GROWTH IN MOTION
Project by project, Arrowwood Prairie
Co-op strengthening itself for tomorrow
Michelle Seibel Agency
I grew up in Mandan, graduating from Mandan High School. After moving to Carson in 1994, I made my way to Elgin in 2010 to work at Farmers Union Insurance. My husband Jade and I have five wonderful kids and seven grandkids.
One of my most rewarding parts about being an insurance advisor in a small town is the relationships I build. I get to start with the parents and then work with their kids as they return to take over family farms or businesses. I enjoy helping the producers of Grant County prepare for whatever comes their way.
I am proud to sponsor the Elgin/New Leipzig Public School Lunch Project, which raises funds in the fall for the students whose working parents do not qualify for the free hot lunch program. Thanks to the incredible support from our community, the Lunch Project has been so successful that I am now focusing on fundraising for new
playground equipment!
I am also proud to support the NDFU youth camp at Lake Tschida by sponsoring 2-3 kids every summer. I firmly believe that NDFU's camps help kids build strong leadership skills and lasting friendships. In my free time, I love going to our local lake with family and friends.
POLICY HOPPER
FROM NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
Trade war pressures push soybean farmers to brink
U.S. agriculture is facing a downturn that recalls the 1980s farm crisis.1 Rising input costs, high interest rates, declining commodity prices and the loss of key markets are driving producers into the red. Nowhere is the pressure more visible than for soybean producers. China has not purchased U.S. soybeans since February, when new tariffs on its imports to the U.S. were imposed. North Dakota, which exports about 70% of its crop to China2, has been hit especially hard. Unless China resumes ordering U.S. commodities, farmers across the Midwest could face steep losses and a wave of foreclosures.3
The crisis, which has been growing with rising production costs – including record high seed, fertilizer, pesticide and machinery prices, and soft commodity markets, was aggravated when the administration expanded tariffs on China and other trading partners earlier this year. As of September, the average effective U.S. tariff on imports is 17.4%, while Chinese imports realize rates of roughly 30%4. Farmers are bearing the brunt. Tariffs on imported pesticides and herbicides exceed 20%, while tractor and machinery tariffs have risen from zero in January to 16%. Fertilizer alone accounts for nearly 30% of farm operating expenses, making the cost spike on other inputs unsustainable.5
China responded with its own tariffs. In 2018, it imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff that priced
the U.S. out of its market and prompted China to diversify purchases, shifting to Brazil as its primary supplier. Brazil now produces 40% of the world’s soybeans and supplies 71% of China’s imports. In 2024, the U.S. share fell to just 21%. Today, China’s effective tariff on U.S. soybeans is 34%. Even though U.S. soybeans are priced 80 to 90 cents per bushel cheaper, tariffs add $2 per bushel, wiping out that advantage.6
The stakes are high because China dominates global demand. It historically accounts for 54% of U.S. soybean exports, while the European Union, the next largest market, buys just 11%. While new trade deals with the European Union and Japan could benefit soybean growers over time, they cannot replace the immediate loss of Chinese demand.7
Typically, China places 14% of its annual U.S. orders in the fall, between September and December, but has not ordered any as of this writing. From February through September, it buys almost exclusively from Brazil. This year, China boosted imports from Brazil and Argentina to record levels between April and August to build domestic stockpiles.8
China’s absence from U.S. markets is being felt across the supply chain. Favorable conditions this summer boosted expected U.S. yields, and that, along with the lack of export demand, pulled futures lower. Between July 18
and Aug. 6, November 2025 soybean futures dropped 5% from $10.36 per bushel to $9.85. With the national average cost of production estimated at $12.05 per bushel, farmers face widening losses.9
The regional impact has been especially sharp in the Northern Plains, where soybeans traditionally move through the Pacific Northwest ports to China. According to BNSF Railway and regional exporters, there are currently no new crop orders. Basis levels have weakened sharply as a result. Local cash prices in North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska have tumbled in response.10 In Alton, N.D., the nearby basis widened from negative 95 cents on July 15 to negative $1.20 on Aug. 8.
Meanwhile, the administration has expanded tariffs to other markets. India was hit with a 50% tariff in response to its continued purchases of Russian oil. The administration’s extension of the 45Z tax credit for biofuel production and new safety-net provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill will help in the future, but most provisions will not take effect until October 2026.
That leaves farmers with few options in the short term. NDFU and other groups are calling for ad hoc disaster aid to bridge the gap.
SOURCES
During the 2018 trade war, the administration created the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which delivered $23 billion in payments through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Payments were tied to specific commodity production for producers whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $900,000 or less. Producers who derived more than 75% of their income from farming or ranching were exempt from this limitation.11
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says the ag department is monitoring markets and assessing how much aid farmers may need this fall.12 Congress is also beginning to discuss next steps for disaster relief. Senate Ag Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) has signaled support for replenishing the CCC to fund a new program. House Ag Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) has proposed using tariff revenue to finance disaster payments in a Farm Bill 2.0 later this year.
U.S. farmers are no strangers to volatility, but the current combination of rising costs, weak prices and lost markets is a dangerous mix. Without a course correction, the consequences could ripple far beyond agriculture, affecting rural communities and the broader economy.
— NDFU Govt. Relations Team
1USA Today. (2025, September 15). Farmers face economic pressures as corn and soybean profits fall. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/09/15/ farmers-corn-soybean-economic-pressures-profits/86091737007/
2The New York Times. (2025, September 15). China’s Snub of U.S. Soybeans is a Crisis for American Farmers. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/15/business/china-us-soybeans-farming.html
3American Soybean Association. (2025, August 20). Soybeans without a buyer: The export gap hurting U.S. farms. https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/ soybeans-without-a-buyer-the-export-gap-hurting-u-s-farms/
4Trade Compliance Resource Hub. (2025, September 17). Trump 2.0 tariff tracker. Trade Compliance Resource Hub. https://www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com/2025/09/17/ trump-2-0-tariff-tracker/
5Farm Policy News. (2025, August). Farmers feel fertilizer price squeeze as tariffs hit ag sector. University of Illinois. https://farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/08/ farmers-feel-fertilizer-price-squeeze-as-tariffs-hit-ag-sector/
6NDSU Agricultural Trade Monitor (2025, September) Soybean Basis Hits Record Low Amid Zero New-Crop Sales to China. https://www.capts-ndsu.com/_files/ ugd/3c6228_0115db2a64a948c28b03b68cbd279cae.pdf
7Kumar, M., & Brunnstrom, D. (2025, September 16). India says trade discussions with US ‘positive,’ ‘forward looking’. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/ india-says-trade-discussions-with-us-positive-forward-looking-2025-09-16/
8NDSU Agricultural Trade Monitor (2025, September) Soybean Basis Hits Record Low Amid Zero New-Crop Sales to China. https://www.capts-ndsu.com/_files/ ugd/3c6228_0115db2a64a948c28b03b68cbd279cae.pdf
9American Soybean Association. (2025, August 20). Soybeans without a buyer: The export gap hurting U.S. farms. https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/ soybeans-without-a-buyer-the-export-gap-hurting-u-s-farms/ 10American Soybean Association. (2025, August 20). Soybeans without a buyer: The export gap hurting U.S. farms. https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/ soybeans-without-a-buyer-the-export-gap-hurting-u-s-farms/ 11U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. (2019, September). Market Facilitation Program fact sheet. https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Market_Facilitation_ Program-Fact_Sheet-Sept.pdf
12Farm Policy News. (2025, September 16). USDA considering economic aid, Secretary Rollins says. University of Illinois Farmdoc. https://farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/09/ usda-considering-economic-aid-secretary-rollins-says/
NDFU members attend NFU Fly-in to D.C.
On Sept. 8-10, NDFU took 25 members to the National Farmers Union Fly-in, where they met with officials from USDA, the Department of Justice, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and all three of North Dakota's congressional delegation. They also visited with the staffs of members of Congress, joining the other state divisions in meeting with all 535 congressional offices. NDFU President Mark Watne was part of a small contingent that met with White House officials.
Sen. John Hoeven (above), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (bottom left) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (bottom right) met with NDFU members on the fly-in.
FROM LEFT: Nate and Sarah Thorsrud of West Fargo, Melissa and Wyatt Sundquist of Forman, and Tim Fischer of Bowman attended a meeting at the Department of Justice to talk about monopoly power and concentration in the ag industry.
Assistant Attorney General
NDFU President Mark Watne visits with Department of Justice
Abigail Slater.
FROM LEFT: Troy Bryant, Nate Thorsrud of West Fargo, Ryan Gregg of NDFU, Wes Niederman of Elgin and Sarah Thorsrud meet with Jon Maslyn of Rep. Nance Mace's office (N.C.)
FROM LEFT: Bob Finken of Douglas and Wyatt and Melissa Sundquist of Forman meet with the staff members of House Majority Leader Mike Johnson (La.)
FROM LEFT: Ben Vig of Sharon, Kayla and Tim Fischer of Bowman and Shelly Ziesch of Pettibone meet with Jack Harrigan, the legislative director for Rep. Dale Strong of Alabama.
OCTOBER IS CO-OP MONTH!
North Dakota Farmers Union wants to say thank you to the following cooperatives for checking dues and supporting cooperative learning by paying educational funds. We appreciate your support!
Allied Energy of Edgeley
Agtegra Co-op of Aberdeen, S.D.
Arrowwood Prairie Co-op of Wimbledon
Central Dakota Frontier Co-op of Napoleon
CenDak of Maddock-Fessenden
Creative Energy of South Heart-Belfield-Jamestown
CHS SunPrairie of Minot
Enerbase Cooperative of Minot
Envision Co-op of Rugby
Farmers Union Oil of Berthold
Farmers Union Oil of Beulah
Farmers Union Oil of Devils Lake
Farmers Union Oil of Ellendale
Farmers Union Oil of Embden
Farmers Union Oil of Fessenden
Farmers Union Oil of Garrison
Farmers Union Oil of Glen Ullin
Farmers Union Oil of Hazen
Farmers Union Oil of Hope
Farmers Union Oil of Jamestown
Farmers Union Oil of Kenmare
Farmers Union Oil of Pettibone
Farmers Union Oil of Portland
Farmers Union Oil of Richardton
Farmers Union Oil of Tolna
Farmers Union of Watford City
Farmers Union Oil of Willow City
Farmers Union Oil of Wilton
Farmers Union Oil of York
Horizon Resources of Williston
Legacy Cooperative of Bisbee
Mott Equity Exchange
North Star Co-op of Cavalier
Petro Serve USA of West Fargo
Pinnacle of Stanley/Tioga
ProPoint Co-op of Bowman
Ray Farmers Union Elevator
Rugby Farmers Union Elevator
Tri-Energy of Bismarck
Western Choice Co-op of Killdeer
Williston Home & Lumber
Wilton Farmers Union Elevator
LOOKING TO TOMORROW
Wide-ranging Kenmare co-op continues to thrive as it looks to keep the next generation involved with cooperatives
Rick Harris worked in banking for over 30 years before becoming the general manager for Farmers Union Oil of Kenmare in 2019. He’s learned about the stark differences between the two industries since then.
“I didn’t think banking was boring until I became a manager of a co-op,” he said with a laugh. “It’s quite a dynamic profession.”
It’s never a dull moment at a co-op, particularly for the Kenmare business, with locations in four towns spanning 60 miles in northwest North Dakota. Every October for Co-op Month, NDFU highlights cooperatives that continue to serve the needs of their communities.
For Farmers Union Oil of Kenmare, that means running convenience stores in Kenmare, Bowbells and Powers Lake; full service agronomy in Kenmare and Powers Lake, as well as bulk fuel and propane offerings; and an automotive shop and parts store in Kenmare. The co-op also owns Green Ag, a Bourgault equipment dealer in Mohall that has been the best in its territory four years running. It purchased the company in 2018.
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Story
and photos
by Chris Aarhus, NDFU
BELOW: One of the most recent projects by the co-op is the construction of the new travel plaza in Powers Lake.
ABOVE: Rick Harris is the general manager of Farmers Union Oil of Kenmare. The co-op offers full-service agronomy and bulk fuel delivery with an automotive shop and parts store. The co-op also owns Green Ag, a Bourgault equipment dealer in Mohall.
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In its 91st year since incorporation, the co-op remains dedicated to its patrons.
“There is a lot of (competition) out there, and we’re here working on 100 years,” Harris said. “It’s pretty impressive for a town our size.”
Harris said a goal of the co-op is to work on the next generation, hoping to entice them to not only do business at the co-op but consider working there as well.
“Our patrons are getting older and younger generations are taking over the farm,” he said. “That’s going to affect the co-op world down the road. There’s no way to deny that.”
One of the ways Harris hopes to lure in the younger demographics is by making sure the co-op is keeping up with any technology demands. Artificial intelligence (A.I.), for instance, is becoming more popular in the business world. Harris said the next generation sees technology as an important part of their success and will expect anyone that has their business to feel the same way.
“We have had this discussion in the board room many times,” he said. “We have many of the same patrons we’ve had for 20, 30 years. Are we going to lose those (families) if it’s somebody else that’s helping them achieve success? Those are the things I’m looking at when that farmer makes a decision to come
here and buy chemical. I don’t want them to look at us and say that we’re not able to be helpful to them. Whoever sits in my seat (in the future), that’s going to be one of the biggest issues that they’re going to have to look at.”
Keeping young people in agriculture is a good start to solving the ongoing labor problem, Harris said. Good for the co-op and good for rural America, and it starts with education.
“Getting kids involved in agriculture is the biggest thing — some how, some way,” he said. “Keep it instilled in them that they don’t have to go to Chicago and New York to make a good living. You can live here.”
As for the operations of the co-op, the board and management teams are looking at building a new C-store in Kenmare as part of its commitment to growth, though that’s in the preliminary stages of planning, Harris said.
Keeping a watchful eye on trends and the future in general is important, but good customer service will always be the linchpin for the co-op, he said.
“I think our patrons are impressed with the service they get at Farmers Union Oil of Kenmare,” Harris said. “We wouldn’t have them today if we didn’t have good service in our agronomy and fuel departments. (When I started here), I said that no matter what, we’re still going to continue our good service, and I think that’s made a difference.”
The original Farmers Union Oil of Kenmare in 1934. Submitted photo.
The objectives of IYC2025 are to:
• Raise public awareness
• Promote growth and development
• Advocate for supportive frameworks
• Foster purposeful leadership and engage youth in the cooperative movement
About the IYC2025
On June 19 2024, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) through UN General Assembly Resolution (78/289) under the main sponsorship of Mongolia and cosponsored by Kenya. This global initiative underscores cooperatives’ vital role in advancing sustainable development, eradicating poverty, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
POWERED BY PROGRESS
Arrowwood Prairie Co-op of Wimbledon and Carrington continues looking to the future
The spirit of cooperatives is with its patrons, something Arrowwood Prairie Co-op of Wimbledon and Carrington knows very well.
It was only four years ago that both the board of directors and the management team had meetings with their patrons about expanding their fertilizer capacity.
“We did a lot of due diligence,” longtime Arrowwood Prairie Co-op general manager Paul Klosterman said. “We had some patron meetings to see what they would commit to.”
Thirteen months later, Arrowwood’s new fertilizer plant was up and running, one of numerous
Story
and photos
projects the co-op has undertaken the past 10 years. Every October for Co-op Month, North Dakota Farmers Union highlights cooperatives that continue to push forward, meeting and exceeding the needs of their communities.
In addition to the $4 million fertilizer plant, Arrowwood built a new convenience store in Wimbledon in 2017, purchased a liquid propane plant in Carrington in 2019 from Kinder Morgan and recently bought the old Erickson Implement building right off the major roundabout in Carrington to
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by Chris Aarhus, NDFU
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use as an administrative office.
Board chairman Jim Slag of Wimbledon said none of it happens without the community supporting the co-op.
“It takes the commitment of the patrons to support (these projects),” he said. “That’s the only way we make it. We hope to continue to grow and keep giving our patrons what they need. That’s what you have to do to grow in this environment. Each patron is now (a bigger farmer) and there are less of them, so the competition for their business is pretty intense.”
Slag recalled a time when the co-op was considering delaying its fertilizer expansion, but moved forward after a few of their patrons came forward and convinced them that the business would grow.
“We either had to get out of the dry fertilizer business or take the next step,” Slag said. “It was a tough decision, and we were going to table it. But a bunch of patrons came forward and pledged their support and more business if we would proceed and build it. We toured some other plants and did some research, and then we decided to build it.”
Fast forward to today, and Klosterman said the new 4,000-ton automated plant gets plenty of use.
“Our old plant was so small and outdated, we couldn’t keep up,” he said. “Now, farmers need so much so fast, we still can’t keep up, though that’s how it is at every (facility) with the need for fertilizer. Farmers can plant so much so fast now, it’s about speed now.”
Said Slag: “Oh, they love the plant because it’s fast-loading. We increased our tonnage on inventory for them, and they appreciated that a lot. It did increase business quite a bit because of the speed and availability, though this year everybody ran out.”
Another bright spot for the co-op has been the purchase of the Kinder Morgan propane facility, which gave Arrowwood a million gallons of propane storage. It has been lucrative enough that Klosterman said the co-op’s business portfolio really fits into three buckets: fertilizer, propane and everything else.
Between the timing and size of the facility, Slag called the purchase of the propane plant, “one of the best decisions we’ve ever made, at least since I’ve been on the board.”
“It increased our capacity, and we can purchase (wholesale) better,” he said. “Propane is a good business to be in.”
Looking forward, Klosterman sees even more opportunity. In this case, it’s the old implement building that the co-op purchased in Carrington near the roundabout.
“It came up for sale, and the way we talked about it, it’s kind of like when a quarter of land comes up for sale for farmers,” he said. “If you can afford it and it pencils out, you should buy it because it’s probably never coming up again.”
It currently serves as a main office for the co-op, but Klosterman said he could envision a travel plaza in that location at some point in the distant future. In his 32nd year as manager, he hopes he’s still around to make it happen.
“That’s kind of what I’d like to see there — it would be my crowning achievement,” he said, with a smile.
Regardless of if and when it happens, Arrowwood Prairie Co-op will continue to serve its communities, with parts of its business covering Carrington, Wimbledon, Cooperstown and Sutton.
Slag added that educating younger farmers about the value of cooperatives will keep the business thriving for future generations to come.
“Co-ops made our country,” he said. “And we’d like to keep ‘em.”
Arrowwood Prairie Co-op in Wimbledon built a new C-store (top) in 2017 and this brand new fertilizer plant in 2022. The agronomy center below gives them all three at one large site in Wimbledon.
GOING STRONG
Trusted by its patrons, Farmers Union lumber co-op celebrates 80th year serving Williston area
For 80 years, Williston area residents have been relying on a local co-op store for their lumber and construction needs.
Williston Home and Lumber — with its legal name of Farmers Union Lumber of Williston — recently celebrated the milestone anniversary with a customer appreciation day in late July. Every October for Co-op Month, NDFU highlights co-ops who continue to serve their communities.
Story and photos by Chris
“I think the day went great,” general manager Jeremy Stahowiak said. “We had food trucks, a bouncy house, the radio station was here — it was a lot of fun. We definitely were able to reach out to a bunch of people that maybe were not shopping here. I think we were able to educate a lot of them about what a co-op is and why they should be shopping here, and I think
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Aarhus, NDFU
Williston Home and Lumber general manager Jeremy Stahowiak.
we’ve seen an uptick in new customers.”
Assistant manager Crystal Hurd, who has been in her post 13 years, said the store’s focus on customer service has given it an advantage.
“We have some employees who have been here quite a number of years, so they know the ins and outs and are familiar with our customers as well,” she said.
Stahowiak said his customers’ relationship with the co-op is built on trust, adding that the co-op’s current patrons “are very dedicated to the co-op at a level you just don’t see anymore.”
“It’s being part of their lives and them being part of ours that provides us the ability to help them when they are in a situation, like if they’re going to build a house or do a remodel, or they have storm damage,” he said. “They can come in here and know that they can trust that we’re
Williston Home and Lumber general manager Jeremy Stahowiak poses in front of his store, which used to be a K-mart.
going to provide them value and put them first.”
While the store itself is a co-op, it’s providing products under the Do-it-Best brand that allows it to serve customers with projects both big and small.
“Our vendors are big enough that they can anticipate (need) and can bulk up on things like shingles and siding,” he said. “So if an area gets hit hard by a storm or something, we have the ability to supply (our customers) pretty quickly.”
For the co-op, the future is about taking care of its current patrons and always being on the lookout for new ones.
“There’s a lot of opportunity to take advantage of some of the business that is already in town,” Stahowiak said. “We have opportunities to grow, as well as make sure we’re taking care of our regular customers. And then just making sure people are aware of us, who we are and what we’re offering.”
2026 GAYLORD OLSON COOPERATOR AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
The Gaylord Olson Cooperator Award is the highest honor that the cooperative community can bestow on those who have made significant contributions to cooperatives and their continued success in North Dakota. The purpose of this award is to bring to light the individuals that work to ensure that our cooperative system stays viable for not only our own communities, but the future of our communities for generations to come. Gaylord Olson Cooperators are our unsung heroes in the cooperative system that go above and beyond to ensure the continued success of the cooperative system.
This nomination is not limited to any single group - as long as the nominee is involved with cooperatives and making significant strides to advance the understanding, mission and/or purpose of the cooperative system they are eligible to be nominated.
The QBCC will honor award winners at an event of the nominator’s choosing.
More information on the award and nomination process can be found HERE.
Any questions may be directed to Kristi Schweiss at 701-231-6189 or kristi.schweiss@ndsu.edu
Applications are due November 21, 2025
Farmers need solutions
In the middle of September, North Dakota Farmers Union and its members participated in the National Farmers Union Fly-In to Washington, D.C. This is an annual event, but this year was of greater consequence. We are in the grip of low prices and a lack of places to store harvested grains and oilseeds, due to tariffs and trade wars that are beyond the control of farmers and ranchers.
Farmers and ranchers have structured their businesses for efficiency and high production to meet consumer needs and desires for high quality food at reasonable prices. But farmers must have markets that accept our production, and attempt to match supply with demand or prices will collapse to levels we cannot financially survive. Without foreign markets and partners in trade, we will have excess supply that will drive prices lower for this year and in the future.
Today, we are selling into markets with prices equal to what we received back in the 1970s. This does not include inflation; it is literally the same price. We also have continued upward pressure on the inputs we use to grow crops. I estimate my costs are nearly four times as high as they were in the late 1970s. This is unsustainable.
If markets decline and loss of trade continues, the impact will be too costly for farmers and rural communities. It is likely we will need another disaster payment this winter. If no immediate relief is available, we will see our amazing food production system suffer. It may lead us down a path of reliance on other countries to produce our food and the United States becoming a residual supplier of ag products in the world market.
There are solutions, but it takes a concerted effort of collaboration to make the necessary changes.
First, we need a farm bill that functions to stabilize prices (with both demand creation and supply management) at a price that will make a reasonable return on farm investment.
Second, we can target the farm bill to a logically sized farm and can still allow those who want to grow their operation to grow.
Third, we need new value-added markets. The best example is ethanol. It has helped corn become a generally profitable crop. We need more renewable energy, such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel for domestic markets.
Fourth, we need long-term fair-trade agreements that are not adjusted on a whim, and trading partners who understand that commerce creates opportunities and raises living standards so more people become consumers.
Fifth, we need to address monopolistic practices in large corporate structures that sell our inputs, transport our supplies and production, and purchase our farm and ranch production.
Finally, we need further investments in infrastructure, technology, foreign aid and foreign development to help other countries become consumers with economies that can trade.
History will not be our friend if we forget the value of strong agriculture policy. Our history of leading the world in food production will only be just history, if we do not stay in the forefront of the aggressively developing systems for feeding the world. We are slowly falling behind others in the world, as we continue to pull back from being the lead innovator in world food production. This may seem harsh but step outside of your local community and see what is happening in the global economy, and how other countries are searching for ways to be more self-sufficient and less reliant on food from the United States.
I challenge our elected officials, farm organizations and our commodity organizations to have an honest conversation about U.S. food production and our place as the primary supplier of food to the world.
JOIN US
JACOB SHAPIRO
Keynote Speaker
Jacob is known for his tailored presentations, immersive audience engagement, and impartial perspective that challenges every attendee to think differently about the world, their industries and themselves.
He speaks at events in the U.S. and around the world, covering topics as broad as global geopolitical predictions to specific subjects affecting individual markets and audiences. He applies his experience as an analyst, researcher and consultant to translate complex global political issues, economic trends and current affairs into practical insights for every audience.
for the 99th NDFU state convention!
Around the state
North Dakota Farmers Union donated 35,000 pounds of pork to the Great Plains Food Bank in September. The donation was part of a larger gift from Farmers Union Enterprises, which also donated to food banks in Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
On Sept 21, Local Motives hosted its first-ever family matinee movie in Citizens Alley in Minot, supported in part by a $500 Community Stewards donation from NDFU. This free community event featured a screening of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on Citizens Alley’s state-of-the-art video wall with surround sound, creating a movie theater–quality experience outdoors in downtown Minot.
Sioux County Farmers Union EPIC coach Mary Jean Hunter stands with her class, as the county hosted a slew of activities during the annual Selfridge Day.
County Calendar
Oct. 8 — Williams County Convention • 5:30 p.m. • Williston Research Extension Center.
Oct. 12 — Sargent County Convention • 2:30 p.m.
• St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Forman.
Oct. 14 — Eddy County Convention • 6 p.m. • Eagles Club, New Rockford.
Oct. 16 — Sioux County Convention • 6 p.m. • Selfridge Senior Center.
Oct. 19 – Benson County Convention • 5:30 p.m. • Maddock Community Center
Oct. 22 – Walsh County Convention • 6 p.m. • Wells Drinking Well, Fordville.
Oct. 23 — Morton County Convention • 5:30 p.m.
• Baymont Inn & Suites, Mandan.
Oct. 24 — Logan County Convention • 5:30 p.m. • White Maid, Napoleon.
Oct. 27 — Burleigh County Convention • 5:30 p.m.
• Tumbleweed Bar & Grill, Lincoln.
Oct. 29 — Sheridan County Convention • 5:30 p.m.
• Chester's Tavern, Mercer.
Nov. 2 — Barnes County Convention • 6 p.m. • Pizza Corner, Valley City.
Nov. 5 — Emmons County Convention • 6:30 p.m.
• Linton Community Center.
Nov. 5 — Griggs County Convention • Time TBD • Nana’s Café, Cooperstown.
Nov. 8-10 — NFU Women’s Conference, Louisville, Ky.
Nov. 9 — Rolette County Convention • 2 p.m. • Rolette Country Club
Nov. 12 — McIntosh County Convention • 6 p.m. • Ashley Senior Center.
Nov. 17 — Stutsman County Convention • 6 p.m. • NDFU state office.
Nov. 18 — Richland County Convention • 6:30 p.m. • Dakota Vines, Colfax.
NOTE: RSVP to Dalton at 701-640-6656
Nov. 23 — LaMoure County Convention • 6 p.m. • Edgeley Golf Course.
Nov. 23 — Stark County Convention • 3 p.m. • West River Community Center.
Dec. 1 — Cavalier County Convention • 5 p.m. • NDSU Langdon Research Center.
Dec. 4-5 — CHS Annual Meeting, Minneapolis.
Dec. 12-13 — NDFU state convention, Bismarck.
Feb. 1-10 — Grow to Lead trip to Hawaii.
March 7-9 — NFU Convention at New Orleans.
Founding Farmers Alexandria unveils new zero-proof cocktails
Founding Farmers Alexandria is shaking things up with some new additions to their cocktail menu: zero-proof drinks! This bold and refreshing new line of sips are crafted with care, full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. They also feature high-quality ingredients including Beyla Honey shipped direct from the farm on the NDFU 18-wheeler.
Two of our six new spirit-free sips, the Golden Lotus and Honeymoon, showcase Beyla Honey, from third generation honey farmer Nick Jensen in Grant County. The Golden Lotus blends turmeric, oat milk, honey and ginger for a drink that’s creamy, spicy and totally unique. A salute to the
more tropical tastes, Honeymoon harmoniously combines passion fruit, lime, anise, honey, tonic and coconut water ice.
Each zero-proof creation is a work of art and care, celebrating every element and technique that goes into each glass. From the housemade syrups to creative garnishes and even North Dakota Beyla Honey, Founding Farmers’ commitment to American family farmers, sustainability and scratch-made excellence shines with each sip of their new zero-proof drinks.
To learn more about their full zero-proof lineup, visit their blog at https://www. wearefoundingfarmers.com/zero-proof-cocktails/.
The Farmer’s Share
Did you know that farmers and ranchers receive only 15.9* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend? According to the USDA, off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.
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
NH MOWER, 451 New Holland mower, 3 point new guards, Weare plates ,hold down plates, sickle, new bearings in head also new paint $2500; 16 ft. Case disk field ready $1600; IH 21 ft. viber shank, like new shovels, shanks are not wore $600; 2 IH 8 ft. 150 hoe drills $500. 701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.
ROCK BUCKET, 74" Bobcat Rock Bucket $2500; 4 wheel Massey Harris with hoist running gear $500; IH Swather 24' Model 75 $500; '58 Ford Grain truck $300. 701-678-2908, Doug Martin, Lisbon.
1993 MF 850 COMBINE, always shredded, 2996 hours and field ready; not used for 10 years. 7 belt Melroe 388 pickup with many new belts; 24 ft 9000 series straight header, rebuilt. New ac compressor and filter included, not installed. Many new parts; International 5000 diesel 24 ft swather with Hershel cutting parts Can send pictures. 701-641-3184, Bruce Lovdahl, Tioga.
IHC 151 COMBINE ENGINE. Overhauled many years ago but never used. Comes with radiator, screen, hydraulic pump, mounting frame, dist., manifold, etc; Portable air compressor with 220 motor. Maybe other stuff. 701-721-6629, Michael Mickelson, Glenburn.
CONCAVES, round bar for soybeans and corn on John Deere combine. Middle and back concaves do not have many acres on them. Half price of new. 701-626-1012, Gerald Holte, Voltaire.
TITAN INDUSTRIAL GENERATOR, model 6500D. Diesel $1500; Honda generator, model EU3000IS. Gas $1500. 701-650-1265, Dennis Loewen, Sykeston.
SICKLE MOWER, Sperry Rand/New Holland Model 456/Serial #324843 9', great condition, will send pics upon request. $1,000 OBO. 701720-8096, Arlen Larson, Willow City.
RIDING MOWER, MTD Huskee riding mower, Model 13WJ7715031 42" deck, 2 blades Engine: 500cc 18.5HP, used 2 summers (like new) asking $400. 701-720-8096, Shelli Larson, Willow City.
2950 JOHN DEERE TRACTOR with 158 loader. Year is 1986. Front wheel assist. 3400 hours only. Two new batteries and new starter. Tires are in excellent shape. One owner and very well taken care of. Clean. Always stored inside. 701321-2275, Frank Wangler, Kintyre.
2001 JD 9750 COMBINE, PRWD, Cont Master - Eng-4968/Sep-3331. Above avg condition; 2010 635F Flex Head w/ Crary Air Bar. 701-3215711, John Kempf, Ashley.
D17 TRACTOR; JD hay rake; Accordion; Honda 4-wheeler. 701-270-0184, Harold Severson, Lakota.
TIRES, Firestone 16.1x16, 8-bolt rims, pair $400. 1939 Dodge 6-cyl motor (not stuck), radiator and 4-spd transmission, $450. 1-Goodyear 28Lx26 deep-lug tire, $250. 42"x237" canvas, brand new, $175. 701-228-8326, Les Patterson, Souris.
1955 MM U STANDARD TRACTOR. Has older restoration. Leaks coolant into crankcase but still runs well. If interested, make offer. 701-3999964, Scott Fleming, Fessenden.
FARMALL H TRACTOR, make me an offer; Surewell Portable Gas generator, with hitch, Model NCG; Karcher pressure washer with Kohler engine. 701-789-0670, Marilyn Arneson, Cooperstown.
1991 CAT CHALLENGER CH75, 325 HP, 10,860 hrs, 1160 hrs. on new tracks. Greaseless undercarriage, new mid-rollers, full oil sample history, with lots of extras. Asking $45,000. Call for more information. If no answer, please leave message. 701-467-3418, Ben James, Kenmare.
WANTED
ROTARY MOWER, for weed/brush, 5-6 ft wide, 3 pt or pull-type. 406-989-0019, Mike Carlson, Douglas.
TRACTORS. IH 706, 806, 1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 966, 1066, 1466, 1566, others. JD 4520, 4620, 5010, 5020, 6030. MM 950 on up. Olivers 1964 on up. AC 200, 210, 220, D-21. Interested in all running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.
HAY RAKE, 9-wheel, good condition. 701-2202993, Marlys Williams, Bismarck.
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE
BICYCLE, 7.0 Trek in excellent condition, serviced regularly. Asking $250 OBO. 701-7208096, Arlen Larson, Willow City.
2004 TOYOTA TACOMA, ext cab, 16,500 miles; Ladies bike; Phosphate fertilizer; Plywood; Shop lights; Camping toilet, plant racks, copper pipes, small tools, lamps, much misc. Can text 701-535-0920. 701-349-4179, Betty Hvistendahl, Ellendale.
FOOTHOLD TRAPS, northwood 1.75 doublespring foothold traps, about 100. Also have stakes and stretchers. 701-320-3172, Mike Carlson, Jamestown.
SIGNS, Elephant Brand Fertilizer, Our Own Hardware,(originally came from Maddock), 100 pound Anvil on a metal stand, Two cast Iron sign bases to choose from Coke or Pennzoil. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.
HARNESS, quarter horse team harness $900 includes pads, collars, bells. Nylon single driving harness $175. Haliday Nd saddle 15" seat $600; Black spotted show saddle with tappadros 15" seat $1800; Assorted pads, tack, etc.., Custom leather goods made, saddle. 701202-1174, Tom Liebel, Mandan.
VARMINT RIFLE. Remington 700 VLS 22-250. Heavy barrel, laminated stock. Scheels Hunter Series 6-18 scope. $1050. Taurus PT-92 AF 9mm semi auto handguns. Black model $350. Stainless model $400. 701-850-6577, Mike Craik, Devils Lake.
1983 CHEVROLET K20 PICKUP, 4 wheel drive, 400 cubic inch engine, 4 speed transmission, 8 foot box. White with brown interior. New tires on spoked rims Receiver hitch with 7 pin trailer light plugin. Sharp pickup! $6900. 701-3513305, Arne Berg, Devils Lake.
WANTED
OLD VOLKSWAGENS, from the 50s-60s. Buses, bugs, Ghias, etc. 701-219-5847, Joel Herman, Harwood.
OLD OIL CANS, Old Farmers Union 5 gallon oil cans. True to scale agricultural salesman's farm equipment reproduction samples. Indian head North Dakota road signs. 701-290-5200, Loren Myran, Taylor.
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, Advertising signs, ND license plates, ND picked arrowheads, crocks, ND small town metal trade tokens, old style gas pumps, metal oil cans, animal traps, marbles, old metal toys, old silver coins, or anything old and interesting. I also need signs with the Indian Head logo, they were on ND patrol car doors, on ND highway road markers, some coal mines. I will travel to your location. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.
Classifieds by mail, fax, phone or email will not be accepted.
NDFU elections
NDFU/AMG board elections are being held for president, vice president and directors in even-numbered districts at the state convention Dec. 12-13 in Bismarck. Directors serve two-year terms, while the president and vice president are elected each year. Candidacy announcements should be submitted to the office of the president and be no longer than 200 words. Announcements must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 10, for the November Union Farmer.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION
1.Title of Publication: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer
2. Publication #: 01-6211
3. Date of filing: 9-23-2025
4. Issue Frequency: Monthly
5. Issues per year: 12
6. Annual subscription: $30 members
7. Complete address of known office of publication: 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401
8. Complete mailing address of headquarters: 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401
9. Full name and address of publisher:
Mark Watne, NDFU President, 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401
Full name and address of editor:
Chris Aarhus, 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401
10. There are no known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities.
11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None
12. Tax status has not changed during preceding 12 months.
13. Publication title: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer
14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 1, 2025
and
15.d
15.d
CONVENTION NOTICE FOR NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
To All Members:
Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, North Dakota Division. Pursuant to Article III. Section 2, of the Bylaws of this Association, you are hereby notified that the 99th annual State Convention of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, North Dakota Division, is being held at the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, Dec. 12-13, 2025. Official business at 9 a.m., Dec. 12, 2025
Mark Watne, President
ATTEST: Wes Niederman, Secretary
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF AGRARIA MUTUAL GROUP
Policyholders of Farmers Union Insurance Company are members of Agraria Mutual Group and are hereby notified that the annual meeting is being held at the Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, ND, Dec. 12-13, 2025. Official business begins at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 13, 2025.
