Clark Twardoski Agency
I was born and raised in Bismarck. I graduated from BHS in 2016. While working in the insurance industry after high school, I was also a full-time college student and graduated from Dickinson State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s in business administration. I joined Farmers Union in November of 2022 as a commercial insurance agent. I married my high school sweetheart Alyssa in 2022. We welcomed our first son, Kip David Twardoski in June of 2023 and have our second child joining us in August.
I love my job at Farmers Union because it doesn’t feel like a job. I wake up in the morning excited to go to work. Insurance has always been my dream job since I was a kid, and I feel like I’ve found home and built a family at Farmers Union with all the agents, support staff, management, etc.
I am an active member in a local Business Network International networking chapter with 32 other business
professionals and donate time and money to multiple non-profit organizations in the community. In my free time, I enjoy fishing with friends and family and spending time at the lake in the summer months.
• USPS 016-211
*Grade youth will have completed by the end of the school year
Heart Butte (near Elgin)
July 15-18
July 22-25
SENIOR
James River (near Jamestown)
July 14-17
July 21-24
Heart Butte (near Elgin)
July 8-12
July 29 - Aug. 2
James River (near Jamestown)
July 7-11
July 28 - Aug. 1
The demise of the Farm Bill?
Crucial time continues to slip by for good legislation surrounding the Farm Bill and farm programs. We are facing a huge dilemma that could be the beginning of the end of bipartisan support for farm bills, and support from farm groups and consumer groups, alike.
The Farm Bill is much larger than production agriculture. It is an investment in the long-term security of a food system that has served our nation well. It is an investment to ensure we can feed our citizens and many others in need, around the world. Food is essential and should not be used as a political tool.
Programs from research to rural and city infrastructure, to safety nets and crop insurance have been essential in maintaining a strong rural America. They have enabled us to be competitive in the world and become the envy of the world in food production. This could all change if we continue to be unwilling to make logical investments in maintaining successful programs and systems.
The demise of the Farm Bill began when we chose to extend it, not only once but twice. As a result, we are seeing a bill drafted through a reconciliation process that only allows changes pertinent to a partisan push. Cutting SNAP and small enhancements to the farm safety net, while leaving most other programs in limbo, will widen the rural-urban divide and make the bill less bipartisan.
This approach of reconciliation rather than the regular order of drafting a Farm Bill, where the merits and challenges of programs are
debated, misses the point of a government of and for the people. It risks everything we have built as a nation – from leading the world in food production to the U.S. becoming a residual supplier of food for the world. It takes the U.S. further down the path of becoming a food importer rather than having a surplus in agricultural trade. This is a poor choice when it comes to logical food policy for our nation, for farmers and consumers.
We may be on the cusp of our last investment in a good Farm Bill, if we continue down the path of reconciliation when it comes to agriculture policy. This could not come at a worse time as agriculture is headed into lower earnings and lower prices. There is no economic forecast that shows hope of improvement to commodity prices soon, which makes the Farm Bill and its safety net more relevant and important. I am sadly confident that we will be chasing another economic assistance disaster package this fall due to the low prices.
This is not a good way to legislate. I challenge our elected officials to step up and understand that low commodity prices will cause farm failures; trade wars are always a loss to farmers; concentrated monopolies always take advantage of farmers, ranchers and consumers; hungry people are not healthy for any nation; and a lack of investment into food production will make us a residual supplier, not a preferred supplier, of food to the world.
the fourth children’s book from North Dakota Farmers Union
$16.95 plus tax
Dusty learns about generations of family and equipment on their farm, and the latest in soil technology. Find out how Dusty makes Gramps a new thingamajig for his tractor to save the day!
FOR THE COMMUNITY
Ambulance service's 'Lifesavers in the Park' event in New Rockford continuing to grow
Story
by Chris Aarhus, NDFU / Photo courtesy New Rockford Community Ambulance Service
Every August at Centennial Park in New Rockford, the Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford (CASNR) hosts an event that it hopes will inspire members of the community to become a volunteer.
Lifesavers in the Park is set for its 24th annual event on Aug. 5, and CASNR manager Angie Hopfauf is preparing for another big event after 360 people attended last year.
“We always have pretty good support,” she said. “It’s often dependent upon weather. You never know if the (farmers) will be combining at that time.”
Part of the event will be paid for with $500 from NDFU’s Community Stewards program, which encourages NDFU members to become active citizens within their community. The program allows participants to apply for a $500 donation to be made to a nonprofit organization in their community. Eric and Sara Myhre of New Rockford sponsored the application.
“It’ll help cover the cost of some of the food and supplies,” Hopfauf said. “It benefits us because this event is not a huge moneymaker for us. It’s just more about getting out into the community.”
The event often features experiences such as tours of an ambulance, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, kids games and car seat demonstrations, life pack demonstrations, a dunking booth with law enforcement and teachers, and CPR demonstrations. This year, they may even see the Sanford AirMed — Sanford Hospital’s helicopter — though Hopfauf cautioned it’s contingent on whether the air ambulance is needed elsewhere for obvious reasons.
“That’s tentative, but when we have them here, they just land right on the road,” she said. “Right now, they are scheduled to be here.”
Hopfauf also organizes spots for healthrelated vendors in the community, like the outreach clinic, dental office or nursing home. When the fun’s been had and the meal is eaten, Eddy County Community Cares provides free ice cream.
And if things go extremely well for Hopfauf, it could mean a few more potential EMTs for the ambulance service.
“We have so many awesome volunteers,” Hopfauf said. “We have 42 of them, but we also have to fill 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, we’re always recruiting.”
AGENTS HONORED AT SALES CONFERENCE
Farmers Union Insurance agents from North Dakota, South Dakota and Arkansas met June 9-12 at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center for the Farmers Union Insurance Agents 2025 Sales Conference. Farmers Union Insurance honored agents for their 2024 success and gave out awards for years of service. Pictured with each winner is Farmers Union Insurance CEO Mark Anderson.
Congrats to District 1 for being named District of the Year!
Jamie Ressler, Beck Hruby and Jed Geer of Bismarck won the Agraria Agency of the Year award.
Dave Berger of Mandan was named Personal Lines Agency of the Year.
Brent Wollschlager of Parshall was named Crop Agency of the Year.
The agency of Lance Gulleson and Shelby Olson of Lisbon was named North Dakota Agency of the Year. They were also named Commercial Lines Agency of the year.
Dominic Noonan of Fargo was named Financial Products Agency of the Year.
Premier agent awards
Leslie Beuchler of Minot
Scott Cramer of Casselton
Jed Geer of Bismarck
Beck Hruby of Bismarck
Aaron Johansen of Dickinson
Jerod Lematta of Ellendale
Garrett Murphy of Dickinson
Ryan Opdahl of Hillsboro
Jamie Ressler of Bismarck
Josh Ressler of Minot
Ryan Schnell of Bismarck
Shawn Sipma of Minot
Tyler Waslien of Casselton
$2M crop agencies
Chris Arnston of Maddock
Zach Axtman of Rugby
David Bergeman of Forman
Dwight Byron of Park River
Scott Cramer of Casselton
Jerry Essler of Kenmare
Renae Fayette of Grafton
Marcus Fischer of Bowman
Lance Gulleson of Lisbon
Armen Hanson of Devils Lake
Aaron Johansen of Dickinson
JR Johnson of Williston
Robbi Larson of Crosby
Blaine Moberg of Rolla
Garrett Murphy of Dickinson
Dan Ness of Devils Lake
Shelby Olson of Lisbon
Chad Oswald of Wilton
Lucas Schumacher, New Rockford
Russell Stremick of Langdon
Jay Thompson of Park River
Chris Walker of Rugby
Tyler Waslien of Casselton
Jennifer Worley of Cavalier
Kjell Vassen of Crosby
Kim Zinke of Devils Lake
Sjon Zunich of Williston
Jerry Zunich of Williston.
Dylan Klatt was named Adjuster of the Year. Pictured at his left is FUI Chief Claims Officer Brad Nold.
Harrison Aide of Williston was named Rookie Agent of the Year.
FUSA Million Dollar Agencies
$5 million agencies
Russell Stremick, Langdon $10 million
Jerry Zunich-JR Johnson-Sjon Zunich, Williston $10 million
Lance Gulleson and Shelby Olson, Lisbon $10 million
Armen Hanson-Dan Ness-Kim Zinke, Devils Lake $10 million
Courtney Schauer, Mandan Toby Kuntz-Ryan Ressler, Bismarck
Marcus Fischer, Bowman Lucas Schumacher, New Rockford
Al Weigel, Napolon
Phil Halvorson, Mandan
Shaun Sipma, Leslie Beuchler, Josh Ressler, Minot
Blaine Moberg, Rolla
Robbi Larsen-Kjell Vassen, Crosby Jerry Essler, Kenmare
Dwight Byron-Jay Thompson, Park River
Aaron Johansen-Garrett Murphy, Dickinson
Scott Cramer-Tyler Waslien, Casselton
Chris Arnston, Maddock
Jerrod Lematta, Ellendale Zach Axtman-Chris Walker, Rugby
Jamie Ressler-Beck Hruby-Jed Geer, Bismarck
Agraria Million Dollar Agencies
$2 million Agaria Agency
FUI RAISES MONEY FOR YOUTH CAMP
Farmers Union Insurance agents, management, staff and vendors participated in a number of contests including a raffle, bowling and golfing tournaments as well as a putting contest. The games raised $3,220 for Farmers Union camps in North and South Dakota.
Todd Nichols of South Dakota won the 50-50 raffle and donated his winnings back to camp!
Farmers Union Insurance agent Chris Arnston of Maddock won the putting contest!
Armen Hanson-Kim Zinke-Dan Ness, Devils Lake
$4 million Agaria Agency
JR Johnson-Sjon Zunich-Jerry Zunich, Williston $4 million Agaria Agency
Shawn Sipma-Leslie Beuchler-Josh Ressler, Minot $3 million Agaria Agency
Lucas Schumacher, New Rockford
Nathan Larson-Troy Enger, Northwood $1 million Agaria Agency
Zach Axtman-Chris Walker, Rugby $1 million Agaria Agency
Randy Hooey, Carrington $1 million Agaria Agency
Kelly Braun, Dickinson $1million Agaria Agency
Chad Oswald, Wilton $1 million Agaria Agency
Tatem Brandt, LaMoure $1 million Agaria Agency
YEARS OF SERVICE
45 years Jerry Zunich, Williston
30 years Kim Zinke, Devils Lake
25 and 20 years of service
Marcus Fischer, Bowman (25)
JR Johnson, Williston (25) Tom Sanders, Fargo (20)
15 years of service
Bill Bienek, Fargo (15)
Scott Cramer, Casselton (15)
Kyle DeVries, Wahpeton (15)
Troy Enger, Northwood (15)
Jay Thompson, Park River (15)
Beck Hruby, Bismarck (10)
Dan Ness, Devils Lake (10)
Dominic Noonan, Fargo (10)
Ryan Opdahl, Hillsboro (10)
Robbi Larsen, Crosby (5)
'POETRY OF THE PLOW'
Chuck Suchy reflects on life as singer-songwriter as he's named state troubadour, and 'Dancing Dakota' becomes state waltz
Story and photos by Chris Aarhus, NDFU
Sitting in the dining room of the farmhouse that was built with his father’s hands nearly 100 years ago, Chuck Suchy looks completely at home.
He and wife Linda may not live in the old house — they have a separate home on the family farm — but it’s a strong dose of sentimentality just a few hundred yards away.
The longtime folk singer-songwriter from North Dakota has a great appreciation for his roots, evident in not only how he lives his life but directly through his music. The North Dakota State Legislature recently honored his work when his song, “Dancing Dakota,” officially became the state waltz through House Bill 1397.
Written for the state centennial in 1989, “Dancing Dakota” is a song that Suchy hopes will help people connect with North Dakota.
“It’s about embracing the place,” he said.
With House Concurrent Resolution 3008, the legislature also named Suchy as the first state troubadour, an honorary title given to a singersongwriter who serves as an ambassador for the state’s music and culture.
It’s a fitting title for the longtime Farmers Union member who has spent his life bringing musical joy to many with his tours across the Midwest and the production of eight albums
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Chuck Suchy on his family farm south of Mandan. Suchy's song, 'Dancing Dakota,' was named the state waltz through a bill in the legislature. He was also named the state troubadour.
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— all while operating a family farm in a state known for agriculture.
‘WRINKLING MY FOREHEAD’
The Charlie and Stella Suchy family farm featured cattle, hogs and chickens. His father was blue collar to the bone, digging the basement and pouring the concrete for the family home himself.
“They didn’t have power tools back then,” said Chuck, who works to keep the home in a livable condition. “He did it using craftsmanship that I don’t have. But I really treasure it, so we’re trying to keep it up. When I’m working on the house here, I get to see my dad as this young, hopeful guy.”
Chuck was a late arrival in his family — Charlie and Stella were in their 40s — and music always played a part in Chuck’s life growing up, even though his father’s ability had started to decline. Charlie played the fiddle and the accordion, and Stella was a piano teacher.
“Music was a big part of the BohemianCzech culture,” he said. “We have a Bohemian fraternal lodge just over the hill. That was
a support system for them to establish themselves and still maintain their identities as to who they are. It was part of the language and part of being here.”
Chuck’s own personal foray into music started with instruments, with some accordion and piano early on and then guitar late in his high school years. He doesn’t remember when he started singing so much, but he does have fond memories of a certain singing cowboy.
“I remember looking in the mirror, trying to wrinkle my forehead the way Roy Rogers did,” he said. “And then my mom would always be humming around the house.”
‘WALKING IN A DREAM’
Attending Bismarck Junior College, Suchy was part of the choir. It was there that he took a chance, seeing an ad for a folk festival in Yankton, S.D.
“They said, if you want to enter it, send in a tape,” Chuck said. “I don’t even remember how I recorded it and sent it to them, but I was accepted.”
Unsure how he’d pay for his trip if he didn’t finish runner-up or better in the competition, he was able to secure a seat to Yankton on a small
LISTEN ON YOUTUBE
You can hear 'Dancing Dakota' as written and performed by Chuck Suchy by searching it on Youtube!
prop plane. He arrived, performed, and as the winners were read, he packed up his gear and started to leave.
“They said second place was a band from Iowa, and I thought for sure these other guys had won first, so I was walking out,” he said. “I was in the hallway of the auditorium when they said my name, and the place just erupted. It was like walking in a dream.”
Suchy later transferred to NDSU to get a bachelor’s degree, and that’s where he honed his skills, playing in the student union and traveling to festivals.
“They would have what they called ‘coffee house’ probably every other weekend, and it was a place for kids to hang out and listen to music,” he said. “It also gave musicians on campus a place to develop, so that was really incredible. I started to get exposure traveling while I was still at NDSU.”
An engineering major who struggled initially, Chuck switched to mechanized agriculture at the advice of the dean of engineering at NDSU. Oddly enough, it was that switch that jumpstarted his songwriting.
“(Engineering) was trying to teach me how to build a plow, but my heart was interested in the
DANCING DAKOTA
Written and performed by Chuck Suchy
The music is calling quiet and clear A voice gently falling on the listening ear It calls from the rivers, from the wind in the trees It calls, I know you, Do you know me?
For I am a dancer, I am a dance I am a dreamer living romance I am all ages, timeless I be I am Dakota. Will you please dance with me?
(Chorus)
Dance, Dakota, far as you see Dance and your spirit renew Dance, Dakota, long may we be Dancing, Dakota, with you I am the magic of mid-winter night I am the warmth of a spring morning light
The aura of autumn in quiet repose A sunset of summer, a wild prairie rose
And I have been dancing for thousands of years With many for partners, I’ve danced joy and tears To the flags o’er me flown I’ve given a chance I am Dakota. May I please have this dance?
(Chorus)
I dance with the sun, I dance with the rain I dance with the ones who come home again I dance with justice and with dignity I am Dakota, will you please dance with me?
(Chorus)
poetry of the plow,” he said. “Someone gave me a cassette tape of Canadian songwriter Stan Rogers. He had a song, “The Field Behind the Plow.” When I heard that, I knew that there were things to write about (within agriculture). I just started writing.”
‘OPENING THE FLOODGATES’
Suchy eventually took over the family farm after graduating from NDSU, doubling the farm’s hog count. With any free evenings he had, he performed in a popular lounge in Mandan. It was there that he was discovered by Rosalie Goldstein, an attorney who was also an organizer for the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
“She asked if I could do any original stuff, and I said I would sing a couple songs,” he recalled. “Next thing I knew, I was on a plane to the Winnipeg Folk Festival. They brought my whole family up to the festival. That opened the floodgates to a world I didn’t even know existed.”
When he came off the stage at his third workshop in Winnipeg, he had four record labels waiting for him. The big winner was
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Bruce Kaplan, the founder of Flying Fish Records in Chicago.
“They all wanted to talk to me after the festival about a recording, and that was something I hadn’t even considered as a possibility. It was crazy. I signed with them for two albums, and that gained some national and international airplay.”
Suchy did two albums with Flying Fish Records — Much to Share (1986) and Dancing Dakota (1989). He completed six more over the course of the next 19 years.
‘LIKE A SOUP KETTLE BOILING’
Pablo Picasso’s quote, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working,” about the best ideas coming during the mundane tasks in life was always true for Suchy, who carried a yellow legal pad with him for years.
“Some of it was just like a soup kettle boiling,” he said. “The lid was wanting to blow off, and these songs would come out. That part was always exhilarating. You can’t write it down fast enough.”
Suchy taught writing workshops in schools, and he often told his students his tools were a legal pad and a No. 2 pencil. But they weren’t the only thing that mattered, he said.
“It’s important being alone sometimes,” he said. “It’s so easy to be bombarded by noise today. In my teens, I thought I was stuck on this God-forsaken farm. Now I realize it was my blessing. It was my monastery and a place to really hear the inner voice and to enjoy it. I had a lot of great tractor concerts out here. Just singing at the top of my lungs, like I was singing for a stadium full of people.”
With Chuck performing in front of a crowd on a regular basis, extra help was needed on the farm. Forever partners, Linda was up to the
Chuck Suchy plays on the bridge of a walking path near the home he grew up in.
task.
“We were looking to build the herd, so we were doing (artificial insemination or A.I.), and Chuck did most of it,” Linda recalled. “But he was singing six nights a week, so I would bring the cows in after he had gone to sing. We had a really good border collie (named Sally), and they’d be in the corral. He’d come home, and then he’d get up early and A.I. It was nuts. He was singing till 1 a.m., and then he was up in the morning. We did that for years.”
Linda helped doing other chores as well, like baling hay.
“I grew up on a farm, too, but the boys got to do all that, and I had to do other stuff,” she said. “Yeah, I wanted to be out there. I wanted to cultivate corn with the Ford.
“I lucked out when I married Chuck. I never wanted to do anything more than that.”
The couple has three children: Andra in Minneapolis, and Ben and Eve, both of Mandan. All three are involved in music in some fashion, and they’re passing it on to the next generation.
“My 7-year-old granddaughter is beginning on the accordion,” he said. “Her mom (Eve) is teaching her. But she came up to me at a picnic and asked if we could start doing lessons more often. I’m so grateful for that. I hope we can pass that on.”
Suchy sees an opening in the current culture for more singer-songwriters like himself. He wants today’s generation to keep on the lookout for inspiration, much the way he did as a young musician.
“Be open to it when it hits,” he said. “You might miss the significance of how the breeze feels on your cheek when you’re walking out to the McCormick in the morning. Find yourself some quiet time, because you’ve got a beautiful voice inside you. Discover it. It might not be speaking in song to you, but it might be poetry. Or a novel. Just let it out.”
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If you continue to have trouble logging in, contact Chris Aarhus in the Communications Department at 701-952-0118 or caarhus@ndfu.org.
Around the state
Pierce County Farmers Union held in EPIC event on May 30 in Rugby. The kids learned about what goes into a pizza from NDSU Extension and even had the opportunity to make a pizza at Baldy's Pizza downtown in Rugby. They also made birthday boxes and donated them to the local food pantry.
Mountrail County Farmers Union held an EPIC event, where the kids learned about planting in a garden.
On June 14, Kidder County Farmers Union hosted a bus trip to Glimpse of the Prairie, a mother-daughter owned business near Wing, Members had the opportunity to make their own tortillas and enjoy a taco bar with the fruits of their labor. They learned how to make soap, body scrubs and toured the onsite garden.
Stark County Farmers Union held an EPIC event June 5, touring the Garrison Dam Fish Hatchery. They also visited Coteau’s Freedom coal mine. NDFU Vice President Bob Kuylen gave the kids a presentation about co-ops on the bus.
Dickey County Farmers Union EPIC coach Pam Henningsen taught kids how to repurpose every day items, making greenhouses out of plastic takeout containers. They also made bird feeders with cardboard toilet paper rolls and fly catchers with soda bottles. Cooperative learning and the history of NDFU was also part of the day, capping it with pizza from Cenex.
Arthritis often affects farmers, ranchers
BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU
It can bring about physical pain, a loss of mobility and emotional frustration. It’s arthritis, and it often leads to a less independent lifestyle.
Sara Curl is the executive director for the North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota chapters of the Arthritis Foundation. A former Farmers Union Torchbearer, she’s familiar with growing up on the farm and the aches and pains that farmers and ranchers live with each day.
“My father-in-law in Cando was a farmer and avid woodworker,” said Curl, who is a native of Bisbee. He could barely move his hands, and he had to make different jigs and things to continue to woodwork at the level he was because his hands wouldn’t allow him to do that.”
Curl is hoping many in rural America will seek help with their joint pain, much the way she did when she found out she had osteoarthritis at age 50. It led to a hip replacement.
“I joke with my dad that it’s all that rockpicking we used to have to do as a kid,” she said. “I had a hip replacement myself, so it’s very common.”
Nationally, 1 in 4 people are diagnosed with arthritis, and it’s estimated that about 125,000 people in North Dakota are affected. Nearly 23,000 North Dakotans attended in-person
patient education events, logged onto virtual webinars or accessed digital resources in 2023.
Curl said people often associate arthritis with getting older, but it affects all ages.
“There are 100 types of arthritis,” she said. “You can get it as a child. We even have a camp for kids with juvenile arthritis.”
For farmers and ranchers, Curl said it’s about 1 in 3 that will deal with arthritis at some point. And there are ways to tell if you may be dealing with some form of arthritis. Curl said she actually found out from her iPhone’s Health app.
“In the Health app, (iPhone) will tell you about your stride, if you’re walking evenly,” she said. “You get a pain, so you start taking a longer stride to compensate for it. When I saw I was doing that, I knew there was something going on.”
The Arthritis Foundation holds education events and even has groups in which those with arthritis can talk about their experiences with others. One of the programs the foundation offers is called “Walk with Ease,” and Curl said it’s a medically backed program that gets people back out and moving.
“Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability,” she said. “We’re here to help and support people. There are a lot of tools and resources.”
To learn more, visit arthritis.org.
The Arthritis Foundation estimateswww that one in three farmers deal with athritis, with one in four people overall having arthritis at some point in their life.
Making an Impact
North Dakota
Join us in conquering arthritis and help improve the lives of millions who live with the nation’s #1 cause of disability.
The Arthritis Foundation envisions a world where all people with arthritis are living a life without limits. Through our unmatched scientific research, educational programs, policy advocacy and community connections, the Arthritis Foundation has led the fight to conquer arthritis since our founding in 1948. And while our successes have been many and our commitment never stronger, there’s still much work to be done.
129,425 Impacted
Today, more than 125,000 North Dakotans have arthritis.
Making an Impact
22,830 Educated
11,719 Queries Answered
Educating patients and caregivers is a huge part of the Arthritis Foundation’s mission. In 2023, more than 20,000 patients in North Dakota attended in-person patient education events, logged on to virtual webinars, or accessed digital resources
The Arthritis Foundation also provides support to the arthritis community through our Helpline — via telephone and online. In 2023, the Helpline responded to nearly 11,719 queries
$12 Million Invested
3,880 Supported
Since 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has invested more than $500 million in arthritis research – including more than $12M in 2023.
The Arthritis Foundation’s robust Connect Groups network provides connection and education to nearly 3,880 people in all 50 states
200 Participated
To contact the Helpline, go to arthritis.org/helpline or call 1-800-283-7800
Community events play an essential role in raising awareness and bringing people with arthritis together. Arthritis Foundation events also raise funds for life-changing research and resources that are vital to the arthritis community. In 2023, 200 people attended Arthritis Foundation events in North Dakota.
Kids From 35 States Attended Camps
Children from 35 states attended 11 juvenile arthritis camps hosted by the Arthritis Foundation nationwide in 2023.
3,761
JA Families Engaged
In 2023, the Arthritis Foundation supported 3,761 families through JA Days, JA Power Packs, the JA Family Summit, JA Camps and Connect Groups for JA parents.
North Dakota
Simons shares mental health message at Chicago conference
Last month at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Founding Farmers Restaurant Group's Dan Simons took to the stage to share his presentation, “A Capitalist’s Motivation to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” with an engaged audience of restaurant professionals, operators, and industry leaders from across the globe.
Simons manages the restaurants owned by North Dakota Farmers Union.
The timing of this message felt especially important given the ongoing challenges the industry faces with workforce retention and employee wellbeing. Dan’s presentation helped attendees understand how to articulate the business case for mental health initiatives – showing direct and indirect return on investment and including ways they can develop their own customized playbooks for their businesses.
The presentation also tackled perhaps the biggest obstacle in the field: the misconception that mental health conversations must only happen through HR departments. Dan shared concrete examples of how leaders at all levels can address these topics effectively while reducing liability rather than increasing it.
Dan also had the chance to speak one-on-one with conference attendees at the Expo + Education Expert Exchange. He talked to restaurant owners, managers, and industry professionals who were curious about building supportive workplace cultures and seeking actionable advice on topics ranging from implementing mental health resources to creating retention strategies that prioritize employee wellbeing.
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.
Dan Simons of Founding Farmers Restaurant Group shares his message about employee mental health at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Simons manages the restaurants owned by North Dakota Farmers Union.
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
1998 CASE 2590 in good shape, white and orange; John Deere 158 loader with 8 ft bucket & grapple fork mounting and control all together. 701-396-7611, Harold Haase, Monango.
WATER TANK, 300 gal. poly water tank on wheels. Has never been used for chemicals. I used it to water newly planted trees. Has two garden hose connections. Tires are good, was stored inside when not in use. Can send pics. 701-830-2436, Gary Hoffman, Ashley.
HARNESS, Quarter horse team harness with collars, pads & bells, $900. Nylon single driving harness $175. Haliday ranch saddle $600, black show saddle $1800, chinks, belts wallets, expert saddle repair done. Halters, saddle pads, bareback pads, etc. Good shape. doubleluckranch@gmail.com 701-202-1174, Tom Liebel, Mandan.
JD COMBINE 2001 JD 9750 Combine, PRWD, Cont Master - Eng -4968/Sep- 3331. Above avg condition; 2010 635F Flex Head w/ Crary Air Bar; JD 2014 DB60 PARTS: 36 JD Pro-Series XP Meters with Mini Hoppers/Trimble True Count Air Clutches/Seed Tub Sensor Wire Harnesses 3 control boxes/Air tanks to run clutches for 3 row shutoff; Trimble Wiring/Hoses. 36+ Steel Closing Wheels & Dry Rate Controller; 1981 GMC 7000 Tandem Truck, runs good. 701-3215711, John Kempf, Ashley.
ROUGHNECK TRUCK CART, 24x72, 2200 lb capacity. $150. 701-297-9634, Larry Lampl, West Fargo.
AC TRACTOR, Allis Chalmers D17 tractor; 1978 four-wheeler; Honda accordion; Two wheel trailer with tail lights; JD hay rake 701-2700184, Harold Severson, Lakota.
MOWER, Rowse double 9 mower, hydraulic drive reconditioned $7000; New Holland 456 high lift mower reconditioned $3800; 9 wheel rake all new rake wheels $2200; New Holland 285 square baler, Wisconsin Moter with electric start field ready $3800; New Holland square bale wagon, $3600; IH 6200 press drill with grass seeder $2000. Can deliver any of these items 701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.
AUGER, 1385 FarmKing Auger 2013; 13" tube 85', PTO drive with swing-out hopper; $12,000. 1385 Batco Conveyor, PTO drive, 85' $8,000. Degelman Rockpicker, good condition, HyLift Dump, can dump on trailer or truck $2700. 701447-2461, Larry Gessele, Mercer.
JD COMBINES, Two JD 6601 combines, 1 useable, 1 for parts. JD 4400 combine for parts, take what you need. Melroe 5-14 plow with a packer. 263 IH motor complete power unit off 403 combine, runs good. 3 Chevy 350 motors all rebuildable, 1 complete with carb and distributor; IH 881 chopper, 2row, 30 inch head, also 5 ft hay head. Used fence posts, 5 ft and 5 1/2 ft. Versatile swather hydrostatic drives in good condition, older models. 701-269-6216, Jerry Miller, Streeter.
WANTED
POST-HOLE DIGGER, 3-pt with auger. 701-5702370, Kenneth Schmidt, Ray.
TRACTORS, IH 706, 806, 1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 966, 1066, 1466, 1566, others; JD 4520, 4620, 5010, 5020, 6030, others; MMs 950 on up; Olivers 1964 on up. AC 200, 210, 220, D-21; will buy all running or not. 701-6282130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE
TIN SHEETS, from pole barn, 18 ft long, heavy plank 16 & 20 ft long. 701-269-5530, Duane Klostreich, Cleveland.
LARGE JOHN DEERE TIN SIGN, large co-op porcelain sign, long Our Own Hardware sign, and a couple large Anvils. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.
INVENTORY from flea market and antique show business. Smaller items only, no furniture. Lots of glassware. Everything wrapped and in storage bins since 2020. Asking $1,800.00 or best offer. 701-302-0468, Charles Lewis, New Rockford.
MILITARY ITEMS. WWI and WWII German, Japanese and American Military Items: Uniforms, Hats, Helmets, Medals, Badges, Patches, Flags, Knives, Bayonets, Daggers, Swords, Leather Flight Jackets and Guns. Also WWII North Dakota 164th Infantry Regiment Items. jgrindahl@gmail.com or call/text. 701200-7125, John Grindahl, Fargo.
GRINDER MIXER, Arts Way 500 Grinder Mixer, JD 4 ft. lawn sweep, 21 inch Yardwise lawn sweep, 12 ft. folding ladder, JD 60 lawn cart, Century 160 Mig Wire Feed Welder, and 225 Ranger Lincoln Electric Welder. 701-339-1141, Marlow Nelson, Powers Lake.
BOAT, 1999 Alumacraft 1850 Trophy boat. 125 Merc, 9.9 kicker, 80 lb. thrust, Minkota Terrova trolling motor with foot and remote hand controls. Lowrance Elite 7 HD fishfinder. Two live wells, bemini top, storage cover, rod holders, boat is set up for salmon fishing. Will sell with or without salmon equipment. Boat has always been stored inside, excellent condition. One owner. 701-830-2436, Gary Hoffman, Ashley.
AIR CONDITIONER, West Pointe window/wall air conditioner with remote, Cools and heats, 12,000 BTUs, requires a 220 V outlet. Purchased new, used 4 years. $250 or best offer. 701-3494036, Della Pomplun, Ellendale.
1988 DELTA 88 OLDSMOBILE. 3800 engine. Runs good and new tires. Asking $500. 701348-3568, Daryl Brandt, Glen Ullin.
TORCH/GAUGES, large Smith gauges and torch with many extras and tanks and cart. 701-2261060, Don Scheeler, Bismarck.
CABIN CRUISER, 30 ft. Cabin Cruiser by Cruisers Yachts. Twin 350 horse Chevy engines. Magic Trail triple axel trailer. Located in SE. ND. $21,000. OBO. 701-375-6791, Lawrence Ulmer, Fullerton.
WANTED
WINCHESTER RIFLES, 88 and 100; John Deere key fobs and pens. 701-897-0099, Jerry Zimmerman, Roseglen.
OLD SIGNS, ND license plates, ND road signs, ND pottery, ND picked arrowheads, ND small town metal trade tokens, advertising signs, marbles, metal toys, silver coins, old gas pumps, oil cans, animal traps, crocks, advertising tins like coffee cans or spice tins, S/P shakers. Signs that have the ND Indian head logo could be the road signs, coal signs, or highway patrol metal door signs. Will travel to your location. 701-2205746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.
SIGNS, ADVERTISING, COLLECTIBLES. 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 advertising-mirrors, thermometers. Paying cash and will travel. Text/Call anytime. Would love to visit with you. Or stop and visit me along I-94. 701-989-0495, Bryan Behm, Medina.
2011-13 PICKUP, GMC or Chevy half-ton pickup in good condition. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.
Protecting Those That Protect America’s Food Source.
