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FARMER UNION

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RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Heisler thriving as third generation agent for Farmers Union Insurance

SEPTEMBER 2020

GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY

Tyler Van Bruggen Agency I live in Valley City with my wife Angela. We have three daughters: Kylie (11), Maya (8) and Harper (5). My wife teaches junior high social studies at Valley City Public Schools. I grew up in Litchville and graduated from LitchvilleMarion High School in 2002. I attended NDSU and graduated with a degree in mass communication and business administration in 2006. While attending NDSU, I worked for my cousin Shane and uncle Rick in the Lebahn Farmers Union Agency in West Fargo. I also interned in the insurance department at the home office in the summer of 2005. After

college, I began my career as a Farmers Union agent starting June 1, 2016. Family farm agriculture has always been important to me. Growing up on the farm, I wanted to remain tied to agriculture, but was not sure that farming itself was for me. Insurance sales allowed me an opportunity to be on the farm with area farmers and be a part of the plan to protect their operation. Building relationships and trust with farm clients is what motivates me. If we can build an insurance protection plan that helps them sleep better at night, then I feel I have done my job. While in college, I was a member of the Blue Key Honor Society. Their motto is "Serving I live." It is a motto I have maintained even after college.

Tyler Van Bruggen Agency 457 W Main Valley City ND 58072 PH: (701) 845-2314

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 67 • 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: 32,410 • USPS 016-211

I serve as treasurer of both Washington and Jefferson elementary PTO boards. I serve on the Faith Lutheran church council where I recently served as president. I am also active on the Valley City State University Booster Board and have been past president of that as well. I am vice president of the Barnes County Housing Authority and a director on the Barnes Rural Water Board. I am also a member of the Valley City Optimist Club. Having been a Farmers Union Camp counselor while in college, the youth program is also important to me. I have been a county youth leader since graduating college and now serve as the Barnes County Farmers Union EPIC coach (youth director).

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne • Vice President: Bob Kuylen • Secretary: Wes Niederman Treasurer: Ronda Throener • Jon Iverson; Shane Sickler; Tyler Stafslien; Ryan Taylor; Michelle Ziesch. 2 • September 2020 • Union Farmer

Farmers need market reform

The commodity harvest for grains and oilseeds is happening in North Dakota. It’s the time of year when we celebrate our hard work and hope to reap the benefits of a good harvest. Sadly, we are facing low commodity prices across the board that will limit profitability and most likely leave us with losses. This situation is similar in the livestock industry and most other products farmers and ranchers produce. In the middle of this month, National Farmers Union will be hosting a virtual fly-in. Most of the focus will be on market reform concepts, which I pushed as our primary issue. This includes dealing with low commodity prices. It’s time we, as farmers, tell politicians and consumers to connect the dots. For too long, we have lived in a “cheap food policy” world. This policy rewards processing industry giants and penalizes farmers, ranchers and consumers. “Free trade” was touted as the policy that would save our farms. The thought was the U.S. would feed the world by producing more, lowering prices and competing globally with other countries for market share. Interestingly, we continue to lose market share, our prices are lower and we still do not compete well in price. The U.S. is exporting a lower percentage of its share of the world’s trade than before, even with lower commodity prices. The winner in free trade has been the processing industry and their access to lower priced goods for which they charge consumers more. They have no desire to label the source of those products or share profits with farmers and ranchers. Consumers need to look at the prices they pay and then look at the price the farmer receives. Only 11 cents of a 2-pound loaf of bread, priced at $3.99, goes to the farmer. Only 4 cents of a six-pack of beer, priced at $9.99, goes to the farmer. Only 57 cents of a pound of bacon, priced at $5.33, goes to the farmer. Do not blame the retailer for this price disparity. They earn a small percentage of the food dollar, too. The profit centers are in the concentrated processing industry. Farm programs are written for food security. They are a backstop for income when supplies are so large prices collapse. Working correctly and if enough dollars were budgeted, these programs would help farmers in a time of need and maintain adequate food for the nation to stabilize food

costs. But we have cut farm program funding, lowered safety net values, killed demand, been forced to legislate ad hoc disaster programs, and consumers still see higher prices on shelves that are not fully stocked. Meanwhile, large processors are making record income. How did processors get in the position to manipulate the market? It has been years in the making, allowing and ignoring monopolistic practices. We have antitrust laws that were developed decades ago to break up entities that garnered too much market share. We have simply ignored our laws and tools to stop monopolistic practices. Farmers and consumers are the ones who pay the price. Politicians continue to ignore this reality. Processors have even limited the consumer’s right to know where their food comes from. Your farm organization has been pushing for fixes to this issue for years and will continue to do so. It’s too bad that it took a global pandemic for some to see rising meat prices, shelves empty, processors making record profits, and farmers and ranchers euthanizing animals due to oversupply and processing capacity. Farmers and ranchers, do not miss this opportunity to share our story! The time is now for market reform and corrections. Food security has value. Family farms and ranches provide diverse production to maintain food security. Much of the world does not have the food security we enjoy in the U.S. Farmers and ranchers, please help politicians and consumers connect the dots.

NDFU.org • September 2020 • 3

COMING SOON! the second book in the Our Family Farm series from North Dakota Farmers Union

4 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

When a school bus goes into the ditch because of slippery roads in a snowstorm, the Rhodes family hopes to save the day with the help of the local cooperative!

Stay tuned .... ..

NDFU.org • June 2020 • 5

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 5

FARMERS UNION INSURANCE MAKES COMMUNITY DONATIONS Farmers Union Insurance (FUI) and its partner, National General Insurance, recently made extra donations to nonprofit organizations in a number of communities the companies serve. “We know there is an immediate need on the ground to support nonprofit organizations that provide services to the communities we serve,” said Mark Anderson, chief executive officer of FUI. “We are stepping up our efforts to help strengthen communities and bolster morale during this uncertain time.” Entities that were selected to receive $2,000 each were: Bismarck Cancer Center, Heavens Helpers Soup Café, Bismarck; GARC & Food Pantry, Garrison; City of Hoople, Hoople; Farmers Union Youth Camp, Jamestown; Dollars for Scholars, Kenmare; Little Lobos Preschool, LaMoure; Lisbon Fire Department, Lisbon;

6 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

Michigan Ambulance Service, Michigan; Napoleon Ambulance Service, Napoleon; New Salem Ambulance, New Salem; Wimbledon Child Care Center, Wimbledon; and Community Connections, Williston. “Our intent is to strengthen our resiliency as a community through these donations,” said Kevin Ressler, chief sales, marketing & brand officer. “We’re stronger together.” Farmers Union Insurance is one of few companies in the state that maintains a large investment portfolio in North Dakota, constantly reinvesting in businesses and communities. With over 325 captive and independent agents in North Dakota, Utah and Arkansas, the company provides insurance products and services to individuals, families and businesses. Go to fumic.com for more information.

Farmers Union Insurance agent Jerry Essler of Kenmare presents a $2,000 check to Becky Huizenga, representing Kenmare Dollars for Scholars. The donations, made around the state, were a partnership between FUI and National General Insurance.

Farmers Union Insurance agent Lance Gulleson of Lisbon presents a $2,000 check to Lisbon Fire Chief Justin Ward. The donations, made around the state, were a partnership between FUI and National General Insurance.

Farmers Union Insurance agents Sjon and Jerry Zunich (far right) of Williston present a $2,000 check to, from left, Jane Dube, Jan Halvorson and Rev. Nicole Martin of Community Connections of Williston. The donations, made around the state, were a partnership between FUI and National General Insurance. NDFU.org NDFU.org • August • June 2020 • 7

Former NDFU board member passes Former North Dakota Farmers Union board member Ervin Jose, 102, passed away on Aug. 10 at Missouri Slope, Bismarck. Ervin Albert Jose, the eldest son of John and Annetta (Buchmann) Jose, was born Nov. 2, 1917, at home north of Dodge. He attended school in Golden Valley until he had to quit to help provide for the family. He enlisted in the CCC at age 16 and continued until age 19. He served in the CCC for 40 months in Minnesota and South Dakota, serving as a cook, mason, carpenter and fire lookout. He served as a petty officer 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy, with duties as a radar operator in the South Pacific during WWII.

April 5, 1945 he married Florence Benz on Knob Hill in San Francisco when he was stationed on Treasure Island. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in Oct. 1945, they returned to North Dakota, living in Bismarck where he worked security at Union Ford until moving to their farm north of Regan in April 1948. Together they raised six children. Ervin was active in each community in which he lived, serving on the Estherville Township School Board and school reorganization board, a lifetime member of Regan/Wilton American Legion, on the board of directors for North Dakota Farmers Union and the Regan Educator Board, held the position of chairman on the Mercer-McLean County Council of Aging and served on the McLean County Council on Aging, was a member of the Silver Hair Legislature as well as being a life member of the VFW, and held various positions at Sunne Lutheran Church.

County convention scheduling underway Counties have begun scheduling their annual meetings this fall. • Ransom County Farmers Union is holding its annual meeting Sept. 13 at the Enderlin Fire Hall, set to start at 5 p.m. • Wells County Farmers Union is holding its annual meeting Sept. 13 at the Wells County Fairgrounds in Fessenden. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. with a livestock discussion. NDFU Director Shelly Ziesch will be on hand.

• Towner County Farmers Union is hosting its annual meeting Nov. 1 in Rocklake. Details to be determined. • Sheridan County Farmers Union is holding its annual meeting Nov. 3 at Random Roadhouse Bar and Grill in McClusky. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. • McHenry County Farmers Union is hosting its annual meeting Nov. 22 at the VFW in Anamoose. The meeting is slated for 6 p.m.

Around the state

Mercer County Farmers Union held a burger event Aug. 1 in Beulah, and Miss North Dakota Haley Wolfe stopped by to say hello.

8 • September 2020 • Union Farmer

2020

VOTER GUIDE

oth rural and urban North Dakotans overwhelmingly agree that farming is central to the North Dakota way of life. Family farmers are essential to North Dakota’s economy and communities. As the largest grassroots organization that represents family farmers and ranchers, North Dakota Farmers Union urges its members to ask their candidates about their views of family farm agriculture, and to support family farms with their vote in November. This year, the general election is Nov. 3. All North Dakota voting information may be accessed through the official portal website: https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Valid identification is required at voting time. North Dakota does not have voter registration. However, in order to vote in North Dakota, you must be: • A U.S. citizen • At least 18 years old on the day of election • A North Dakota resident • A precinct resident for 30 days preceding the election

Many counties also allow for early voting. Dates and availability differ by county. To find your local voting place and times, go to: https://vip.sos.nd.gov and click on where to vote or contact your local county courthouse. All eligible North Dakotans have the option to request a ballot before the day of an election in a process known as absentee voting. An application is required to be submitted anytime within the calendar year of an election. For more information or to access the application, go to: https://vip.sos. nd.gov and click on Absentee/Mail Ballot Application

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 9

U.S. HOUSE KELLY ARMSTRONG Republican

Consolidation in food and agribusiness threatens the resilience of our food system and decreases farmers’ and ranchers’ profit margins. How will you combat market concentration and strengthen local and regional supply chains? ARMSTRONG: In June, as the Trump Administration responded to the coronavirus pandemic and implemented Executive Order 13924’s requirements for regulatory reform, I sent a letter to Secretary Perdue, urging the USDA to revisit the burdensome regulations that created barriers to entry and lessen competition in the nation’s meat processing industry. I requested a briefing on these issues, specifically on how Congress can help. I believe that reducing regulatory burdens is the best way to help increase competition, strengthen our supply chains, and empower the American agriculture industry at an important time. RAKNERUD: Congress must take immediate action to address market concentration. The four largest meatpackers slaughter more than 80% of feedlot cattle in the U.S. That unprecedented level of consolidation should be addressed urgently. Congress should use its authority to address additional monopolistic influences in agriculture, such as the mega-merger of Bayer and Monsanto. It is so important that we promote healthy competition, not significant market consolidation. Congress must also work to modernize the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (PSA). The 2008 Farm Bill contained clearly defined misconduct examples for the enforcement of the PSA. Secretary Perdue replaced those mechanisms with four broad designations of acceptable misconduct exemptions. Large packing companies can skirt the law more easily, as a result. Protecting our local and regional supply chains will be a top priority of mine in Congress. Having grown up in Northwood, it pains me to see the loss of rural grocers in too many communities. Corporations like Dollar General may provide a convenience for many rural communities, but their impact on rural grocers is extremely troubling. Competition selling everything except fresh produce and meat does significant damage to a grocer’s margins and can lead to them closing their doors. The health impacts on the community thereafter are extremely troubling.

10 • September 2020 • Union Farmer

ZAK RAKNERUD Dem-NPL

GOVERNOR DOUG BURGUM Republican

Consolidation in food and agribusiness threatens the resilience of our food system and decreases farmers’ and ranchers’ profit margins. How will you combat market concentration and strengthen local and regional supply chains? BURGUM: The agricultural economy is vital to North Dakota and strengthening it is more important than ever in the current global trade environment. We are focused on a multi-pronged approach to do so: • Create more value-added opportunities here at home to give family farms additional local markets for their commodities, reducing transportation costs, increasing profit margins and keeping dollars circulating in state. Examples of creating value-add include encouraging the farm-to-table movement, finding synergies between the energy and agriculture sectors to better harness carbon and ethanol, and supporting value-added animal agriculture. • Continue to work closely with our federal delegation and the President’s administration in D.C. to ensure that market/price manipulation and antitrust laws are enforced. • Support development of seed capital opportunities for livestock operations and processing facilities to provide more outlets for feed grains. By focusing on these areas and other innovations, we can ensure that North Dakota farmers and ranchers remain robust and profitable both in the short term as well as for future generations. LENZ: The governor should be the first person to stand up to corporate mergers. We need a proactive governor, not a reactive governor because there is opportunity to stop mergers before they happen and save legal fights with the courts. We need an advocate to use the bully pulpit of the governor's office to help provide oversight of our antitrust laws and promote competition in the marketplace. As governor, we can set the stage for establishing a new animal processing facility that is locally operated and creates local distribution that incorporates truth in labeling of our food. Consumers know where our cars and furniture are made, but do not know where our food is made, and we can change that.

SHELLY LENZ Dem-NPL

The COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting impacts on North Dakota’s farming and ranching families, small businesses and rural communities. What are your top priorities for promoting a strong economic recovery while protecting the health and safety of North Dakotans? LENZ: We need a governor that is honest and transparent with the public, and with our local municipalities so that school superintendents, commissioners, and mayors can make educated decisions. We need to implement paid family leave for people who are home from work and health care policy to cover everyone. The governor needs to have stress mediation processes lined up to help financially stretched individuals who cannot pay their bills. Promoting ethanol consumption like E15 and E30 helps use our corn stock on hand, reduces our carbon footprint, and creates steady jobs in North Daktoa. This and our animal processing facility will help build a strong economy of homegrown prosperity across the state while raising the market prices for family farmers and ranchers. BURGUM: During COVID-19, our farms have been hit by the dual challenges of falling commodity prices as well as fall and spring flooding. Our administration has worked hard to secure FEMA relief for impacted farmers and ranchers, including a major disaster declaration declared earlier this summer, while striving to protect lives and livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has shown the power of individual responsibility, and that has driven our decision making since the outbreak began. As North Dakotans, we have always prided ourselves on being tough, but during COVID-19 we have been demonstrating what it means to be ND smart. Our focus on pragmatic guidelines and personal responsibility is why North Dakota never had to fully shutter our economy like other states, and they are the driving forces behind our ND Smart Restart plan. Moving forward, the coronavirus has underscored the need to innovate throughout state government and reinvent the way many services are delivered. We need to embrace digital solutions that improve services to North Dakota residents and treat taxpayers like valued customers. We can also look at the way our workforce is structured. We’ve proven that work can be done efficiently and effectively from anywhere, and that yields great promise for the future of our workforce. We also have an opportunity to dramatically improve how we deliver rural health care, behavioral health and long-term care. For example, the heightened emergence of tele-health has already begun to transform the ability to provide care and counseling to residents in ways that are more convenient and responsive to daily life. North Dakotans have been innovative and resilient throughout COVID-19, and I’m confident our state will again meet the challenge and emerge from it stronger.

NDFU.org • September 2020 • 11

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER JON GODFREAD Republican

The cost of health care has long been a major concern of family farmers and ranchers. What will you do to improve North Dakotans access to highquality, affordable coverage? GODFREAD: We understand the struggle of finding affordable health care especially if you are a farmer, rancher or small business owner. This was the key reason we proposed, and the legislature passed, the reinsurance program last session. As a result of the work done by the North Dakota Insurance Department, we saw an overall reduction of 20% on the individual market. This is the market that most farmers and ranchers’ access to purchase their health insurance. Going forward, we are currently studying ways to make this program viable for the long term and will continue to advocate to the legislature to keep this program in place, as it is critical for the short term to keep downward pressure on insurance rates. We have also completed an in-depth hospital cost study and will be proposing solutions to lower our health care costs in North Dakota which should translate into lower health care premiums. This study was released on Aug. 17 and is the result of significant work we have done in conjunction with the legislature. Finally, we are supportive of increased flexibility when it comes to plan offerings, potentially on the short-term market. This would allow an association to design a plan for their members that fits their needs and potentially results in increased savings as compared to the individual market, all of this while continuing to protect those North Dakotans with pre-existing conditions. Ultimately, the longer-term solution will need to come from Congress, but we remain committed to using any flexibility we have at the state level to address the rising cost of health insurance. MARTIN: Farmers, ranchers and independent contractors do not have the luxury of having health insurance provided by their employers. This has forced many families to take employment off the farm or ranch so they can get employer paid insurance because health insurance has become completely unaffordable for most families. The solution is obvious. Recruit more insurance companies to provide coverage in North Dakota to increase competition and put an end to the monopoly of Blue Cross Blue Shield that BC/BS has had for decades in North Dakota!

12 • September 2020 • Union Farmer

TRAVISIA MARTIN Dem-NPL

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER BRIAN KROSHUS Republican

CASEY BUCHMANN Dem-NPL

North Dakota has a commodity-driven economy that is subject to boom and bust cycles. How will you promote a more diverse energy sector while protecting the rights of family farmers and ranchers?

diverse energy sector will aide in the development of our economy for our family farmers and ranchers. As your Public Service Commissioner, I would be a voice for the people in making sure that profits and growth from our one-time harvest stay here in North Dakota to work for the people of North Dakota.

KROSHUS: From my early days in 4-H and FFA and 17 years as publisher of the Farm and Ranch Guide, to present day as the owner of a grain and cattle operation in western North Dakota, I understand firsthand the importance of diversifying our agricultural economy. Boom and bust energy cycles continue to create considerable uncertainty for our state. As a commissioner, I will continue to leverage my current role, utilizing it as a platform to work with key stakeholders in the agriculture and energy sectors to explore new value-added opportunities in North Dakota. Beneficial agriculture-energy partnerships, whether from a siting perspective for energy conversion facilities or initiatives like Blue Flint Ethanol and urea production at Dakota Gasification, are strong examples of how our state’s top two industries can work together and broaden our state’s economic base. To support and protect the future of family farms and ranches in North Dakota, it’s critical to continue creating new opportunities including through land-use revenue streams and reducing cost-of-production by increasing instate manufacturing of inputs like fertilizer and fuel. Fair, objective application of the siting law in a way that provides regulatory certainty for industry while exercising sound environmental stewardship, creates avenues for new investment in our state. Most importantly, protecting private-property rights throughout the entire process by recognizing and respecting the freedoms landowners hold in how they choose to manage their land, is critical.

BUCHMANN: As a candidate for the Public Service Commission and a Nonpartisan Leaguer, I genuinely believe that it is the commission’s responsibility to not only regulate but also introduce legislation that would help all the people of North Dakota. As your Public Service Commissioner, I would go back to our state’s Nonpartisan League roots. I would encourage the state and private sector to make natural gas available to all our towns and family farmers and ranchers across the state. Not only would this produce jobs by developing the infrastructure needed, but also provide towns, township and or counties with an abundant and reliable source of energy. The Public Service Commission needs to be forward thinkers as our energy sector transforms into cleaner and greener energy. Making sure that the voice of the family farmer and rancher is heard first and foremost in their decisions. A more

BUCHMANN: The top priorities for me as your Public Service Commissioner are making sure that North Dakota has a safe and secure food supply, energy reliability and diversification of the use of our energy. As a Nonpartisan Leaguer, North Dakota has a model that has worked well and profitable for the last 100 years. I believe that North Dakota should invest in more stateowned facilities. We have our State Mill and Grain along with our own Bank of North Dakota. Why not take it further and invest in a midsize meat processing plant for our ranchers and hemp plant for our farmers? We diversify our energy sector and economy at the same time. North Dakota builds a mid-size meat processing plant for our ranchers. Making sure that the origin of label says "North Dakota Beef." North Dakota builds a hemp plant. This allows our farmers another cash crop. Can you imagine North Dakota being the world leader in paper products from hemp? Being a world leader in the beef industry because of the quality of our beef raised in North Dakota? I am a Nonpartisan Leaguer and a forward thinker. With your help, we can make a difference for all North Dakotans. KROSHUS: Providing reliable, accurate information the public can utilize to make informed decisions is critical. Balancing personal responsibility with sound science from medical experts and removing the unfortunate and unnecessary politicization of the current pandemic, is essential to making a strong recovery all can benefit from. Rural North Dakota continues to be the foundation our state’s economy is built on. Family farms and ranches and rural communities across our state represent why we choose to call North Dakota home. They represent a way of life that supports our strong value system. Balancing lives with livelihoods in a responsible manner, as a public servant, is something I take very seriously and will continue to do. Navigating through low commodity pricing we’re currently faced with, compounded by impacts from the pandemic, will be challenging but not insurmountable. Providing clear direction with heightened transparency is something I will continue advocating for.

NDFU.org • September 2020 • 13

STATE AUDITOR JOSH GALLION Republican

The state auditor is responsible for auditing state, county and local governments, school districts and the university system, and mineral royalty payments. Why do you think the office of the state auditor is important? How can the office better serve all North Dakotans, including farmers and ranchers? GALLION: The state auditor's office promotes transparent government that is effective, responsive, and accountable to the citizens we serve. We accomplish this by making sure our audit reports are communicated clearly and accessible to all North Dakotans. This is why we publish our audit schedule on our website, issue news releases, social media, send quarterly emails (which anyone can sign up to receive), and make audit reports available at www.nd.gov/auditor. HART: The auditor's office is in a unique situation where not only can we create a culture of accountability across many state and local jurisdictions but we can also help share best practices and work to share efficiencies. Value-added auditing not only holds people accountable but provides value beyond the understanding of noncompliance. By looking beyond the gotcha game, we can identify root causes that lead to misappropriation or issues with the procurement process. We need to ensure proper systems are in place to train and audit internally to ensure a jurisdiction knows how to self-review and realign if needed. In my experience auditing in the field, “Bismarck” is a bad word used to describe bureaucratic programs that don’t provide value. I would like to help ensure the programs we audit are working to benefit those who interact with them. I would like to see the Office of the State Auditor helping to make sure state agencies are easy in their interaction. We need our government to be helpful again.

14 • September 2020 • Union Farmer

PATRICK HART Dem-NPL

STATE TREASURER THOMAS BEADLE Republican

In the last few years, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have proposed eliminating the state treasurer’s office, which oversees the collection, management and disbursement of state funds. Why do you think the Office of the State Treasurer is important? How can the office better serve all North Dakotans, including farmers and ranchers? BEADLE: I am a strong supporter of finding efficiencies in government in order to make sure your tax dollars are not being wasted. In the past I have supported and voted for shifting employees between agencies to better serve our citizens, including shifting employees into the IT Department, between the Public Service Commission and Ag Department, and between the Treasurer’s office and Tax Department. That being said, the functions of the Treasurer’s office are very important to our citizens and it is important that we have an independent and accountable voice serving our taxpayers on these numerous boards and providing oversight of state expenditures. The Treasurer’s office touches every dollar of taxpayer money that flows through the state. We must ensure that this is being done efficiently, effectively and transparently, so that we can ensure our citizens are able to hold government accountable. In addition, we need to make sure that this information is being communicated to our citizens, including our farmers and ranchers, so they can see where funds are going and learn about programs that are available in the state. As treasurer, I will invest in technology and cyber security, provide sound financial stewardship over taxpayer funds that are invested, and promote transparency and ensure accountability for your tax dollars. HAUGEN: I support keeping the treasurer’s office as an elected position. I believe North Dakotans like government to be close, accessible, and accountable to the voters. Eliminating the treasurer’s office would likely place much of the responsibility within the Office of Management and Budget. Placing the treasurer’s duties under OMB would mean all responsibilities would report directly to the governor’s office, losing its appearance of independence and direct accountability to the voters. History reminds us that in 1984 and 2000, the citizens of North Dakota spoke loud and clear when they voted to keep the treasurer’s office as an elected position. In addition, during the 2017 legislative session, a concurrent resolution was introduced to amend the North Dakota constitution, with the intent to eliminate the treasurer’s office. The resolution was easily voted down in the House of Representatives.

MARK HAUGEN Dem-NPL

The COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting impacts on North Dakota’s farming and ranching families, small businesses and rural communities. What are your top priorities for promoting a strong economic recovery while protecting the health and safety of North Dakotans? HAUGEN: North Dakota is blessed to have the only state-owned bank in the United States. The Bank of North Dakota has over a 100-year history of supporting agriculture, small businesses, student loans, and so much more. We need the Bank of North Dakota to continue its work in providing loan support that enhances our economy, with improvements to our infrastructure, diversifying our economy, and growing value-added agriculture. I have been a paramedic for 34 years, serving both the Garrison Ambulance District and West River Ambulance Service in Hettinger. Maintaining a strong rural healthcare system is vital to building a strong economy throughout North Dakota. I believe the Legacy Fund can be used to support North Dakota college scholarships for our young people entering a variety of professions, but particularly for students who wish to become medical professionals, in the hope of returning to our rural hospitals in North Dakota. In addition, I believe the Legacy Fund can be used to support water and flood control projects across North Dakota. Since statehood, we have recognized that a stable water supply and quality flood control has been a key to developing our economy. BEADLE: The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly had a major impact on all of us, and yet we have been fortunate to escape the worst of it. Our state has numerous programs in place through the Bank of North Dakota and the Commerce Department to help our small businesses, farms, and ranches survive this pandemic. We need to ensure that these funds are distributed quickly and correctly so they can help those in need. To help strengthen and diversify our economy moving forward, we need to continue investing in education, upgrade our water systems and farm-to-market roads and make sure that all our citizens have access to robust broadband networks. With good oversight of taxpayer resources in the Common Schools Trust Fund, Legacy Fund, School and University Land Trust and Strategic Investment and Improvement Fund, we can ensure the financial resources are available to strengthen our state and support our citizens.

NDFU.org • September 2020 • 15

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION KIRSTEN BAESLER

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Dakota’s schools completed the 2019-20 school year with distance learning. As we enter the new school year, what are your top priorities for ensuring the health and safety of children, teachers and school employees, while also promoting high-quality educational experiences? BAESLER: My priority is providing a high-quality education to every child no matter where their learning takes place, while keeping students, staff and their families safe. Schools will look different this year, but our commitment to student well-being and high-quality education will never waver. The Department of Public Instruction has developed an assortment of resources that students, families, educators, and schools can use during the 2020-21 school year. We are assisting our educators in writing distance learning plans, which can be used when families request the distance learning option. Families are in the best position to know if their children should return to school buildings. It is more important than ever for schools and families to be working together. The school-to-home connection has been strengthened during this pandemic and it needs to continue to be strong. A supplemental learning program will be made available to all 120,000 K-12 students, their families and schools to provide lessons in reading, language arts, and mathematics. One source of frustration in distance learning this spring was the use of different platforms in different classes. This program will help resolve that issue. It will also put each child on their own unique path for academic success and be a useful tool if in-person learning is disrupted again. Governor Burgum's Executive Order requires we evaluate the rigor of distance learning instruction in a representative sample of schools. This results from concerns we’ve heard from families that the quality of this instruction thus far has been uneven. We are offering professional development to our educators to help them improve their skills in this area. It is important for us to hear and learn from our many stakeholders; students, families, educators and other community members, to make sure we are hearing their concerns and answering their questions. I have logged 150-plus hours in calls, virtual meetings and Facebook live events to communicate with our state's citizens because hearing what is occurring allows me to help in areas most needed. That is how my priorities are set — meeting the needs of those I serve.

16 • September 2020 • Union Farmer

BRANDT DICK

DICK: My top priority is to do all I can to assure we have the highest quality educational experience for the students while taking steps to keep students and staff safe. At this point, I can only answer for what we are doing at Underwood Public School. We are making sure we minimize exposure between students in different grades so we can always quickly and accurately account for every student. This will allow us to stay open in case we do have a positive Covid-19 case by making it easier for those that do the contact tracing. Another safety step we will be implementing is taking temperatures of all who come into the school building. This will help limit the possibility of spread of the disease to other students or staff. Educationally, we are doing what we can to make sure our staff is ready for the potential of constant disruption that will happen when students and/or staff have to quarantine for being in close contact. We are working with teachers to assure they have the technology and training needed to be able to run their classes virtually at a moment’s notice. It will be a very challenging year as some parents and students will think we are too lenient with our rules, and others will think we are too strict with our expectations.

Even in North Dakota, consumers are increasingly separated from food production. What more can be done to educate students on where their food comes from and how it is produced? DICK: Growing up on a farm, this is a sad reality for me. I had the privilege of milking cows, raising pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese on our farm, so I knew where different food products came from. I think field trips are great opportunities for young people to learn. I am always looking for a way to make the connection from the farm to the food that all students consume. One of the ways to do this is by having local farmers bring in produce for our hot lunch program. We are fortunate to have a local farmer in Underwood that donates corn on the cob each fall for our lunch program. This is a great way to help students understand how corn out in the field one day can become a tasty part of a meal the next day. BAESLER: The Farmers Union does excellent work in this area with its youth camps, its support of its Founding Farmers farm-to-plate restaurants, and other programs. However, I believe more can be done to partner with local schools in developing youth leadership who understand the importance of farming and ranching as North Dakota works to feed the world.

BALLOT MEASURES In the November election, North Dakotans will also be voting on three measures. Below are the recommendations from North Dakota Farmers Union.

Measure*

Requires initiated constitutional amendments passed by voters to be submitted to the legislature; if the legislature does not approve the measure, the measure would need to be placed on the ballot again, and will become effective if approved by the voters a second time.

Measure*

Increases the membership of the Board of Higher Education from eight to 15, increases term length from four years to six years, and restricts membership.

Measure No. 3

Establishes top-four ranked-choice voting for statewide offices, requires legislative redistricting by the ethics commission, creates paper record and audit requirements for ballots, and adds a deadline for military and overseas ballots.

NDFU recommendation

Vote NO

Neutral

4 Vote YES

*The first two measures were not numbered at press time.

NDFU.org â€˘ September 2020 â€˘ 17

IN THE FAMILY

FUI makes community donations

(JAMESTOWN, N.D.) – Farmers Union Insurance (FUI) and its partner, National General Insurance, recently made extra donations to nonprofit organizations in a number of communities the companies serve. “We know there is an immediate need on the ground to support nonprofit organizations that provide services to the communities we serve,” said Mark Anderson, chief executive officer of FUI. “We are stepping up our efforts to help strengthen communities and bolster morale during this uncertain time.” Entities that were selected to receive $2,000 each were: Bismarck Cancer Center, Heavens Helpers Soup Café, Bismarck; GARC & Food Pantry, Garrison; City of Hoople, Hoople; Farmers Union Youth Camp, Jamestown; Dollars for Scholars, Kenmare; Little Lobos Preschool, LaMoure; Lisbon Ambulance Service, Lisbon; Michigan Ambulance Service, Michigan; Napoleon Ambulance Service, Napoleon; New Salem Ambulance, New Salem; Wimbledon Child Care Center, Wimbledon; and Community Connections, Williston. “Our intent is to strengthen our resiliency as a community through these donations,” said Kevin Ressler, chief sales, marketing & brand officer. “We’re stronger together.” Farmers Union Insurance is one of few companies in the state that maintains a large investment portfolio in North Dakota, constantly reinvesting in businesses and communities. With over 325 captive and independent agents in North Dakota, Utah and Arkansas, the company provides insurance products and services to individuals, families and businesses. Go to fumic.com for more information.

Heisler follows footsteps of grandfather, great-grandfather as agents for Farmers Union Insurance BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

Justin Heisler never misses an opportunity to help out a client. Call it a commitment to the family business. The Farmers Union Insurance agent from West Fargo joined the company in 2018, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Darwin Peterson 56 years ago and his great grandfather Melvin “Mel or M.O.” Peterson 76 years ago, both of whom worked for Farmers Union Insurance. It didn’t take long for Justin to get acclimated to the business. He won Farmers Union Insurance’s Rookie of the Year in 2019 and recently earned “Premier Agency” status, a coveted honor that recognizes the Justin Heisler Agency as being in the top 10 percent. Not surprising to his grandpa Darwin, a former agent and district manager who lives in Devils Lake. “Justin’s a likable guy – he’s a people pleaser, and that’s what it takes,” Darwin said. “People care about being able to trust the person they’re

dealing with. Trust is a big issue. They don’t want to know everything about insurance. They want to hire someone who does know that they can trust.” Though Justin has only been with the company less than two years, he said he understands why his grandpa spoke so highly of it. “It’s a family company,” Justin said. “We’re all pretty close. Agents from other companies compete against each other, and they often don’t like each other. We’re a family. We want to see each other do well.”

FAMILY

Darwin said Melvin Peterson started in 1944 with Farmers Union Insurance as one of only two full-time agents in the state, with Melvin handling the eastern half of the state. Part-time agents, or field agents, existed across the state and were aided by the two full-timers. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PHOTOS BY CHRIS AARHUS / NDFU EDITOR

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 19

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

us just sold life insurance.” Darwin said his father trained him on the “He sold auto insurance, and when they started nuances of being an agent. to add more agents and it got to the point when “I made some joint calls with him, and he’d we had more agents than anyone else, he became analyze what went right and what went wrong,” a district manager,” Darwin said of his father, who he said. “A lot of that is learned by experience. was one of the four original The big thing is developing district managers. personal relationships. Darwin remembers his Once they understand that dad as being dedicated to his you’re not primarily after profession. a commission and that you “They didn’t have the kind want to solve a problem for of snow removal they have them in the most economical now,” he said. “He would way, people like that.” park on a section line and Eventually, Darwin became walk through snowbanks a district manager for the to get to a farmhouse. If a final 16 years of his career, blizzard came, he’d stay in retiring in 2002. Justin Heisler the farmhouse for two or “Farmers Union was very three days, despite never good to me,” Darwin said. “I Farmers Union Insurance agent meeting them before. have great friendships that One time, he got stuck on have lasted over the years. a highway and ended up staying in a schoolhouse Insurance really is a people business. That’s why I for two days with no food. At least he was warm.” like it so much.” In 1964, Darwin interviewed and became the Justin, born in Denver, eventually played youngest agent in the field at the time. He was football and basketball at West Fargo High part of a group of agents who were the first to start School, and then basketball at the University of selling life insurance full-time. Jamestown. He moved on to Minnesota State“I had actually interviewed with Firestone after Moorhead, where he received his degree. college for their management, but they said they “One day my grandpa called me and said there wanted their management to learn how to change was a job opening,” Justin said. “I had gone to a tires,” he said. “I said, ‘I didn’t go to four years couple of Farmers Union conventions when they of college to change tires.’ Dad said I should take were in town, and they always advertised at our a look at Farmers Union Insurance. Once I was sporting events.” hired, I started in a pilot program where some of Darwin said Justin had wanted to sell life

“It’s a commitment once you take this job that you’re going to stay here. It’s been great. I really like it here.”

20 • September 2020 • Union Farmer

AT LEFT: A clipping of agent Darwin Peterson and his father Mel, who was a district manager, from the Christmas 1964 issue of "The Appeal" which was a Farmers Union Insurance add-on to the Union Farmer. Darwin had started earlier that year. ABOVE: Agent Justin Heisler and his grandfather Darwin. TOP RIGHT: Darwin's picture as district manager. BOTTOM RIGHT: Mel's picture as a district manager.

insurance but convinced his grandson to consider a broader approach. “I said, ‘If you want to sell insurance, (life alone) isn’t the field because there is a lot of it on the internet,’” Darwin said. “He’s done me proud.” Said Justin, “It’s a commitment once you take this job that you’re going to stay here. It’s been great. I really like it here.”

SUCCESS

Justin points to availability, business relationships and social media as the secrets to his early success. He said he provides as many quotes as he can, even receiving information via text message from customers who aren’t familiar with him but were recommended by someone they know. “I carry my computer and a hotspot with me wherever I go, so I can do a quote,” he said. That’s helped him build relationships with many businesses including car dealerships, which often need auto insurance for their customers. “I’ll do the quote quick on a Saturday, and they can come in and sign it on Monday,” he said. A far cry from Darwin’s early days when they were sitting at kitchen tables, writing quotes out in longhand. “When we got a handheld calculator, my goodness, I thought we had died and gone to heaven,” Darwin said. “Then we got Polaroid cameras, and that was a big deal. I also remember when we first got bag (mobile) phones. That also changed things.” Social media has made a big difference for Justin, using giveaways to increase his online

presence, and in turn, gain more customers. “You’ve got to find influencers,” said Justin, referring to not just social media influencers. “There are people who go with you and save money, and they go home. Then there are (influencers) who you saved $20 a month, and they go and tell 40 people. Word of mouth is still the biggest thing.” Justin said he started out with door hangers on apartment doors, earning “30 to 40 people from that.” Now, he puts social media to use with contests that benefit not only his clients, but also any potential customers. “I can put something on Instagram for (the metro area) and 1,400 people will see it,” he said. Another key ingredient to his success has been right across the hall: longtime agent Shane Lebahn. The two share an office space along with two customer service representatives. “Shane has probably been the most influential person – he’s helped me a lot,” Justin said. “Instead of throwing me to the wolves, he let me sit with him on multiple meetings, and he’s taught me a lot. Both Shane and my grandpa have really helped me.” Each month, Darwin still gets the Flickertail, a monthly magazine designed for the agents that reports not only numbers but also what's happening within the company. It allows Darwin to keep track of Justin’s progress. “I know if I have a good month, I’ll be looking forward to a call from him,” Justin said. Said Darwin: “This business is still about people. And Justin has a lot of inherent ability. He must get that from his parents or other grandpa.” NDFU.org • September 2020 • 21

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 925 JOHN DEERE HEADER. Platform header with bat reel stored inside. $3500. 701-370-0078, Dennis Karsky, Langdon. RENN 15' SWATHER, does not run, but was running when parked it in pole barn a number of years ago. Has canvases on it. $400 obo; 2955 JD FWA, no cab, $22500 obo. 701-452-2444, Steve Wipperling, Wishek. 2016 BOBCAT S750, has heat, air, radio and back-up camera. 500 hours, excellent shape. Sells with bucket. Two speed ACS controls. Keyless start, power bob-tach, and engine block heater. One owner; Newer style header cradle with 5300 hours. New batteries, chaff spreader, rock trap. High/low cylinder speed. Also have corn head and flex head. $25,000. Call for further information; 9600 JD combine, nice. $23,000. Also a JD 930F flex head for $6,900; 701-351-2251/701-262-4287, Keith Forde, Tolna. 4366 INTERNATIONAL TRACTOR; 1990 800 Belarus; 2013 Featherite aluminum stock trailer. 2013 Gator UTV, low miles. Case RBX 562 baler. 701-341-1026, Gail Gross, Harvey. 2 COMBINE STRAIGHT HEADERS, ready for harvest. 220 header with transport and 925 header with transport. 701-527-0110, Elvin Agnew, Moffit. IHC 75 18 FT SWATHER, good condition, pull type; John Deere 12 ft grain drill, fertilizer and grass seed attachments; IHC 18 ft vibra-shank cultivator, well worn; John Deere 12 ft chisel plow. These items in Minnesota location. 701-258-8732, Morris Roningen, Bismarck. JD 6620 COMBINE; Morris 2 chisel plow, 29 ft. 701-626-7270, Jim Haugen, Butte. 53' CURTAIN VAN TRAILER, older, for hay trailer $3,250; Tandem axle dolly $3,500; Used 40' container $3,100. 701474-5780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount. MACDON SWATHER 3000, 25 ft with finger reels. Shedded in good condition $2,500 obo. Summers 48’ Super Harrow PLUS with hydraulic depth and hydraulic tooth angle adjustment. Backup feature allows backing up in field position. Very good condition with light duty use, one owner, retired, $11,000 obo; Fiberglass water tank, 1,500 gal. $400 obo; Canola Rollers, 7 1/2’ and 9’ shedded, $400 obo; 701-739-9020, Darwin Baerwald, Cando. LANDPRIDE 3615 BATWING MOWER. $9500; Two Westfield grain augers, one is 10 inch by 60 feet. $1700. Other is 10 inch by 70 feet. $2000; IHC 1010 30 ft straight header. $2000; Header trailer $2000. 701351-9253, Ed Walters, Devils Lake.

SEMI TRACTOR, 1994 Kenworth w900 conventional 3176, CAT motor, wet kit, good tires, good running truck; 2014 ss290 seed shuttle; 4 wheel water trailer; 1200 gallon tank with pump and reel hose, chemical cone plumbed in; 8 inch by 56 ft. swing hopper auger. 701-320-3172, Mike Carlson, Jamestown. SMALL 25 HP DIESEL TRACTOR, John Deere 1025R, 4-wheel drive, power takeoff front and back, power steering, winter plugin, 51" bucket, 60" finish lawn mower, piles snow 7' high, 280 hours. 701-317-2327, Jim Enlow, Manvel. INTERNATIONAL 1480 COMBINE. Has chopper and rock trap, drive tires are good. $2500. 701-399-9964, Scott Fleming, Fessenden. STEEL TRAILER, 4 wheel steel trailer to park in corral; 15-30 McCormick tractor; 2 cream separators; Late-model Super M, w/ live PTO; 1 new tire LT245-75R-17 Load Range E; Saddle & 2 Bridles; 1905 JD Metal corn sheller; Covered wagon running gear; 1950 2-Wheel Bicycle; Small square bale buncher. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields. CANOLA ROLLER; Macdon pull-type swather, 25 ft, priced to sell; Finger reel. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau. CUMMINS ONAN GENERATOR, 1999 Model 12GJAB, power plant with disconnects $3000; 15 ft Bush Hog, heavy duty, Model 2715, year 2008, blades on and one set of new blades. $12,000; 19 aeration tubes 18 inch. $250; One takeout auger 6" for 18' bin. Center take out $200; One take out 6" auger for 21' bin. Center take out. $200. 701-833-1472, David Brossart, Lansford. 1460 IH COMBINE, 3600 hours 24 ft. cut; Header with finger reels, new transport, new sickle, very good condition (both always in building storage); No. 55 Flexicoil 70' sprayer, new tires, new pump, very good condition. 701-225-3516, Robert Lefor, Lefor. TIRES, 2-1300x24 foam filled tires, 10 bolt rim; 10x71 Westfield low profile swing out hopper $3,500; Leon 425 Silver spreader 22.5 tires $8,000; 4000 Brandt grain vac $6,000. 701-391-1852, Marc Sundquist, Baldwin. CASE IH 75A Farmall FWD tractor w/540 loader,3pt blade, no cab, 205 hrs; 40 used Lange anhyd knives; anhyd nitrolator w/ hyd shut off & hoses; steel fence posts; used cult/shovels; transition & aeration screens & fans; closing wheels & hdw for 50 ft 3320 Bourgault air seeder; Antique pump jack/wooden lift arms; farm scale on steel wheels; used Case IH 8230 feeder chain; dog house on 4x4 skids, Kawasaki generator KG 1500B. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley. 1995 CASE BACKHOE 580SL extendahoe, 4x4, cab heat, 5600 hours, good shape. Leave a message. 701-529-4887, Joe Price, Douglas.

WANTED TRACTORS, IH 806, 1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466, others; JD 5010, 5020, 6030, others; MM 950, 1000, 1050, 1355, others; Oliver, 1960 and newer.; AC, 210, 220, D-21, running or not, will consider all. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE NEW LIVE TRAPS, never used. 701-5701698, Gail Pederson, Williston. KODAK SLIDE TRAYS, Kodak Carousel Transvue 80 slide trays, several. Leave message. 701-435-2222, Janice Roaldson, Courtenay. DILLION GUN LOADING MACHINE, XL650 plus extras. 701-645-2519, Arlo Anderson, Leonard. SEARS TROLLING MOTOR, alternate 115 =230 =400 watt, 50 pd thrust; Large blue sofa with matching chair. Harold Severson, 701-247-2264, Lakota. VINTAGE CUCKOO CLOCK, 1960s vintage double-door cuckoo clock. Made in Germany. Inherited clock unassembled, all parts are there. $100. 701-659-1374, Constance Benke, Jamestown. ANTIQUE PARLOR FURNITURE; Golden brand electric chair, joystick operated; Singer sewing machine in wood cabinet model stylist 834, Signature brand portable sewing machine, both in excellent condition, lots of pictures; Antique fireplace tools; Craftsman tablesaw, 1960’s era, good condition; Craftsman router; 8 ft pickup topper, blue-gray color. 701-2631206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

WANTED OLD STUFF, license plates, car or motorcycle, must be older North Dakota plates. Advertising signs for gas, oil, farm machinery, and soda pop; Old gas pumps, old oil cans with good advertising; Arrowheads picked up in ND. Crocks, thermometers, calendars with small town advertising and store names printed on them. 701-2205746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land. Make reservations now. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1991 MERCEDES BENZ, sedan, model 560SEL, black. 701-645-2519, Arlo Anderson, Leonard. 1996 FORD F250, ext. cab, 7.3L power stroke/turbo diesel, 240,000 mi. $6,000. 2 new batteries, new clutch. 701-741-1528, Randy Haugen, Northwood. 1996 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM. White/w white vinyl top. New tires, rotors, brakes and air shocks, V8 350 motor. Very good condition. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields. 2012 DODGE ¾ TON, 4 door, gas, 130k miles. $8,500. 701-391-1852, Marc Sundquist, Baldwin.

WANTED OLD VW BEETLE OR KARMANN GHIA. Preferably road-ready, or nearly road-ready. Willing to consider anything. 701-219-5847, Joel Herman, Harwood. NDFU.org • September 2020 • 22

Branson Nov. 30- Dec. 6

$1,100 a person (double occupancy) $1,400 a person (single occupancy) Price includes transportation, lodging, attractions and some group meals. See Dublin Tenors & Celtic Ladies, Haygoods, Johnson Strings, Mount Pleasant Winery, Legends, Presleys and more!

Call 800-366-8331 for trip info!

Ask for Becky (ext. 108) or Jeff (ext. 111)

SAFETY

MADE SIMPLE

EQUIPMENT ROADWAY SAFETY Make sure your lights are working properly Wipe down reflective tape and slow-moving vehicle emblems for optimal visibility

Dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives.

A private non-profit.

www.ndsc.org

To those who have already donated ...

THANK YOU! FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFT TO THE NDFU FOUNDATION

Donations of more than $1,000 are recognized at the state office on the NDFU Donor Recognition wall. Giving levels include: COBALT – $1,000 to $4,999 BRONZE – $5,000 to $14,999 GOLD – $15,000 and above. Donations can be mailed to: NDFU Foundation, P.O. Box 2136, Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Please note if the gift is in honor of someone. For more information, contact Lucy Bardell, assistant to the president, at 701-952-0114 or lbardell@ndfu.org.

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

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

Full Coverage Plans We’ll work with you personally for Home, Auto, Business or Farm Insurance and tailor the exact coverage plan you need. Because we’re not satisfied until you are. Home Auto Crop Life Health Business Farm & Ranch

• • • • •

•

Not all products underwritten by Farmers Union Insurance.

Contact John Brown

S I M P LY D I F F E R E N T

For more information, email us State Town, at info@fumic.com or Phone 000.000.0000 Other information visit www.fumic.com