from oil with slotted spoon and drain on baking sheet with wire rack or a few layers of paper towels. Sprinkle tots with remaining salt while still hot. Serve immediately.
HAWAII FEB. 4-12, 2020
THREE-ISLAND ADVENTURE Oahu ~ Hawaii ~ Maui
Volcanoes Nat’l Park Haleakala Nat’l Park Honolulu City Tour Pearl Harbor Punaluu Black Sand Volcanic Beach Lahaina Village Iao Needle & more!
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT: $4,999 a person (double occupancy) $6,799 a person (single occupancy) *Price includes airfare, hotels, 11 meals
Call 800-366-8331 for trip info Ask for Eunice (ext. 108) or Jeff (ext. 111)
NEVER PLAY ON OR AROUND GRAIN BINS. Teach children and any farm guests that grain bins are not play areas.
KEEPING YOU SAFE. www.ndsc.org
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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 VERSATILE TRACTORS, 800, 835, 875; Two 1460 and one 1660 IH Combines. Pickup headers and straight headers. Also 983 8 row corn header. Combines have been shedded; 72 Chevy single axle truck. New rear tires and new roll tarp; 75 Chevy tandem. Runs good; 30 ft Salford, good shape; 701-202-6067, Richard Lynne, Maddock. 1973 CHEVY TANDEM truck with 20 foot box, 44,000 miles, also 22 foot bale carrier. 701-445-3453, Marvin Schmidt, Solen. CO-OP #3 TRACTOR from late 1940’s. Runs smooth and quiet, recent valve job, rebuilt starter, recent water pump. Grill is bent but could be repaired, otherwise metal is in good shape, tires are good, easy restoration project. 701-871-1389, Dan Anderson, Willow City. IHC 1460 COMBINE with rock trap, replaced rotor, cone, and concaves. New elevator chains and sprockets 2 years ago, new adjustable chaffer sieve last year, rigid non-adjustable sieve also. 24 foot 810-24 header w/finger reel, 24 ft 810-24 metal batt reel, 10 ft 810-10 header w/ Sund pickup 20 ft, 10-20 ft header w/10 inch sunflower header, next to new 36 foot header trailer. Prefer to sell as package. 701-465-3749, Arlo Blumhagen, Drake. 1973 MASSEY FERGUSON 175 with loader. Recent tune up with carb kit, plugs, points, wires, etc. Runs well. $4950 or reasonable offer. 701-228-5872, Glenn Berge, Souris. NEW HOLLAND ROUND BALER, 852 auto wrap, in good condition $1000; 851 auto wrap for $500, make an offer; 2 floor chains new, still in the box $100 each, plus many other parts both new and used; Hydrostatic drives for a Versatile 400 swather $125 per side or $200 for the set; Vintage steel wheels from old horse draw dump rakes $50 each; Farm Hand wheel rake teeth $1 for the new ones, about 20, and $.50 for used, about 60. 701-424-3670, Jerry Miller, Streeter. 2008 JD AIR SEEDER 30 ft 10 in spacing, double shoot TBT disk drill, Star fire ITC & Green Star 2. 8650 JD 4WD; 4840 JD; 7410 JD MFW’SL loader; Bobcat S650, fork and bucket; Case IH swather; Summers Ultimate sprayer with monitors; Canola roller; Degelman rock picker; Red Devil snow blower; Sickle mower; Wilrich chisel plow 45 ft; LCD Wilrich cultivator 34 ft. All machinery is in good shape. Will discuss prices. 701-377-2604, Jean Durick, Bowbells.
22 • September 2019 • Union Farmer
JOHN DEERE 8820 COMBINE, turbo, Sund pick-up, shedded; JD 30 ft. header #230; 450 bushel wagon. 701-468-5625, Donald Myers, Minot. IH 1020 FLEX HEADER, 30 ft, $8500; IH 1015 pickup header, $2000, both good condition and shedded. 701-263-7125, Greg Morlock, Lansford. 1948 FORD 8N TRACTOR in excellent condition, parade ready, $3000; 3 point equipment for Ford 8N; cultivator, tandem disk and Ferguson sickle mower. 701-6625986 or 701-351-3305, Arne Berg, Devils Lake. JOHN DEERE 3010 TRACTOR, gas, good condition, good tires, new seat. Never has had a loader on it. Being used for haying. $6,000; New Holland 660 baler, good condition, new tires, extra bands, new teeth, belts, and other parts. Works good. Reason for selling, upgraded to newer bailer. $5,000. 701-391-6404, Patrick Roehrich, Washburn. VERSATILE SWATHER, pull-type, 24 ft, always shedded, real nice, make an offer; Livestock headgate. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby. 1988 VERSATILE 976, 4 hyd., CAH., 8380 hrs. $18000; 1976 case 1175, 2 hyd., 3 point, CAH., 1100 hrs on rebuilt engine, 7680 hrs. $6500; 14.9X38 rear tractor tire, like new, $300; 1600 gal. poly tank, $400; 701-320-1783, Dale Karn, Wimbledon. MASSEY FERGUSON 850 COMBINE, gray cab, with Melroe pickup header (new belts), 24 ft straight re-built header. New AC goes with (not installed), low hours, always shedded; IH 5000 diesel 24 ft swather, with cab. Pickup reel with Herschel cutting parts. Good condition; 1995 New Holland 8970 FWA tractor, new AC, super steer, 4 hyd 24 speed transmission. Always shedded, excellent condition. 701641-3184 or 701-664-2131, Bruce Lovdahl, Tioga. NUMEROUS HOPPER BINS; Case IH 75A Farmall FWA tractor w/L540 loader, no cab, 202 actual hours; MayRath 6x28 ft grain auger w/Briggs engine; 40 used Lange anhydrous knives; anhydrous nitrolator w/hyd shut off & hoses; steel fence posts; used cultivator shovels; transition & aeration screens & fans; 25ft heavy duty 5/8 alloy log chain; closing wheels plus hardware for 50ft 3320 Bourgault air seeder. 701-6299003, Doug Halden, Stanley. JD MODEL 1610 CHISEL PLOW, 41ft, new 4 ft shovels newer 3 bar harrow $6000; hydraulic cylinders (3 total) 4x16 inch for log splitters $75 ea; Anderson crank out windows, excellent shape, wood frame with metal clad $600; Belt pully assembly and new draw bar for Farmall H or M $100, 42 inch mower deck off a JD LT166 sandblasted and repainted, $200. 701-789-0966, Zeke Gruman, Cooperstown. 2001 JD 9650 STS COMBINE, 520/85/42 duels 23.1/26 rear Crary extensions single point hook up, green star ready; 2007 JD 893 corn head, 1500 acres on calmer knife rolls, gathering chains and sprockets; 2 800/65/32 tires off 9650 sts, 10 bolt rims like new. 701-320-1580, David Mutschler, Wimbledon. 875 VERSATILE, 835 Versatile, 1680 Case IH combine. 701-435-2690, Gary Rumer, Wimbledon.
2015 JOHN DEERE 640D HEADER, very low acres, poly tine pickup reel, road transport with lights, cutter bar with full width skid shoes. Please contact me with any questions and/or for photos. $36,000 obo. 701-629-1584, Tim Johnson, Stanley. BUCKETS, 8 ft MDS heavy duty rock/ brush/scrap buckets; 7 ft & 8 ft MDS Euro-global buckets; 8 ft MDS-JD Classic Tach bucket w/5-tine grapple; 8 ft MDS 148-158 bucket w/ JD grapple; 7 ft bucket w/ Koyker quick tach; 9 ft MDS bucket w/ 5-tine MDS grapple w/ Koyker quick tach; MDS attachment adaptor from skid steer quick-tach to Euro-Global; MDS rock badger; 10 ft MDS heavy snow pusher w/ skid steer attach. 701-709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley. 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. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields. IH 3588 2+2 TRACTOR. Running condition. 18.4x38 singles. 1000 PTO, 3-point hitch. S.N. 2890001U14194; 1975 Chev C65 twin screw grain truck. 19 ft box, roll tarp. 366 V-8, 5+4 transmission. 701-2283934, Dave Biberdorf, Willow City. JD 16 FT CHISEL PLOW, $500; IH Farmall M Tractor-narrow front; 22 ft Noble V blade plow, $300; 8x16 flatbed trailer, made from a truck chassis, has steel floor and tilt bed, $450.; Old JD grain elevator, paddle type; Horse drawn 2 row corn planter and one row corn cultivator; and a Western Saddle with padded seat, bridle, pad and breast collar. 701-483-4825, Richard Jablonsky, Dickinson. JOHN DEERE 158 LOADER, very good condition with new arena, grapple fork with all new hoses and hyd couplers. $4500. 701-320-4038, Gene Sand, Jamestown. 1566 IH CAH, 3pt, new 206 tires with duals; 1972 Chevy truck with 15 inch box and hoist, good tires; Massey Ferguson 760 combine, 540 V8, gray cab, 8-inch by 60 inch PTO, Brandt auger. 701-840-5228, Larry J. Miller, Valley City.
WANTED IH TRACTORS, 806, 1206, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466 and others; John Deere, 5010, 5020, 6030, 4520, 4620, others; MM 1000, 1050, 1355, others; Allis, d21, 210, 220; all Olivers newer then 1960; will buy all these tractors running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE SWIMMING POOL, above ground with pump, filters, ladder, cover. Approximately 6 ft wide, 12 ft long and 3 ft deep, $150; Spalding adjustable basketball hoop with backboard, $50. 218-779-9854, John Aasen, Clifford. LIKE NEW CONTAINER; Semi water trailer; Semi storage trailer; Loading ramp; Water tanks. (701) 474-5780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.
BOBSLED, real nice; Four wagon wheels, has a center pole also. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby. SEARS TABLE SAW 10 in cast iron; Twin cylinder air compressor; Slot Machines, two left; Goldblatt texture machine; 100 pound propane cylinder; Old penny weight machine; Old dime watch-it-pop popcorn machine; 7000 btu window air conditioner; 220 volt combination heater/air conditioner. 701-775-0031, Gary Nelson, Grand Forks. EVINRUDE MOTOR, two-stroke, 150 hp, every part good to excellent condition except for block. Electrical parts, lower unit, hood, controls and props all excellent. $325; Concrete power trawler, 42-inch, new 8 hp motor, $250; Rocky Mountain pickup camper, good condition, four jacks and blocks to set it on, $800; 2002 150 hp Mercury 2-stroke EFI outboard motor, excellent condition, too much power for my boat. $3850 (props and controls extra). 701-320-2466, Craig Neys, Jamestown. USED STEEL FENCE POSTS, $3 each. Steel fence posts that are bent or otherwise damaged, make me an offer for this large pile. Barb wire and heavy steel gates. 701-974-3644, Loren Myran, Richardton. LG WASHER/DRYER, front load, on pedestals, dryer works good, washer not so good, $100. 701-320-1783, Dale Karn, Wimbledon.
TIRES, 1-30.5x32x12ply Titan @ 80%; 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%; 1 new 13.6R20 Belarus FWD; 2-new Goodyear 520/85 R42; 4 Goodyear- 620/70R42@75%; 4 Firestone 620/70R42@50%; 2- new 14.9x24x8ply & 2-new16.9x24x8 ply (combine rears); new 285/75R24.5x16ply steer or trailer tires; many others. 701-709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.
KAWASAKI SIDE-BY-SIDE, 2510 Mule, high &low range 4 wheel drive, windshield & roll bars, 490 actual hours. 701-6299003, Doug Halden, Stanley.
DISPLAY CABINETS, from old country store, store signs; Lever action deer rifle. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.
1941-48 STUDEBAKER pickup or parts. Any condition. Especially need seat, glass, or interior parts. Call or text. 701-308-1371, Greg Anderson, Jamestown.
WANTED
BOAT MOTOR, small 10-20 hp, prefer four-cycle. 701-974-3644, Loren Myran, Richardton. 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 1991 MERCURY MARQUIS. 701-8451962 or 701-320-1953, Ronald Winkler, Oriska. 2000 FORD RANGER, reg. cab w/topper, 5 speed, 160, 000 miles, good running condition, doesn’t use oil. 701-324-0904 (evenings), Arnold Seibel, Harvey.
WANTED VOLKSWAGEN BUS. Looking for a restorable older VW bus. Also looking for parts and accessories to help out with restoration. Whether it’s sitting in the trees, or back of your Quonset, I’m interested. 701-219-5847, Joel Herman, Harwood.
LIVESTOCK/FEED FOR SALE 350 HAY BALES, from 2018 crop, some prairie, some alfalfa, some mixed hay. $30/ bale. 701-357-8461, Bette Wagner, Forbes.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE SPACIOUS HOUSE IN STREETER. Located in duck and whitetail country, this roomy home has 3 beds, office, laundry room on main floor. Large living and dining/kitchen area. 1584 sq. feet finished and 1584 unfinished basement + 2 stall attached garage + small shed. Friendly town and excellent school. Perfect for family or retirement home as main floor. Basement may be finished for add’l living space. Newer siding, windows, shingles. 701-424-3734, Richard Nenow, Streeter.
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Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
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