NDFU union farmer AUGUST 2026 • ndfu.org
BONDING BADLANDS IN THE
Farmers Union welcomes nearly 400 members to Medora for family-oriented summer conference
GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY
Jason Smith Agency I am originally from Bismarck. After graduating from Century High School in 1988, the wind blew me to Fargo for late nights of strenuous studying at NDSU. Go Bison! The best thing that happened to me there was meeting my wife Lynelle. She is originally from Langdon a.k.a. Canada. We have three adult children who finally all moved out: Zachary, Dylan, and Jenna. All three are University of Mary graduates. We're officially empty nesters now, living the dream with our two furballs: Cooper and Rex. I began my career in 2006, focusing on Health and Life products. I started with Farmers Union Insurance in August 2021, and it has become my second home. I love collaborating with the amazing people we have here and the relationships created. I enjoy helping individuals navigate the choices they have, making informed decisions, and wading through the noise, especially regarding government programs. Outside of work, I like to grill, watch sports, travel, help with the Bismarck Larks and Bobcat food drives, and relax with Lynelle and the dogs as much as I can. I look forward to more years and relationships to come.
Jason Smith Agency 3801 Memorial Highway PMB103 Mandan ND 58554 PH: 701-333-9003
UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 73 • Number 8
The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. EDITOR: Chris Aarhus 800-366-6338 caarhus@ndfu.org Annual subscription is $30 with membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU • PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 36,723 • USPS 016-211 2 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
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Read the Union Farmer online at https://ndfu.org/news/union-farmer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Matt Perdue • Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Tyler Stafslien • Treasurer: Shane Sickler Directors: Dave Berger, Bob Finken; Jon Iverson; Ben Vig, Shelly Ziesch.
National Farmers Union general counsel Dave Velde passed away June 26, 2026 at the age of 74. Photo courtesy of NFU.
NFU counsel, Velde, passes Following an unexpectedly brief and acute illness, National Farmers Union general counsel David "Dave" Velde passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at the age of 74. Dave was a passionate advocate for family farming and agriculture, and he approached every challenge with determination, creativity, and curiosity. Tenacious, loyal, knowledgeable and well-read, Dave loved learning about the world and the people in it. Whether visiting with lifelong friends or striking up conversations with someone he had just met, he genuinely enjoyed connecting with others. He graduated from Maynard High School in 1969, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Metropolitan State University, and received his Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law in 1982. Throughout his distinguished career, Dave served as Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Minnesota. He also served as Director of Public Affairs for the Minnesota Farmers Union and as counsel to the National Farmers Union. In November 1983, Dave and his family moved to Alexandria, where he joined Gaffaney Mitchell, Ltd., now Velde Moore, Ltd. He practiced law there with dedication and integrity for more than 42 years, continuing until his passing.
Dave believed deeply in serving his community. He served two terms on the Calvary Lutheran Church Council, taught Sunday school, and served on the boards of the Runestone Museum, Lutheran Social Ministry of Minnesota, the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority, First State Bank of Alexandria and Quad A Board for the Arts of Alexandria. His work with agriculture also took him around the globe. As counsel for the National Farmers Union – one of the founding organizations of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers and later the World Farmers Organization – Dave served on the organization’s audit committee and represented North America for six years. His work allowed him to visit countries throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America. In 1969, as college freshmen, Dave met the love of his life, Brenda. They were married in 1974 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2024. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, service, and shared adventures. They were blessed with a son, daughter and five beloved grandchildren. Dave will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous spirit, unwavering commitment to agriculture, and the countless lives he touched through his friendship, mentorship, and service. NDFU.org • August 2026 • 3
Consolidation alarms ring hollow with proposed rollbacks It’s not often that National Farmers Union (NFU) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) release a joint statement. Last month, that’s exactly what they did in response to USDA’s proposed rollback of three Packers and Stockyards Act rules. In the statement, our country’s two largest farm groups said, “The Trump administration has long said that it supports farmers and ranchers, but voiding these rules would do the exact opposite.” The three Packers and Stockyards Act rules the administration is proposing to scrap are important. Two of the rules focus on the poultry industry, reforming the “tournament system” and requiring greater transparency in poultry producer contracts. The third would protect all livestock producers from discriminatory, retaliatory and deceptive trade practices. In some ways, the rollback is unsurprising. Updating the Packers and Stockyards Act has been a political football for years. The three rules were finalized under President Biden, and reversing Biden-era moves is a priority for the Trump administration. The rules also face opposition from an obvious interest group: the meat and poultry packers who benefit from lax enforcement. At the same time, scrapping the rules contradicts the administration’s statements and several of their actions. Since last fall, the administration has been raising the alarm on consolidation in ag inputs and the meatpacking sector. They’ve launched several investigations. In fact, the Department of Justice went so far as to announce a criminal investigation into the meatpackers earlier this year. They now wish to water down the rules that define anticompetitive behavior in that very sector. At a recent congressional hearing, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins called market concentration in farm inputs an 4 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
“overarching pending economic disaster.” In a May press conference, she warned of the “unprecedented” market power the big four meatpackers hold and the threat that control poses for livestock producers. Less than two months later, she’s overseeing the rollback of rules intended to hold those packers more accountable. To be clear, we’ve seen administrations from both parties fall short on corporate consolidation in recent years. Sometimes, that’s because the wheels of government grind slowly. In other cases, opponents gum up the works. This administration’s approach is particularly befuddling, though. As that NFU/ AFBF statement notes, Rollins and others say the right things, but their actions too often cut in the opposite direction. Farmers and ranchers deserve a fair shake. We need more choice in the marketplace. When that choice can’t be created, we ought to be protected from discriminatory, retaliatory and deceptive trade practices. The administration’s words suggest they agree. I hope their actions will, too.
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Estimated Impact of China's 2025 Agricultural Tariffs on U.S. States
Note: Each state’s exposure is the sum across commodity groups of the state’s 2024 production share multiplied by the estimated 2025 commodity-level shipment shortfall to China.
Source: NDSU Agricultural Trade Monitor, May 2026.
North Dakota ranks 13th among all states with an estimated exposure of about $419 million. The chart shows which states were most affected by China's 2025 retaliatory tariffs. California ranked first, with the largest estimated impact.
Trade tariff pain China’s retaliatory tariffs reduce U.S. Agricultural Exports by $14.9 billion, with half of that number coming from soybeans U.S. agricultural exports to China fell from $24.5 billion in 2024 to $8.4 billion in 2025, a roughly two-thirds decline and the lowest annual total since 2007. That collapse coincided with a new round of Chinese retaliatory tariffs beginning in March 2025, although the raw trade figures alone cannot tell us how much of the decline came from tariffs rather than commodity prices, production and global demand. In a recent NDSU analysis, my co-authors Dr. Arita and Dr. Zhuang and I accounted for those influences and estimated that the new tariffs reduced U.S. agricultural shipments to China by $14.9 billion on an annualized basis from March 2025 through February 2026. Nearly half of the estimated shortfall came from soybeans, at $6.8 billion, while beef and cotton each accounted for about $1.3 billion. Tree nuts contributed $964 million and coarse grains $869 million, with the remainder spread 6 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
Dr. Sandro Steinbach Farmers Union Endowed Professor, North Dakota State University
across corn, pork, poultry, dairy, hay, and many specialty and processed products. The 2025/26 dispute therefore reached row crops, livestock and higher-value products across much of American agriculture rather than remaining confined to one crop or region. Because North Dakota’s farm economy is concentrated in commodities that depend heavily on export demand, the national disruption translated into material exposure at home. Allocating each commodity’s shortfall across states according to 2024 production
Note: Estimates measure reduced exports to China and should not be interpreted as net farm-income losses.
Source: NDSU Agricultural Trade Monitor, May 2026.
The above chart shows that soybeans account for nearly half of the shortfall in American ag exports.
shares yields an estimated $419 million in exposure for North Dakota, placing it among the 13 most exposed states. That figure does not mean producers lost $419 million in cash income; it shows how much of the national China-specific shortfall maps onto production in the state. Actual income effects depend on alternative markets, basis and price adjustments, storage, and domestic use. The national $14.9 billion estimate likewise measures exports that did not go to China rather than net losses to U.S. agriculture; some commodities found buyers elsewhere, and U.S. exports to several other destinations increased during 2025. Those markets cushioned the blow, but redirection is not costless because it takes time to identify buyers, changes transportation and storage patterns, and can weaken local prices or basis. China’s scale also makes it difficult to replace quickly, which means developing new markets and preserving dependable access to China should be viewed as complements rather than substitutes. Using the same analytical approach, the 2018-2019 round of Chinese retaliation reduced annualized exports to China by about $10.6 billion, making the latest episode roughly 41 percent larger. Bilateral agricultural exports rebounded after the January 2020 Phase One agreement and reached a record near $38 billion in 2022, but the current recovery has been slower. By the time the November 2025 truce took effect, much of China's soybean and corn purchasing had already shifted toward Brazil and Argentina, while the tariff suspension continued to leave uncertainty for buyers and
sellers. If fully implemented, the May 2026 U.S.China framework could materially improve the outlook through at least $17 billion in annual purchases of U.S. agricultural products in 2027 and 2028, a prorated amount in 2026, and an existing annual commitment for at least 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans. At current prices, those commitments imply roughly $28 billion to $30 billion in annual agricultural shipments, above the 2024 level, while the framework also renews registrations for U.S. beef plants and creates a path to resume poultry imports from eligible states. The meaningful test is whether the commitments become contracts and shipments, because purchase targets support farm markets only when they result in durable commercial demand. For North Dakota producers, trade policy is not separate from decisions made on the farm; it helps determine the demand environment for planting, storage, investment, and marketing choices. The United States should continue expanding agricultural markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe, and elsewhere, while recognizing that diversification does not eliminate the value of stable access to one of the world’s largest agricultural import markets. Rebuilding trade with China and developing alternatives should be pursued together, because agricultural resilience depends on both a broader customer base and reliable relationships with major buyers. Dr. Steinbach is the Farmers Union Endowed Professor at North Dakota State University. NDFU.org • August 2026 • 7
'The swings' Iran conflict continues to affect energy market, as cooperatives face fluctuating diesel prices STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU 8 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
Tri-Energy Cooperative, with stores in Bismarck, Mandan, Dickinson and Sterling, provides its members with Top Tier gasoline, a premium fuel performance standard regulated by the EPA that prevents carbon buildup and improves fuel efficiency. Its diesel cousins — Cenex’s Roadmaster (highway) and Ruby Fieldmaster (farm) — include special additives that also help set Cenex fuel apart from its competitors.
Jeremy Barth agrees with consumers — low-cost fuel is better for everyone. The Tri-Energy Cooperative CEO has watched as an unstable energy market has led to high prices at the pumps, with some places in North Dakota eclipsing $5.30 per gallon for diesel. “We’d rather see the price low and have our volume go up,” said Barth, whose co-op has 12 convenience store locations along I-94 from Sterling to Dickinson, though primarily in the Bismarck-Mandan area. “A low price means people are happy and traveling. We always do better when the prices are low. That’s been true for years.” Since Iranian forces closed the Strait of Hormuz in early March, diesel prices have risen dramatically. In February, KFYR-TV reported diesel as floating around $3.07 per gallon in Bismarck. By early March, the average pushed
to $4.50. As of mid-July, the AAA average in North Dakota sat around $4.44 per gallon. Not only is the price hard on consumers, it’s difficult for farmers at a time when inputs are already at record highs. “The swings are frustrating,” Barth said. “Yesterday, (the refiner’s price) went up 30 cents. Of course, our retail stores don’t go up 30 cents every day. That would really frustrate consumers. You can’t go up and down every day.” CONTINUED TO NEXT PAGE NDFU.org • August 2026 • 9
Jeremy Barth (far right) of Tri-Energy Cooperative of Bismarck, seen here at last year's CHS annual meeting in December in Minneapolis, says retailers like his based their fuel prices off the purchase price from refiners and not on the crude market itself.
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Barth said one of the most confusing points for consumers is the relationship between the crude oil prices and what they pay at the pump. “Consumers see the crude oil price drop, but that doesn’t mean the refiner (that we buy from) is dropping their price,” he said. “We base our fuel pricing off what we buy it at. The refiners are the ones that make the price.” Tri-Energy uses Cenex-branded fuel from CHS. Barth checks the price from the refiner twice a day to see how it’s moved. “It’s a worldwide market now, so it can be hard for people to understand,” he said. “If any customer understands it, it’s the farmer. They’ve been dealing with worldwide markets in grain for a long time.” Nonetheless, the prices the last few months haven’t negatively affected the co-op’s volume. Being mostly in the Bismarck-Mandan area, the co-op services many businesses in addition to producers. “A lot of our larger customers are contractors, and construction companies still have to get their projects done,” Barth said. “And farmers need to get their crops planted and harvested.” For Tri-Energy, any drop in volume has been more about competition, which there is plenty of in Bismarck-Mandan including large stores that offer discounted fuel. 10 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
“We get affected by the Costcos and Fleet Farms, and that’s just another level of competition that a lot of rural co-ops aren’t used to dealing with,” he said. “That gets hard because I always have to watch those guys.” Tr-Energy can always point to quality, as it provides its members with Top Tier gasoline, a premium fuel performance standard regulated by the EPA that prevents carbon buildup and improves fuel efficiency. Its diesel cousins — Cenex’s Roadmaster (highway) and Ruby Fieldmaster (farm) — include special additives that also help set the co-op’s fuel apart. “Many of these stations don’t sell a Top Tier gasoline, but they advertise that they do,” he said. “With diesel, some of them are selling straight No. 2 distillate with no premium additives. On the bulk side, we at least have a salesman who can explain it.” Recently, the co-op added to its propane capacity, now with around 180,000 gallons worth of storage to go with 80,000 gallons worth of refined fuels storage at two different bulk sides. It also recently broke ground on a 13th convenience store on the west side of Mandan off I-94. The instability in the energy market does mean Tri-Energy has to make sensible decisions on growth going forward, Barth said. “It has affected us this year,” he said. “There were a few things we were planning on doing that we kind of put on hold.”
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NDFU.org • July 2026 • 13
How to use the
NDFU MOBILE APP
Members can use the same email address and password they use for the NDFU portal to log into the app. If you do not know your password, use the “Forgot Your Password” option. NDFU must have an email address on file for you to use the app. If we do not have an email address for you, please call 1-800-366-6338 or email us at ndfu@ndfu.org to have it attached to your account.
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4 8 ••• June February 2024 2024 •2024 •Union Union Farmer 26 22 • June December 2024 •Union •Farmer Union Farmer Farmer 12 August 2024 •Union Farmer
App features a home screen with notifications, state convention registration and news about what's happening in the organization!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do I have to be a member to log into the app? Yes. The app is for NDFU members. Those who would like to become members can sign up at NDFU.org! What if NDFU doesn’t have my email address? Like any online service, we require an email address to use the mobile app. Contact us at 1-800-366-6338 or ndfu@ndfu.org to have an email address added to your account. Additionally, if we have a different email address on file than the one you’re currently using, you can use the one we have on file or contact us with your new address. NDFU has my email, but I’ve never used the online portal. What’s my password? Search NDFU in the app store or scan the QR code. Download the app, use the Forgot Password link on the login screen and follow the on-screen prompts to set a new password using the email address we have on file for you! If you continue to have trouble logging in, contact Chris Aarhus in the Communications Department at 701-952-0118 or caarhus@ndfu.org. NDFU.org NDFU.org NDFU.org • February • • June July 2026 2024 2024• ••15 27 9
Summer triumph! NDFU's first summer conference a huge success, with nearly 400 registered members coming together in Medora BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU
Tyler and Hailey Neubauer of Bottineau enjoyed the fact that North Dakota Farmers Union held a summer event that included entire families. “We had a good time,” Hailey said. “It was nice to get to partake as a family.” NDFU held its first-ever summer conference in 2026, welcoming nearly 400 members at the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library July 17-18 in Medora for a little education and entertainment that was meant for families to enjoy together. “That was a big pull for us,” said Tyler, who has been very active with NDFU’s policymaking process including multiple fly-ins. “My wife and daughter (Isabelle) have not been around Farmers Union events a lot, so it was nice to bring them.” 16 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
NDFU focused on entertainment, but also provided important education for families including speakers on NDSU's Bryon Parman on farm family finance, and North Dakota State Budget Director Joe Morrisette on the state's budget outlook. NDFU President Matt Perdue hosted a fireside chat with former House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota to talk about problems with the Farm Bill. “It hit a lot of the highlights that people are struggling with or have questions about,” Tyler said of the education. “It was good to get an answer to some of those questions or at least get your mind thinking about things.” Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand engaged the audience to start the morning with his energetic personality and sharp wit. As T.R., he spoke about his efforts in breaking up monopolies and working together for the
Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand makes a grand entrance while being introduced by NDFU President Matt Perdue to kick off the summer conference July 18 at the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora.
common good. “I wish you godspeed in your important work,” he said. “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet planted firmly on the ground. Believe you can and your halfway there. For yourselves. For your families. For your farms. For NDFU. For the republic. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” NDFU members took in Medora, including a bus ride through Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the impressive Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which just opened in July. In the evening, members enjoyed the Pitchfork Fondue and a spirited Medora Musical to cap an eventful day. “With the library and just Medora’s overall atmosphere, it was nice,” Tyler said. “A lot of people that don’t live in the Southwest don’t always get to see it.”
Hailey Neubauer, left, laughs as her daughter Isabelle isn't sure about having her picture taken while waiting for the Medora Musical to start on Saturday, July 18. Husband and dad Tyler is at right. The Neubauers, of Bottineau, said they enjoyed coming to Farmers Union's family-centered event in Medora. It was NDFU's first summer conference. NDFU.org • August 2026 • 17
A weekend to remember July 17-18 in Medora
NDFU was proud to have presidents Alan Bergman and Robert Carlson in attendance.
Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand kicked off the conference with his words about coming together.
NDFU President Matt Perdue led a fireside chat with former U.S. House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota.
The breezeway at the T.R. Presidential Library separates the library (left) and the auditorium and meeting rooms (right).
18 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
Larry, April, Josh and Bradley Marquart of Anamoose enjoyed the Medora Musical. UNION FARMER COVER PHOTO: Lyndi and Laynie McClean of Ypsilanti.
Dustin and Brenna Norby of Bismarck receive their passes to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Tim Fischer of Bowman with his son John at the Medora Musical.
Nearly 50 members packed a bus for a trip through the T.R. National Park.
Members come down the stairs, preparing for the Medora Musical. NDFU members filled up the entire right side. NDFU.org • August 2026 • 19
Renville County Farmers Union President Troy Hedberg, left, District 7 Director Ben Vig, middle, and Ransom County Farmers Union President Lorenzo Strand listen during NDFU's Board of Governors meeting July 17 in Medora. The meeting was one of the largest attended in recent memory, with nearly every county represented.
County presidents from District 6 broke into groups. District 6 includes Jamestown and central North Dakota.
Leadership from District 1 met to discuss new ideas. District 1 includes Grand Forks and the northeast.
County leaders from District 5 talked about member events. District 5 includes Bismarck-Mandan and the south central.
The North Dakota Co-op Directors Association meeting was held in conjunction with NDFU's summer conference.
20 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
NFU, AFBF: Protect farmers! WASHINGTON — National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall issued a joint statement on reports that USDA plans to rescind rules that protect farmers under the Packers and Stockyards Act. “America’s farmers are deeply troubled by news that USDA plans to rescind or continue to delay several rules that are specifically designed to benefit America’s farmers and ranchers. The rules help protect farmers from retaliation by large processors, increase transparency and improve pay systems for contract poultry growers. They make it clear that unfair and deceptive practices by meatpackers will not be tolerated, and they take on the poultry tournament pay system that for too long created winners and losers based on factors outside of growers’ control. “The American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union, representing millions of farm families, worked for years advocating for a more level playing field. That progress is now at risk of being undone. “The Trump administration has long said that it supports farmers and ranchers, but voiding these rules would do the exact opposite. Instead, more power would be given to large processing companies at the expense of America’s farmers. We urge President Trump and Secretary Rollins to demonstrate their commitment to farmers by leaving these critical safeguards in place.”
FARMERS WIN IN FTC SETTLEMENT WITH JOHN DEERE
WASHINGTON — National Farmers Union (NFU) celebrated the settlement announced by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) attorneys general in Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, resolving a lawsuit against Deere & Company over restrictions on farm equipment repair. “Farmers Union championed this win from the beginning, and we are happy to see the settlement provide farmers with what they
22 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
should have had all along: the right to repair their own equipment,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Today’s action didn’t happen by accident. Farmers across the country refused to stay quiet about this injustice. This settlement belongs to them.” NFU filed a formal complaint with the FTC in 2022 and has long been at the forefront of the fight for farmers’ right to repair. The settlement requires Deere, for the next 10 years and under the supervision of the FTC and the participating states, to provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same repair resources currently available only to Deere’s authorized dealers. Deere is also barred from discriminating or retaliating against customers who choose to repair their own equipment. “Every farmer, no matter what state they farm in or what equipment they run, deserves this same right. We will keep fighting for a permanent, nationwide right-to-repair law that guarantees farmers fair and lasting access to the tools, parts and information we need to keep our operations running,” added Larew.
HAVE YOU MOVED? NDFU is looking for updated information on our members. Just scan the QR code with your phone to be taken to an online form!
The Farmer’s Share Did you know farmers and ranchers only earn 15.9¢* of every dollar that consumers spend on food?
American farmers only see a small fraction of the money we spend on food. Even though grocery prices continue to rise, the extra money we pay at the grocery store doesn’t go into farmers’ pockets -- it goes to the multibillion-dollar food companies that have squeezed out competition to maximize their profits.
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Retail:
Farmer:
$0.59
Farmer:
1 LB
Corn Cereal
18 0Z
$3.99
Retail:
$3.99
$0.55
Farmer:
$0.06
1 LB
Learn more at nfu.org/farmersshare
AVOID ROLLOVERS • Equip tractor or any self-propelled machinery with rollover protection • Keep original manufacturer shields and guards attached • Always wear a seatbelt for extra protection
Find more ag safety info at ndsc.org NDFU.org • August 2026 • 23
Our Family the fifth children’s book from North Dakota Farmers Union
$16.95 plus tax
Dusty's class joins in on the fun, as they take a field trip to the farm to dispel common farming myths and learn where food comes from!
y Farm
Book Series Sullivan Our Family Farm • Cows on the Mooove!
$16.95 ISBN 978-0-578-91271-4
51695>
NDFU
9 780578 912714
© North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation
GET ALL 5 BOOKS FOR $60 + tax Visit ndfu.org to purchase your books online or call the state office at 1-800-366-6338
What's happening
Logan County Farmers Union EPIC coach Paige Thompson helps kids through a cooperative game during an EPIC event in Napoleon on July 6. Thirty-six kids attended the event, which also included swimming at the local pool.
Adams County Farmers Union held a bingo event, organized by EPIC coach Rhonda Knutson, at the Granary in Hettinger. Proceeds were donated to the Hettinger Boy Scouts to be used toward improving Veteran Memorial Flag Park. 26 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
around the state?
Stark County Farmers Union held its annual membership picnic in July. Water balloons were popular during the hot weather.
Mercer County Farmers Union served root beer floats at the county fair to thank 4-H, FFA, local businesses and the community. The county also helped sponsor the free co-op lunch after the parade. Williams County Farmers Union held its annual membership barbecue at the Wildrose Golf Course. Members enjoyed Doug Cvancara's smoked barbecue meal. Games were played and prizes were won as kids learned about Farmers Union camp. NDFU.org • August 2026 • 27
Dan Simons, left, and Michael Vucurevich.
Founding Farmers Farm School: Building Leaders For Founding Farmers, developing a new leader starts long before their first shift running a kitchen or a dining room. It starts at Farm School. Last month, the newest chefs and managers across Founding Farmers gathered for two foundational sessions. Management 101 focused on the leadership principles that shape how managers support their teams day in and day out. Constitutional History 101, taught by co-owners and management
Do you know a member who does something interesting or unique? Let us know! We may feature them in the Union Farmer! Contact Editor Chris Aarhus at caarhus@ndfu.org.
28 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
team leaders Dan Simons and Michael Vucurevich, took them through the Founding Farmers Constitution — the living document that lays out the company mission and values, commitments to guests, and foundational connection to our family farmer owners. For the farmer-owners of North Dakota Farmers Union, Farm School is how that founding purpose stays intact as the company grows — passed deliberately from one generation of leaders to the next.
reach a bigger audience Advertise your business in the pages of the Union Farmer with its circulation of 35,000+ North Dakota families
Contact Editor Chris Aarhus at caarhus@ndfu.org for rates and details NDFU.org • July 2026 • 29
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 FOR SALE ROUND BALER, John Deere 567 round baler, good condition, shedded. 701-725-4373, Steven McCormack, Des Lacs. POST-DRIVER, self-contained post driver. Used less than 20 hrs. No longer needed. Stored inside. Like new (new unit is over $11,000), skid steer maneuverability allows unit to be easily moved around with minimal hydraulic power. Manually adjusted variable speed to adjust strokes per minute. Up to 40 blows/min. Drives posts straight & true. Drives steel, wood or even railroad ties. Pics available. Asking $7500. 701629-9954, Pam Nelson, Stanley. GRINDER MIXER, Bearcat grinder mixer $1200; Bale feeders and a calf shelter. 701-500-1111, Steve Seidler, Garrison. PICKUP HEADERS, one pickup head for picking up windrowed forage crops and one 2 row wide corn head. Both to fit a John Deere model 38 forage harvester. Both are in excellent condition and have been shedded through the years. Text me or leave a message. 701-833-2220, Jerome Behm, Burlington. HEADERS, 8-22 Non chopping corn head, $5000; 8-22 all row crop head, $2500; Picket bean head $7500; tail gate drill fill auger All to fit JD9600 & IH1600 series combines. 701-2352996, Phil McIntyre, Fargo. DRILL FILL, 5'x6 in. hydraulic grain drill fill, complete with spout. $350; Ritchie commander waterer, has no rust. $125. 701-525-6343, Ron Keller, Minot. CULTIVATOR, folding eight-row, two end rows fold up, 7x5 tube with double acting cly, and hoses. Plus rolling shield, never been used. Make an offer. 701-626-1492, Leo Thomas, Velva. TIRE, one New Tire LT245-75R-Load Range E. 2-Cream Separators, 4-wheel Steel Running Gear, 1 Covered Wagon Running Gear, 1905 All metal JD Hand Operated Corn Sheller, like new has paint and serial number. Two NH 256 Rakes with Dual Hitch. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields. WANTED JOHN DEERE DISC, 10-feet tandem on transport, for use in northwest Billings County, ND. Steve. burian@burianassociates.com. 701-740-4881, Steve Burian, Grand Forks.
30 • August 2026 • Union Farmer
HAY WAGON, for chopped hay. 701-626-1492, Leo Thomas, Velva. TRACTORS, IH 706, 806, 1206, 756, 856, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466, 1566 on up; 4520, 4620, 5010, 5020, 6030; MMs 950s on up; Olivers 1965 on up; ACs 175, 200, 210, 220, D-19, running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 2011 YAMAHA VIKING SNOWMOBILE with double trailer. Very low hours like new. Stored inside all the time. $10,500 OBO. 701-3915685, Gordon Cermak, McClusky. BUILDING in Ellendale. 14,400 square feet. Lot 34,5000 square feet. Building has two levels 7200 square feet each. Can be appreciated for restaurant, multiple bars, vip room, hugh oversize kitchen. Many appliances and pots, pans, freezers, music equipment and custom speakers. Seats over 1,000 people. Call for price, best offer accepted. Call or email Kmrsdensity@outlook.com. 701-535-12-14, Kelly Hinton, Ellendale. 1966 FORD F600 TRUCK, runs great, body good shape, red, some maintenance needed, $3,000 OBO; 1967 Ford 5000 diesel tractor with loader, triple hydraulics, runs excellent, needs work, $4,000 OBO; Car trailer, 16 ft, bumper hitch tandem axel trailer, good shape, $1,500; 1964 Ford F350, flatbed with hoist, black, new rear brakes, V8, 4-speed, hood damaged. $1,500 OBO. 701-509-5490, Wayne Aarhus, Bismarck. HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE, Heritage Softail Classic; Leonard Icebox, mint condition; Kenwood Two-way base station and repeater; JD Surrey cover, canvas material, pulls over, for tractor or swather; Corona manual type Mint condition; Brand New Nichol Sweeps for Cultivator, 16 inch and 18 inch, sizes quantity 25 estimate. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau. BEAR CAT GRINDER MIXER PARTS. I probably have the last inventory of new Bear Cat parts which is available anywhere. I have 2 gear cases, new gear case gears, shafts, hammers, bearings, and several other miscellaneous parts; Tailgate to fit 2005 Ford F-250 pickup. Silver in color. It is straight and serviceable but has a ding on left side. Inside surface is flat and straight. Perfectly functional. 701-833-2220, Jerome Behm, Burlington. MOTORCYCLE, 2007 HD Softail Classic STC motorcycle, 29886 miles, good tires, lowering kit installed, windshied & back rest removable, battery tender, two matching helmets, lots of extras, sharp looking bike at $5900. 701-9890204, Ron Kraft, Bismarck. ANVILS, 100 to 175 pounds all in very good condition, porcelain Massey Harris sign and a porcelain Standard Oil Company Products sign. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. SADDLE, Haliday made saddle 15"seat, $650; Spotted show saddle with tappadors, $1800; Belts, wallets, chinks, assorted pads, tack good shape. 701-202-1174, Chip Liebel, Mandan.
4-WHEELER, 2015 Honda Ribcon 4X4, 1,700 Hours, 6,500 Miles, New Battery New Tires on Front, doesn’t use oil, No transmission problems. Asking $5,600 with new set of tires, $5,900. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields. HORSE TRAILER, 2000 Featherlite 7x18 3 horse weekender pkg. . Model 9641 Gooseneck with storage/sleeping area and rear tack compartment. 701-320-2050, Jim Englund, Jamestown. RUBBER TOTES, several 32 gallon sturdy rubber totes with lids used for excess grain storage & seed. They have never been used for garbage. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley. ENCLOSED TRAILER, 16' tandem axle trailer, 8' wide, 6'5" high inside, hitch fits a 2" ball, 4 new tires, clear title. Pics available. 701-629-9954, Pam Nelson, Stanley. 960 WILLYS WAGON 4X4, 3 speed with overdrive, 226ci 6 cylinder flat head, not running, has some rust, been gathering repair panels, and other new parts, Delivery up for discussion. 707-425-7315, Vernon Buchmann, Fairfield, Calif. WANTED TYPE 3 VW CARS/PARTS. Volkswagen Fastback, Squareback, Notchback or Ghia. 701-219-5847, Joel Herman, Harwood. SIGNS, ADVERTISING, COLLECTIBLES. My son and I are looking for things to add to our collection. Old Signs, Farm Related, Gas & Oil, Advertising, Highway Signs, Railroad related items, License plates, oil cans, barber/salon items. Old items w/ small town advertisingmirrors, thermometers. Paying cash and will travel. Text/Call anytime. Would love to visit with you. Or stop and visit me along I-94. 701-9890495, Bryan Behm, Medina. OLD STUFF, ND license plates, ND picked arrowheads, Advertising signs, advertising thermometers, gas pumps, oil cans, Road signs with Indian Head logo, ND HP metal door sign. I also buy old toys, marbles, crocks, metal trade tokens or anything else that's old and interesting. I can travel to your location. 701220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land. Make reservations now. larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.
ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT NDFU.ORG/CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds by mail, fax, phone or email will not be accepted.
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
THE TOUGH DEPEND on ARTEX
FUILLC.COM
GRAIN BIN SAFETY
• Never enter grain bins unless absolutely necessary • Use a secure lifeline (harness, rope) when entering • Never walk on or walk down grain to make it flow • Break up grain with a pole from outside the bin • Always have an attendant outside the bin
Find more ag safety info at
ndsc.org/ag-safety-training-program NDFU.org • August 2026 • 31
Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402