Union Farmer - October 2026 by North Dakota Farmers Union

NDFU union farmer

CO-OP MONTH!

OCTOBER 2026 • ndfu.org

PEOPLE

For 25 years, Farmers Union Oil of Hazen CEO Paul Doll has led a thriving co-op by putting community first.

GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY

Ben Werre Agency I was born and raised in Hettinger, and I moved to Jamestown after high school to farm with my uncle. Realizing that driving semi was not for me, I moved to Fargo five years ago and got into the insurance business, knocking on doors all over the state for a different company. Though I had great success in that, I was tired of traveling every week. I felt I needed a career and am very thankful to be with Farmers Union Insurance doing group benefits. My favorite part of my job is meeting new people every day and strategizing employers' group benefit packages. My hobbies include hiking, hunting and tactical shooting. I am trained and licensed for private security contracts and am on the safety team for my church. I love serving the church and participating in events in the Fargo community. I also enjoy golfing, going to Mexico and spending time with friends and family!

Ben Werre Agency 4141 38th St SW Ste E Fargo ND 58104 PH: 701-364-3604

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 73 • Number 10

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: 37,062 • USPS 016-211 2 • October 2026 • Union Farmer

SIMPLY DIFFERENT! CONNECT WITH US North Dakota Farmers Union

@NDFarmersUnion @NDFarmersUnion

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.

100 YEARS AGO, THEY WERE HERE. They gathered. They organized. They built something that would outlast them. A century later, we carry that work forward. Let's honor where we began. And be part of where we're going. 100 years ago, they showed up. 100 years later, so will we.

Join us for NDFU's 100th anniversary convention Dec. 11-12 at the Bismarck Event Center.

North Dakota Farmers Unio

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8 • October 6 March 2025 2026• •Union UnionFarmer Farmer

CO-OP MONTH!

MOVING FORWARD

Recent merger with Farmers Union Oil of Devils Lake positions Legacy Co-op for future Keeping up with the growing needs of its members is no easy task, but Legacy Cooperative enjoys the challenge. Legacy CEO Sean Slowinski said the recent merger with Farmers Union Oil of Devils Lake positions the cooperative to better serve its members going forward. “We’re trying to keep up with the customers as they grow … they’re doing everything more efficiently,” Slowinski said. “They’re doing it faster, and they expect more out of us to be able to keep up with that.” Headquartered in Bisbee, Legacy Cooperative has 14 locations including grain elevators, agronomy,

energy, automotive and convenience stores. Its merger with Farmers Union Oil of Devils Lake makes the combined entity an even greater player in the energy sector. The new entity will take Legacy’s name and logo. “Big enough to move the needle, but small enough to know our customers by name.” Slowinski said. “Bringing the two together will make us even more successful and give our members as good or better service with more access to products than what they had (before).” The merger process started last

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Story and photos by Chris Aarhus, NDFU

NDFU.org • September 2026 • 7

Farmers Union Oil of Devils Lake recently merged with Legacy Cooperative of Bisbee.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE year, and the two co-ops chose to go at it a little differently, engaging their employees first. “Normally the board and managers get together and talk through this and once there is a vote, the employees are brought in,” Slowinski said. “We brought a cross section of employees and leadership from each of the different business units to do a study together and really identify the synergies and where the hurdles might be.” Eventually, the leadership teams and boards came together and recognized similar cultures with similar challenges. Slowinski said the merger is about 85% complete, as both entities continue to make progress integrating their systems. “Farmers Union Oil (of Devils Lake) brings their expertise — they’ve been very successful in the energy business,” Slowinski said. “We want to make sure we’re right-sizing our energy business with our grain and agronomy growth.” The challenges of being in the agriculture industry right now still remain. High fertilizer costs. Record-high diesel prices. Still, Legacy looks toward the future, recently finishing four concrete silos at their Bisbee location that added two million bushels to its storage capacity. “We could have gone bigger with steel bins, but this site has to be operational 24/7, 365 days a year because this is the only place 8 • October 2026 • Union Farmer

where we’re able to load shuttle trains on rail,” he said. “It would certainly be a bad day if this facility ever went down because of a windstorm. That’s the reason we went with concrete.” Additionally, Legacy has invested in the fertilizer space, finishing its 22,000-ton plant in Egeland. It became operational in spring of 2025, helping to avoid any potential issues in case BNSF embargoes the subdivision rail that leads to Bisbee, where fertilizer shuttles are unloaded, because of track issues from the spring thaw destabilizing the railroad bed. “(The plant) has been a tremendous asset for us,” Slowinski said. “We’ve never run into a situation where (rail) has not been able to get it to us, but we’ve been close. That’s why we invested in additional storage in Egeland. Just making sure we have the products our growers need.” It all points to the same philosophy — community and cooperation. Slowinski said a successful co-op is led by members who understand its value. “If the members are successful and the cooperative is successful, that value gets returned to the members not only in day-today transactions but over time through cash revolvement and equity,” he said. “The co-op model still has as much meaning today as it did when they formed them in the ’20s and ’30s. It’s all about bringing value back to the membership. That’s what we try to do here every day.”

MINNESOTA North Dakota Farmers Union

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membership.ndfu.org

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 Arrowwood Prairie Co-op of Wimbledon Central Dakota Frontier Co-op of Napoleon CHS SunPrairie of Minot Enerbase Cooperative of Minot Envision Co-op of Rugby Farmers Union Oil of Berthold Farmers Union Oil of Beulah 10 • October 2026 • Union Farmer

CO-OP MONTH!

FARMERS UNION OIL OF BEULAH

Farmers Union Oil of Devils Lake

Farmers Union Oil of Willow City

Farmers Union Oil of Ellendale

Farmers Union Oil of Wilton

Farmers Union Oil of Embden

Farmers Union Oil of York

Farmers Union Oil of Fessenden

Horizon Resources of Williston

Farmers Union Oil of Garrison

Legacy Cooperative of Bisbee

Farmers Union Oil of Glen Ullin

Mott Equity Exchange

Farmers Union Oil of Hazen

North Star Co-op of Cavalier

Farmers Union Oil of Hope

Petro Serve USA of West Fargo

Farmers Union Oil of Jamestown

Pinnacle of Stanley/Tioga

Farmers Union Oil of Kenmare

ProPoint Co-op of Bowman

Farmers Union Oil of Pettibone

Ray Farmers Union Elevator

Farmers Union Oil of Portland

Rugby Farmers Union Elevator

Farmers Union Oil of Richardton

Tri-Energy of Bismarck

Farmers Union Oil of Tolna

Western Choice Co-op of Killdeer

Farmers Union of Watford City

Williston Home & Lumber NDFU.org • October 2026 • 11

NDFU members attend NFU Fly-in to D.C. On Sept. 14–16, NDFU brought 25 members to Washington, D.C., for the National Farmers Union Fly-In. During the trip, they met with officials from USDA and the Department of Justice, as well as North Dakota’s three members of Congress. They also met with congressional staff as part of a National Farmers Union effort that brought state divisions together to visit all 535 congressional offices.

Sen. John Hoeven (above), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (bottom left) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (bottom right) met with NDFU members on the fly-in.

12 • October 2026 • Union Farmer

FROM LEFT: Stephen and Dee Decimus Holmes of Grand Forks, Tonya Perkins of Jamestown, Emilee Pulvermacher of Crosby and Shane Sickler of Gladstone are ready for the USDA briefings! Pictured in back are Jen, Jasmine and James Meyer of Wilton. NDFU Education Director Kayla Kachel, right, sits with the National Youth Advisory Council including Lily Thomas of Lincoln (second from right) and Carter Haas of Valley City (fourth from right).

Missy Axt (middle) and her daughters Sarah and Anna, joined by Shane Sickler of Gladstone, participate in congressional staff meetings. Lily Thomas of Lincoln and Tonya Perkins of Jamestown were also in the group.

Dave Berger of Center (middle) is joined by Emilee Pulvermacher of Crosby, Ryan Gregg of Jamestown and Carter Haas of Valley City visit with a congressional aide.

James and Jen Meyer of Wilton, joined by their daughter Jasmine, were in a group with rancher Shelly Ziesch of Pettibone who visited congressional offices.

Sarah and Nate Thorsrud of Grandin were in a group with Bob and Brenda Kuylen of South Heart in visiting congressional offices. NDFU.org • October 2026 • 13

Let's make sure to vote! I don’t enjoy politics. That may be surprising coming from someone who has spent his career working with elected officials. The work itself has always been exciting, because I like solving problems and advancing good policy. Politics often get in the way of that process. Yet, every lawmaker and most executive branch officials I have worked with were elected. Most are motivated to solve problems — however they define them — because their constituents expect them to. Good policy ultimately gets done because of the political winds behind it. The decisions we make every election shape the policy that helps or harms family farmers and ranchers and the communities we live in. We have no shortage of problems these days. Staggering input costs, market volatility, extreme weather, market concentration and overwhelming uncertainty are threatening farms’ and ranches’ survival. Rural infrastructure and services need strong investment. Too many families live in food deserts, lack

access to quality healthcare and struggle to afford childcare. Many of our communities are grappling with the pros and cons of new development. Whether we like it or not, we can’t solve those problems without being engaged in the political process. That’s why it’s so important that we all exercise our right to vote this November. It’s why we need to elect people who identify the same problems we do and who agree with us on the solutions. And it’s why we need policymakers who, at the very least, are willing to have reasoned conversations with us, even when we disagree. So, get out and vote this election cycle. Vote for people who want to build a better future for family farmers and ranchers. Vote for people who want to make your community better. Vote for people who care more about good policy than they do good politics. Vote by mail, vote early, or vote on election day. Just please get out and vote.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH

THE TOUGH DEPEND on ARTEX

FUILLC.COM 14 • October 2026 • Union Farmer

County Conventions Adams County Farmers Union • Oct. 25 • 5 p.m. • Lemmon (S.D.) Sales Barn. Barnes County Farmers Union • Nov. 11 • 5:30 p.m. • Site TBD. Benson County Farmers Union • Nov. 15 • 5 p.m. • Site TBD. Cavalier County Farmers Union • Oct. 27 • 6 p.m. • NDSU Langdon Research Extension Center. Dickey County Farmers Union • Nov. 17 • 5:30 p.m. • USDA Ellendale Service Center. Grand Forks County Farmers Union • Oct. 26 • 6 p.m. • Christy’s Lakeview Restaurant, Hatton. LaMoure County Farmers Union • Nov. 15 • 6 p.m. • Site TBD. McHenry County Farmers Union • Nov. 1 • 2 p.m. • KC Hall, Drake. Morton County Farmers Union • Oct. 22 • 6 p.m. • Baymont Inn, Mandan. Rolette County Farmers Union • Nov. 1 • 3 p.m. • Rolette Country Club. Sargent County Farmers Union • Oct. 25 • 4 p.m. • Cogswell Community Center

Enjoy your NDFU benefits from anywhere!

Sioux County Farmers Union • Oct. 22 • 6 p.m. • Selfridge Senior Center. Towner County Farmers Union • Nov. 8 • 3 p.m. • Site TBD. Ward County Farmers Union • Nov. 14 • Time/site TBD.

Wells County Farmers Union • Nov. 22 • 5 p.m. • Festival Hall, Fessenden. Williams County Farmers Union • Oct. 14 • 5:30 p.m. • Williston Research Extension Center.

ndfubeneﬁtsplus.enjoymydeals.com

NDFU.org • October 2026 • 15

16 • October September 2026 2026 • Union • Union Farmer Farmer

CO-OP MONTH!

People. Service.

Community. For 25 years, Paul Doll has guided Farmers Union Oil of Hazen with a simple philosophy: take care of your people, and the community will take care of you. At an early age, Farmers Union Oil of Hazen CEO Paul Doll understood from his father that business is about relationships. “My dad always said, ‘Paul, people buy from people,’” he recalled. “If you’re good to people, they’re gonna buy from you.” It’s advice that has aided Paul throughout his cooperative career, starting in Napoleon in the 90's all the way through to 2026 — Paul’s 25th year as manager of the Hazen co-op. Quality customer service both then and now. “When your customers come in, you should treat them like guests in your home,” he said. “Just like you’d

get excited to bring family members to your house, that’s how you should treat them.” For Paul, that lesson has become the operating principle of a cooperative that measures success not only in gallons sold or checks written back to members. But also, whether farmers still have the services they need, employees feel cared for and customers feel welcome when they walk through the door. "When one of my customers comes in and we talk about the great game their son or daughter played

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Story and photos by Chris Aarhus, NDFU

NDFU.org • September 2026 • 17

Farmers Union Oil of Hazen CEO Paul Doll jokes with C-store manager Terry Murschel in a storage room.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE last night, they just light up,” he said. “It’s about having relationships with your customers.” Farmers Union Oil of Hazen may not be a large co-op — it deals mostly in bulk fuels, and also has a convenience store, automotive shop and carwash. But what it does, it clearly does well, evident by an annual meeting that draws nearly 300 every year. A nice patronage check helps, too, Doll joked. “Our dividend has just been phenomenal,” he said. “We always have a sheet at the annual meeting that shows what the community is getting back. But yeah, we have a nice annual meeting. We fill city hall. It’s an event here.” The community rewards the co-op with its continued business. Doll said that while the automotive shop might not make a profit, it does break even. And that feeds into the co-op’s other areas of business. For instance, those same farmers that appreciate the co-op having a tire truck that can come out to the field are also the farmers that buy their bulk fuel from the co-op. “We did $613,000 in tires last year, so we break even, but it’s just such a big service for us that I couldn’t drop my shop,” he said. “We’d lose 20% of our fuel business.” That arrangement, Doll said, is what 18 • October 2026 • Union Farmer

separates cooperatives, particularly in a more competitive business environment. “They do what’s good for the community,” Doll said. “You know the services in your area that your community needs. Cooperatives have a passion for that.” Part of what keeps Hazen’s co-op successful is the environment Doll fosters, making sure that it’s a store that has items for every age group — including children. “I’ve got this invisible ball trick that I do with kids, so they’ll come in for ice cream and ask what kind of trick I have for them,” he laughed. “They just get such a kick out of it. We have a lot of fun with the community and the kids.” For him, it’s about creating a positive experience for those around him and understanding how to take care of members and reward them for their loyalty. That comes from having a pulse on the community — not difficult for Doll, who officiates basketball, football and volleyball and sits on local boards as well. “People buy here because you’re going to get fun service and it’s awesome,” he said. “My main thing (personally) is always about making sure we’re paying patronage at the end of the year. That’s where my stress level is at. We’re able to provide great service to our farmers, and then being able to pay them back a nice share is (rewarding).”

Cooperative Leadership Training Hosted by

February 10-11, 2027 Louise S. Barry Auditorium

The Capstone Level for 2027 will be

“Assessing Merger Opportunities & Strategies.” This session is designed to equip leaders within cooperatives with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate a successful merger. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the key steps involved in the merger process, explore their responsibilities and critical role as board members, and learn the important questions they should be asking along the way. In addition, attendees will discover valuable resources and tools available to support informed decision-making, helping their organizations achieve a smooth and effective transition.

811 2nd Ave N, Fargo, ND Registration: 7:30 a.m. Registration fee: $450 REGISTER EARLY: Registration is limited to 40 people. Registration deadline: January 29, 2027 North Dakota Cooperative Manager’s Association

Sponsored by:

NDFU elections

NDFU/AMG board elections are being held for president, vice president and directors in even-numbered districts at the state convention Dec. 11-12 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 Monday, Oct. 12, 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: 9-23-2026 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: Matt Perdue, 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, 2026 Extent and Nature of Circulation 12 Issue Average Actual Number Last Run 15.a

Total Number of Press Run

37,370

36,932

15.b 15.b 15.b 15.b 15.c 15.d 15.d 15.d 15.d 15.e 15.f 15.g 15.h 15.i

(1) Paid/requested Outside County 37,370 36,932 (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions 0 0 (3) Sales Through Dealers 0 0 (4) Other Classes 0 0 Total Paid Circulation 37,370 36,932 (1) Free Distribution Outside Co. 400 400 (2) In County 0 0 (3) Other Classes 0 0 Free Outside Mail 0 0 Total Free Distribution 400 400 Total Distribution 37,770 37,332 Copies Not Distributed 100 100 Total 37,870 37,452 Percent Paid: 98.6% 98.6%

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 100th 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. 11-12, 2026. Official business at 9 a.m., Dec. 11, 2026. Matt Perdue, President

ATTEST: Tyler Stafslien, 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. 11-12, 2026. Official business begins at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2026. Matt Perdue, President

ATTEST: Kristi Schlosser Carlson, Secretary

NDFU.org • October 2026 • 19

2026 North Dakota Farmers Union

VOTER GUIDE B

oth rural and urban North Dakotans overwhelmingly agree that farming is central to the North Dakota way of life. Family farmers are essential to North Dakota’s economy and communities. As the largest grassroots organization that represents family farmers and ranchers, North Dakota Farmers Union urges its members to ask their candidates about their views of family farm agriculture, and to support family farms with their vote in November. This year, the general election is Nov. 3. All North Dakota voting information may be accessed through vote.nd.gov. Valid identification is required at voting time. North Dakota does not have voter registration. However, in order to vote in North Dakota, you must be: • A U.S. citizen • At least 18 years old on the day of election • A North Dakota resident • A precinct resident for 30 days preceding the election Many counties also allow for early voting. Dates and availability differ by county. To find your local voting place and times, go to vote.nd.gov and click on "where to vote" or contact your local county courthouse. All eligible North Dakotans have the option to request a ballot before the day of an election in a process known as absentee voting. Some counties will automatically have an absentee ballot application sent to their voters, while others have to specifically request the application. All voters must fill out an application and send it in to receive a ballot in the mail. For more information or to access the application, go to vote.nd.gov.

20 • September 2026 • Union Farmer

BALLOT MEASURES On Nov. 3, North Dakotans will be voting on two measures. Below are the recommendations from North Dakota Farmers Union per its Policy and Action: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROCESS

A legislatively referred constitutional amendment that would raise the threshold to pass any constitutional amendment in North Dakota — whether proposed by citizen petition or referred by the Legislature — from a simple majority (50%+1) to a 60% supermajority.

No position taken

SCHOOL MEALS

A citizen-initiated constitutional amendment that would require all school districts, public schools and public charter schools to provide a free breakfast and lunch each school day to enrolled students, funded primarily through the Legacy Fund earnings. The Department of Public Instruction estimates the cost at roughly $124–134 million per two-year budget cycle.

4 Vote YES

EDITOR'S NOTE: A third measure — a legislatively referred amendment changing legislative term limits — was originally Measure 1 on this ballot, but the North Dakota Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional on June 25, 2026.

NDFU.org • August2024 2022• 13 NDFU.org NDFU.org • • September September 2024 2026 •• 21 23 21

U.S. HOUSE JULIE FEDORCHAK Republican

Supply chain disruptions, market concentration and global conflicts have contributed to rising input costs for producers. What will you do to address the high cost of fertilizer and other key farm inputs? FEDORCHAK: North Dakota farmers are getting squeezed from both sides—paying more for fertilizer, fuel, seed and equipment while having little control over the prices they receive. Since coming to Congress, I have worked closely with North Dakota producers to find practical ways to lower those costs and give them more flexibility. One example came directly from a meeting with a North Dakota farmer. He told me federal rules were limiting his ability to store fertilizer on-farm and buy more when prices were favorable. We took that concern back to Washington, authored an amendment to address it, and included it in the Farm Bill that the House passed this year—the first House-passed Farm Bill since 2018. I have also become co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, helped pass year-round E15 through the House, fought for North Dakota sugar producers, and worked to strengthen American energy production and domestic supply chains. I will continue pushing for greater fertilizer price transparency, more competition among input suppliers, and lower energy and regulatory costs. HAMMER: The failure of Congress to conduct oversight means that the Federal Trade Commission and USDA are not scrutinizing fertilizer and crop-input pricing the way they should scrutinize any market where three or four players control most of the supply. I would push for greater oversight. I would also push to expand domestic fertilizer production capacity and support regional, farmer-owned processing and input cooperatives, a model North Dakota is very familiar with. Third, when a foreign-policy decision like a war of choice or ill-advised tariffs spikes diesel and fertilizer prices at planting, Congress owes farmers a vote and an explanation, not silence. In short, Congress should make sure the people setting the rules of the market are accountable to the people working in it.

14 2022 •• Union Farmer 24 August 2024 Union Farmer 22 ••August September 2026 • Union Farmer

TRYGVE HAMMER Democrat-NPL

The markets that farmers and ranchers buy from and sell to are increasingly consolidated. Despite significant discussion in Congress, concerns remain about competition in agricultural markets and input providers. What will you do to improve fairness, transparency and competition in food and agricultural markets? HAMMER: Market consolidation is a problem across industries. The Nonpartisan League was founded because farmers got tired of distant grain trusts and railroads deciding their fate for them. Today, it's seed, meatpacking, and fertilizer, but the mechanics are the same: when four companies control most of a market on both the buying and selling side, "the market decided" stops meaning anything. I would back real enforcement of existing antitrust law against agricultural consolidation, mandatory price and contract transparency in cattle and grain markets so producers aren't negotiating blind, and stronger protections against retaliation for farmers and ranchers who push back on unfair contracts. While blocking or unwinding consolidation, we could also do more to help smaller meatpackers, fertilizer producers and other businesses get off the ground and compete with bigger entities. Two things with bipartisan support that I think we could get pushed through quickly are right to repair and cattle pricing transparency. I would also push for Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling, which seems always to be on Congress's lips but never put into law. FEDORCHAK: North Dakota farmers and ranchers deserve competitive markets on both sides of their operations. They should have choices when buying fertilizer, seed and equipment—and they should have a fair, transparent market when selling their crops and livestock. I have worked to turn those principles into action. I have called on USDA and the Department of Justice to examine barriers to competition in agricultural input markets and worked with North Dakota cattle producers to press for greater transparency and competition in beef markets. When our producers have raised concerns—from unfair competition facing sugar producers to challenges in cattle markets and the cost of fertilizer—my office has taken those concerns directly to the agencies tasked with administering the law. Passing the Farm Bill through the House was another important step, but our work isn't finished. I will continue fighting for stronger antitrust enforcement, better price discovery and transparency, more local and regional processing capacity, and policies that give family farmers and ranchers more choices and more leverage in the marketplace.

AG COMMISSIONER DOUG GOEHRING Republican

One of North Dakota Farmers Union’s top priorities is expanding value-added opportunities for family farmers and ranchers. As Agriculture Commissioner, how will you promote meat processing, renewable fuels development, fertilizer production and other value-added agricultural projects in the state? GOEHRING: During COVID, back in 2020, as shelves became bare and a crisis was at hand with respect to supply and distribution. We worked along with Wyoming to address some issues on processing with USDA. We were allowed to modify access to more meat protein by allowing the consumer to purchase a percentage of the animal from a producer and then make arrangements with a processor of their choosing to cut and wrap the meat. The arrangement had to ensure that a separate check was made to the farmer and one to the processor. No longer was a consumer required to purchase the whole animal, they could do a quarter or 10%, depending on the arrangement with the farmer. We have also used the Agriculture Diversification and Development (ADD) fund to support our small and mid-size processors. The legislature created the program to support our processing facilities and to help develop animal agriculture in our state. We have an abundance of feedstocks and a use of the manure to support a more complete fertility program as well as soil health. I believe these are areas that we need to continue to support that add value to agriculture and our communities. THOMPSON: North Dakota is in an economic race to the bottom: producing commodities, exporting them, and buying finished food products. Four companies control more than 80 percent of the US beef packing industry. Producers need insulation from the volatile, corporately controlled market. Consumers prefer local beef. A meatpacking and processing cooperative is an opportunity to regenerate the rural economy. After partnering with a value-added ag expert, I talked to producers and representatives from ND Stockmen’s Association, I-BAND, and the ND Beef Commission about ND starting a meatpacking co-op. A feasibility study passed during the 2027 Legislative Session will tell us the best path forward. I have advocated for MCOOL and E-15 to be included in the farm bill. Year-round E-15 will lower costs at the pump while creating reliable markets for farmers. Commissioner Goehring and the rest of the Industrial Commission invested $500 million into the Bakken East natural gas pipeline with no requirements for gas to go to farmers, new fertilizer plants, or value added ag. I will prioritize family farmers and rural communities over outof-state multi-billion dollar corporations every day.

VERN THOMPSON Democrat-NPL

North Dakota producers are facing growing economic pressures from rising input costs, global conflicts and market uncertainty. What can the State of North Dakota and the Agriculture Department do to help producers manage these pressures? THOMPSON: We are experiencing the worst farm crisis in 40 years. The Ag Commissioner has a responsibility to speak out when state and federal policy has a negative impact on family farmers and ranchers. Tariffs are hurting farmers, 400,000 metric tons of beef imported from Argentina is a terrible idea, and producers are sick of relying on subsidies just to get by. I will lead a coalition of Ag Commissioners from across the country to fight for common sense ag policy that leads to fair commodity and input prices so that hard working people can pass on their land to the next generation. Struggling farmers need answers to their financial concerns, so we need to bolster the ND Mediation Service and hire ag credit counselors. To respond to the last farm crisis in 1988, Ag Commissioner Vogel trained 80 credit counselors. The current Dept of Ag doesn’t have a single mediator or credit counselor on staff. That is unacceptable. My Department will partner with Health and Human Services to provide more rural mental health resources. I held a Mental Health Roundtable to hear ideas from farmers, faith leaders, and mental health professionals. States like MN and SD have 24/7 hotlines for farmers to call. Why doesn’t ND? Our family farmers and ranchers deserve better. GOEHRING: In the most recent legislative session a low carbon fuels program was developed to support the efficiencies and expansion of ethanol production. Almost every company that has applied is increasing their production by 20 to 50%. We will continue to support and implement programs like these to benefit our rural communities. We have continued to advocate for agricultural exemptions for parts, supplies, equipment, and fertilizer that farmers need. It's important to understand that countries don’t pay tariffs, consumers pay tariffs as a tax when they purchase products. We’ve also worked with USDA to identify a retroactive tariff applied to phosphorus from Morocco. It appears there may be relief for several months with a pending review and hopefully will be available with a limited or no tariff for the next cropping season. In our discussion with USDA, we also noted that United States Trade Commission had also blocked Triple Super Phosphate from being distributed and sold to US farmers. A disingenuous claim was made by fertilizer companies that that product was being dumped into the US market. The reality is, that product doesn’t exist and cannot be made in the US, there for it should not be restricted.

NDFU.org August2026 2022•• 15 NDFU.org ••August 2024 25 NDFU.org • September 23

SECRETARY OF STATE MICHAEL HOWE Republican

RYAN BRAUNBERGER Democrat-NPL

Rural residents often travel greater distances to polling places and have less in-person access to state offices than people who live in larger cities. What will you do to make sure voting, business registration and other services administered by your office are accessible to people who live and work in rural areas of the state?

The Secretary of State's office oversees business filings for the cooperatives, LLCs and other entities farm and ranch operations rely on. What will you do to make registration and compliance simple, available and affordable for small, family-owned agricultural businesses — particularly those without easy access to inperson help?

HOWE: Whether you own a business in Casselton or Crosby, and anywhere in between, North Dakotans deserve great customer service in a face-to-face setting if they choose to do so. We have made available virtual appointments with our team. So if you need face-to-face assistance with a filing, our team can do that no matter where you live. Our vote-by-mail process is the gold standard. It can be trusted, is secure, and I encourage any North Dakotan, rural or urban, to utilize that process if they find that method of voting most convenient for them. Voting by mail, early vote, or in person on Election Day, no matter the method, it’s important people are participating. Each method requires a North Dakota ID.

BRAUNBERGER: The Secretary of State's office oversees business filings for the cooperatives, LLCs, and other entities farm and ranch operations rely on. I would expand access to submitting legal documents electronically to the state. Improve the ability to e-verify and the use of e-signatures. I would also like to expand/ create satellite offices around the state to improve inperson access.

BRAUNBERGER: Rural residents often travel greater distances to polling places and have less in-person access to state offices than people who live in larger cities. First, I would continue to support and improve access to voting by mail in the state. Voting by mail is vital to ensure rural voices are heard. Second, for the business side, I would increase access to online services that allow submitting documentation electronically through secure channels at the Secretary of State's office while maintaining the ability to call the office for assistance.

HOWE: North Dakota’s LLC formation filing fee is less expensive than our neighbors to the South and to the East, and less expensive than the national average. I intend to keep it that way. Costs are always adding up for small, family-owned businesses. The last thing I want is to place another expensive burden on the very people who drive our economy. A North Dakota LLC annual report is $50. Farming or Ranching Corporations and LLCs are $25. The national average for an annual report is $133. Twice during my first term, Forbes Advisor named ND as the best state to start a business, and they cited our low filing fees as a reason for that honor. The phenomenal team in our office is willing to assist you wherever you are- in the office in Bismarck, over the phone, via email, or a face-to-face virtual appointment.

ATTORNEY GENERAL DREW WRIGLEY Republican

The Attorney General is responsible for enforcing North Dakota's anti-corporate farming law, which NDFU strongly supports. How will you actively enforce this law and what would you do if it is being circumvented? WRIGLEY: North Dakota’s decades-old anti-corporate farming laws are well understood by this office and have been assertively enforced across the decades — a practice that has continued under my administration. That enforcement commitment remains firmly in place if I am elected to a second term as Attorney General. My staff and I welcome the opportunity to meet with stakeholders in this ongoing debate, particularly as new proposals and policy considerations arise during each legislative session. LAMB: First, I want to express my deep concern for producers during these trying times of self-inflicted market problems by way of tariffs, increased costs from the war with higher fuel prices, threatened market price manipulation by the government through cheap foreign beef imports and other detrimental actions. When I talk to producers, they tell me they are barely breaking even. It’s tough. The government is at fault. It’s time for change. As the next Attorney General, I will fight for farmers and ranchers. You are the backbone of the state’s economy. The issue presented here is really non-partisan. No matter if you are Democrat or Republican, the state’s anticorporate farming law affects you. The purpose of the law is to curb the concept of bonanza-style farming or the problem that family farmers will eventually get overrun by the big corporate farms. It’s an anti-monopoly farming policy. North Dakota has had it for over a hundred years. But a policy is only as good as it is enforced. You know, if there is a stop sign on a street corner and the police or sheriff do not enforce it, then everyone will just do whatever they want. The Attorney General’s Office has the responsibility of enforcing the state’s anti-corporate farming law to protect the average family farmer. I will enforce it diligently. I will create a special division of the AG’s Office to oversee this law and ensure that it is properly followed. As a 20-year Army veteran and retired Major in the U.S. Army, I understand leadership and management principles and practices. I also have a Master’s degree in management and have practiced law in Grand Forks, ND, for over 15 years. I was on the GF School Board for over 15 years, and that experience gave me insight and experience into the operation of a major governmental entity, that is, a school district with about 10,000 students, over a thousand employees, and a budget of over $90 million. In addition, I was a company commander under NATO in Germany and had leadership of hundreds of soldiers and a multi-million dollar budget. So, I am ready, willing and able to be Attorney General.

TIMOTHY LAMB Democrat-NPL

The Attorney General has authority to investigate antitrust violations and fraud. What will you do to protect producers from unfair, deceptive, monopolistic practices by grain buyers, livestock dealers and other suppliers of agriculture inputs, and how would you approach antitrust concerns in these markets? LAMB: To be clear, I will protect farmers and ranchers as your Attorney General. I will assign a special division of the AG’s Office to oversee antitrust concerns in the industry. In addition, I will implement a task force of farmers, ranchers, suppliers and industry authorities to discuss the antitrust concerns and any monopolistic practices in our state, then recommend solutions for action by my office. It’s time for change. I will fight for farmers and ranchers. I will focus on North Dakota industries with my seat on the Industrial Commission. WRIGLEY: Pushing back against out-of-state monopolistic and collusive practices and enterprises is an important part of North Dakota’s economic and agricultural DNA. The same is true of our efforts to push back against unconstitutional and illegal federal overregulation of our agricultural and energy production sectors, as well as other forms of land use. My office will continue to leverage existing North Dakota law to ensure fair economic practices and preserve the competitive forces that benefit North Dakota producers and consumers. In this arena, as in so many others across our office, the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office has established a strong record of upholding the rule of law, promoting transparency, and shining daylight on transactions and practices that violate North Dakota law.

TAX COMMISSIONER BRIAN KROSHUS Republican

More than 90% of eligible North Dakota homeowners applied for the Primary Residence Credit. What changes would you support, if any, to provide additional property tax relief while maintaining funding for local governments and essential services? KROSHUS: Now in its third year, awareness and participation in the Primary Residence Credit Program continues to grow, benefiting an estimated 98% of eligible households in the state this past year. While that figure speaks to the popularity of the program, it also underscores the need to not only maintain but increase future credit amounts, as the cost of living also rises. In addition to the Primary Residence Credit, two other important relief mechanisms including the Homestead and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Credit Programs, also play an important role in providing meaningful relief to qualifying homeowners, including those on fixed incomes. Like the Primary Residence Credit, I support strengthening benefit amounts for those programs. Although the state-funded programs mentioned create an important offset to property tax pressure homeowners continue to experience, it’s important to look even further. Property tax pressures impact not only homeowners, but main street businesses and our agricultural community, as well. While recognizing that property tax represents an important revenue collection mechanism for local government, reliance on it to help meet local funding requirements has outpaced income growth, creating affordability issues for many. Moreover, it has also become a barrier to entry for many first-time property buyers, whether they’re an aspiring homeowner, a startup business or beginning farmer and rancher. Exploring ways to rebalance how local government is funded to effectively reduce reliance on property tax and provide greater relief for property owners in the state, is an important next step. NELSON: I have yet to meet anyone in North Dakota that is happy with their property taxes. The state income tax has been cut down to the point that people who want to give more welfare to people that are making a good living in ND would favor eliminating the state income tax. You only do that to benefit the wealthy and because you believe the oil will never run out. As far as raising more revenue, there has never been an audit of the oil field. We are on the honor system and we can see that the number of barrels extracted and the number of barrels paid taxes on, well, those are two different numbers. Bill Gates owns land in ND. Can anyone tell me if he actually pays taxes in ND on the land that he owns? I use him as a convenient example. Are the out of staters who are getting oil revenue because they own the mineral rights? Do they pay taxes on that income in ND?

26 • September 2024 2026 • Union Farmer

MARK NELSON Democrat-NPL

In what ways do you believe the 3% property tax budget cap is affecting small political subdivisions and rural communities' ability to provide local services? What suggestions would you offer state policymakers and local officials? NELSON: The 3% property tax cap is strangling all our counties except the ones that are rich with oil money. Speaking of counties rich with oil money, I believe Mountrail County has millions in the bank but is still receiving oil impact money. That looks to be a Legislature that is asleep. Towner County has little to no money to maintain its roads and farm families who use those roads are not happy. Walsh County has 400-500 bridges and no money to replace them. The State of ND hired an engineering firm from Chicago. Why? We have capable engineers in ND. KROSHUS: Recognizing that the budget cap requirement was only recently introduced into law, both anticipated and unanticipated challenges will invariably emerge. However, the duty of those serving the public is to address those challenges with transparent and costeffective solutions. My advice to state policymakers and local officials is to maintain an open dialogue, effectively discuss issues as they arise and always begin the conversation with a citizen-first mindset. Although it has required a budget reset for some cities and counties, others are effectively navigating the budget cap through reductions in spending, rebalancing where funds to support their government operations are generated and exploring new ways to do more with less, through the use of technology. While I can appreciate concerns related to the cap requirement and its impact on budgets and financial sustainability, it’s important to remember those same issues are even more compelling to the people government serves.

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION LEVI BACHMEIER Non-partisan

TRACEY LAYNE FOSS Non-partisan

Do you support Measure 2, placed on the ballot by a citizen-driven initiated measure, which would require the state to provide free meals to all North Dakota school students? Why or why not?

Rural school districts increasingly face challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers. What policies do you support to attract educators to rural communities and encourage them to stay?

FOSS: I support Measure 2 because proper nutrition is fundamental to a student’s ability to learn, and because it will free up family resources for other needs that benefit families and their communities. Not every child is receiving the nutrition they need. Anyone who has spent time in a school lunchroom knows that food insecurity is real. Some families who qualify for free or reduced-price meals do not apply, and others earn just above the qualifying threshold, both of which may struggle to provide adequate meals. Providing school meals can help remove that barrier and allow students to focus on learning. Providing school meals can also give families additional resources for home meals and other essentials or give them additional resources for investing in their community. I know firsthand what this assistance can mean to a family. When I went back to school and did not have a job, my family qualified for the school meal program. The savings from not having to pay for my children’s meals helped us pay our other bills and made it possible for me to pursue my teaching degree. I believe when we invest in something that supports student learning and helps families financially, we are investing in our students, our families, our schools, our communities, and ultimately the future of North Dakota.

BACHMEIER: North Dakota must leave no stone unturned in addressing our teacher recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in our rural communities. This spring, I visited more than 50 schools across our state. Every school had unique and powerful accomplishments, but one challenge was universal: K-12 workforce shortages are becoming dire. We must pursue solutions through both traditional and innovative policy. That includes strengthening K-12 state funding after years of funding growth that has failed to keep pace with inflation, while also exploring bold new ideas such as direct investments in teachers funded through earnings in the state’s K-12 legacy fund, the Common Schools Trust Fund. We must also find ways to increase administrative efficiencies so a larger share of dollars are going into the classroom with teachers and students. Our educators are the foundation of our future workforce. We cannot accept a future where FFA classrooms sit unused or become storage spaces because schools cannot find qualified teachers to instruct our students. I’ve already seen this too often. North Dakota must make recruiting and retaining great educators a statewide priority. Our students deserve access to outstanding teachers and opportunities, whether they live in Grand Forks, Bismarck, or the smallest rural community. The future of our state depends on it.

BACHMEIER: I am generally supportive. As a former social studies teacher, I have some concerns about placing a funding priority as specific as school meals directly into our state constitution. I am also not convinced that North Dakota’s wealthiest families need taxpayer-funded meals. However, the Legislature had the opportunity to prevent this measure from being placed in the state’s constitution and put more sensible income restrictions on the program. They chose not to act. I believe the people will. In every community I visit, this proposal is popular because it is simple and powerful. Having served for years on the board of the Great Plains Food Bank, North Dakota’s only food bank, I have seen firsthand the importance of ensuring families and children have access to nutritious food. This has been a deep passion of mine since high school where I helped organize a large community food drive. I am excited this measure will provide effective tax relief to families raising children and help ensure that no student has to worry about whether their family can afford nutritious meals at school.

FOSS: We need to address the root causes of our teacher recruitment and retention challenges, not simply treat the symptoms. I would start by listening to teachers to identify the common reasons educators leave and then use that information to help develop meaningful solutions. While we work to identify and address those root causes, I support increasing teacher compensation, and expanding student-loan forgiveness and no-interest loan opportunities for educators who commit to rural communities. Based upon my experiences as a teacher, we also need to recognize that teachers cannot do their jobs effectively without adequate support staff. Improving wages and benefits for those positions is also part of the solution. We also need to examine how we fund schools. A funding system based primarily on enrollment does not always recognize the actual cost of operating a school, particularly in small rural communities. Every North Dakota student deserves the same opportunity for a quality education regardless of where they live. Public education is a constitutional responsibility of the state. Therefore, we must also define what it means to fully fund that responsibility. NDFU.org • September 2026 2024 • 27

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER Unexpired two-year term JILL KRINGSTAD Republican

SCOT KELSH Democrat-NPL

The Public Service Commission plays an important role in economic development through its authority over the siting of energy facilities, transmission lines and pipelines. How will you promote economic development while protecting the rights of private landowners?

The growth of North Dakota data centers has raised questions about their impact on the electric grid and energy costs. What should the PSC do to ensure North Dakotans continue to have access to reliable and affordable electricity?

KRINGSTAD: North Dakota’s energy development has enormous potential to benefit our state, but successful development starts with treating landowners with respect. Landowners are savvy business people. They understand the value of their property, the risks involved, and the long-term implications of development. They should be treated as partners not as obstacles to overcome. My experience in financial services, auditing, economics, and a decade of work at the Public Service Commission has taught me the importance of listening, understanding different perspectives, and making decisions based on facts and sound economics. That experience is valuable when considering utility infrastructure, energy markets, rates, and the broader impacts of development. I believe developers and landowners can have a productive relationship when communication begins early, expectations are clear, and landowners are treated fairly and respectfully. Good development should create opportunity while recognizing the rights and legitimate concerns of the people and communities who are affected. My parents taught me that we should “leave things better than we found them.” That principle guides how I approach public service. North Dakota can develop its energy resources while respecting the people who make that development possible.

KELSH: The data center issue is one in which residents of North Dakota are paying attention, more than any other issue this campaign season. The physical presence of data centers in communities are already creating some disruptions and our campaign has witnessed communities being divided by the issue. The issue of power usage needs to be thoughtfully and carefully addressed. Some have proposed that data centers provide their own power and invest in power supplies before the data center project begins. There are issues with this as well. Natural gas plants and micro-nuclear plants (which have been discussed) use tremendous amounts of water, multiple times the amount of water that data centers themselves use. We should require that data centers develop their own power sources and invest in the supporting infrastructure at the commencement of the project and that water usage is minimized and that the water that is used is recycled as much as possible. Regardless, existing ratepayers should NOT be forced to pay increased rates due to increased data center power usage.

KELSH: We all appreciate upgraded utility services, including reliable, affordable electricity and natural gas rates. I am in favor of energy development and its supporting infrastructure...IF it's done right. By that I mean that private property rights are respected, that there is transparency in every phase of the project, and that local landowners and affected residents are informed as early as possible of the proposed project. This should include a prohibition on non-dislosure agreements (NDAs) between private corporations and all elected officials, especially those elected to serve local political subdivisions. There should also be a significant role for local governments townships, counties, and municipalities, to have a voice in siting decisions. The use of eminent domain as a tool to secure leases for siting projects should be minimized and limited only to the actual public good, meaning that a majority of the public will realize a benefit from completion of the project. Leases for siting routes must be fair, negotiated in good faith, and prohibit the use of threats of eminent domain to secure such leases.

26 2026 • Union Farmer 28 • September 2024

KRINGSTAD: I believe abundant, reliable, and affordable energy is essential to North Dakota’s economic future. As a mom raising a young family, I understand that affordability matters at my kitchen table just as it does for families, farmers, ranchers, and businesses across our state. North Dakota has built a tremendous energy advantage, and I want to protect it. We need to keep our electric rates affordable while maintaining a reliable electric system capable of supporting responsible economic growth. When it comes to data centers—or any other large user of our electric system—I believe in a foundational principle: cost causers should be the cost payers. New development should not shift costs onto existing ratepayers who did not cause them. At the same time, we should pursue opportunities where new energy demand can benefit our state and existing customers. The PSC has limited jurisdiction over data center development itself. But where we have regulatory authority over utilities serving these customers, I will use that authority to protect ratepayers, limit impacts, and secure the best possible outcomes for North Dakota. I believe we can welcome economic development while protecting the affordability and reliability that make North Dakota a great place to live, work, farm, and do business. Where I can have an impact, I do.

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER SHERI HAUGEN-HOFFART Republican

JOHN PEDERSON Democrat-NPL

HAUGEN-HOFFART: Energy development is vital to our economy, but progress should never compromise property rights. The PSC must balance utility needs with landowner protection by holding developers to a high standard. Developers should utilize existing transmission and pipeline corridors wherever feasible to minimize the unnecessary slicing of agricultural land, while recognizing that unique engineering or environmental realities may occasionally require new paths. Furthermore, we must enforce rigorous mitigation standards for topsoil separation and weed management so land returns to full productivity. Finally, we must ensure transparent, goodfaith negotiations and great communication, viewing property rights as foremost. Landowners are our state's original stewards; they must be treated as respected partners, not collateral damage.

PEDERSON: The PSC must ensure that the data center boom strengthens North Dakota's economy without compromising reliability or increasing costs for existing ratepayers. As demand grows, our electric system must remain reliable, affordable, and sustainable for the long term. The Public Service Commission's responsibility is to represent the public interest, not the interests of the utilities it regulates. As commissioner, I will put consumers and ratepayers first. Energy policy must balance reliability, affordability, and safety. Data centers should bear the costs of the infrastructure required to serve them, rather than relying on residential, agricultural, or small-business customers to subsidize their growth. The PSC must carefully evaluate utility proposals to ensure the costs of serving large new loads are borne by those creating them, not existing customers. A broad mix of traditional and emerging energy sources strengthens grid reliability, promotes competition, and helps keep energy costs manageable. The PSC should require utilities and large new users to demonstrate that sufficient generation, transmission, and backup capacity exist before major new loads are connected to the grid. Affordable and reliable energy is one of North Dakota's greatest economic advantages. North Dakota should welcome new investment, but existing ratepayers should never be asked to subsidize that growth.

PEDERSON: Reliable, safe, and affordable energy infrastructure is essential for North Dakota’s economic growth. The PSC has an important role in ensuring needed transmission, pipeline, and energy projects can move forward while protecting the rights of the people most directly affected. Strong landowner protections and economic development are not opposing goals. Projects that involve landowners early, treat them fairly, and respect local communities are more likely to earn public trust and avoid costly delays. The PSC’s statutory mission is to protect consumers, the public interest, and the environment. As commissioner, I will put ratepayers first while ensuring that infrastructure projects are evaluated fairly, transparently, and independently. Respecting landowner rights isn’t just good policy; it’s a North Dakota value. That principal's importance was evident in 2025 when House Bill 1258 retroactively stripped townships of their zoning authority over transmission projects. When that happened, the PSC failed to support the landowners. As commissioner, I would insist on genuine landowner engagement before projects move forward, robust public notice and community hearings early enough to actually influence outcomes, and meaningful local government input into siting decisions. Energy infrastructure is necessary. So is treating the people whose land it crosses with respect.

HAUGEN-HOFFART: The recent boom in data centers is putting new pressure on our electric power grid. Growth is great, but it shouldn't drive up household electric bills or threaten our reliable service. As a commissioner, I will fight to ensure that big tech companies pay their fair share for the power lines and upgrades they require, rather than passing those heavy costs onto everyday families and family farms. We also need to keep a close eye on our total energy supplies so that out-of-state tech projects don't drain the resources we rely on. By working closely with local leaders, we can carefully manage this rapid growth to keep our lights burning bright and utility bills the lowest in the nation.

NDFU.org • September 27 NDFU.org • July 2026 2024 • 29

CLASSIFIEDS

HAY FEEDERS, 2 rough chopped hay feeders $500 each; Silage box liner $500. 701-3911852, Marc Sundquist, Baldwin.

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!

6 WHEEL RAKE, Gehle rake all new rake wheels and new paint $2200; 12 wheel V rake, all new rake wheels, $3200; Crown reel-type rock picker, great shape for its age $1400; Cub IH tractor with belly mower $3000; JD heavy frame 10 FT. Disk, field-ready, $1800. Can deliver any of these items. 701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.

FARM

WANTED

FOR SALE BIN FAN, 3 hp Grain Guard inline bin fan and tubes for 18 foot bin, runs good. 701-898-9005, Jim Waldock, Parshall. COMBINES, two 1994-9600 JD combines with 630F JD headers. 30' header trailer with dolly used very little. 35' JD cultivator. Older style bean rod weeder. 701-710-1362, Dennis Stebner, Woodworth.

BALE FEEDERS, heavy duty. 701-269-2445, Clyde Reister, Streeter. 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. FORD 8-N TRACTOR, not running but complete. 701-226-4055, Lloyd Giese, Steele.

TRACTOR TIRES, New rear tractor tires, $400 each. 1-Klebar 230/95 R 48, 1-Firestone 480/80 R42, 1-BKT 18.4 38, 1-Midas 460/85 R38. 701340-4132, Ray Kopp, Des Lacs.

MISCELLANEOUS

FENCING EQUIPMENT, metal H corner posts/ braces (5-6 ct available), wooden fence/corner posts (8-10' x 44 ct, some green-treated, some telephone), telephone poles (15-35 ft, 19 ct), 4x5 8 ft square pressure treated posts (22 ct). 3 pt postal auger. Skid steer post pounder (new, 3 different sizes available). Salford 5 ton fertilizer spreader. Rowse double mower (2 available). 2021 Can Am Defender. 1x3x24” wood stakes. Contact for prices. 701-516-2920. Aaron and Jessi Subart, Robinson.

RESTAURANT, profitable, turn-key restaurant located in southcentral North Dakota. The restaurant is open May into early November. Located in Gackle, North Dakota, along Highway 56, this business has been in operation since 1969. Indoor seating area for 32 includes booths and tables. Outside seating includes a covered patio area with picnic tables. It has strong community support and draws in customers from many surrounding communities. Would be a great family biz. 701320-2832, Estee Nenow, Streeter.

CULTIVATOR, 8 foot 3 point cultivator $200.00, 6 foot 3 point box scraper $300.00, 6 foot 3 point adjustable grading blade $150.00, 4 -P225/75R 16 tires and rims for Jeep Wrangler $100.00, Dump rake needs work make offer. 701-3513305, Arne Berg, Devils Lake. SKIDSTEER, 2001 #763 Bobcat skidsteer with cab, heater, blower and wiper. Like new tires and chains - 1646 actual hours. Comes with large bucket and #6610 Lorenz snowblower. 701-8918566, Ken Koch, Mandan. HEADER, 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. 701833-2220, Jerome Behm, Burlington. BIN EQUIPMENT, Grain bin aeration transition and solid arch and screen arches and a fan; 50 gallon steel barrel with a metal lid and bolt on lock ring; Queen size bed & mattress; Twin rollaway bed & mattress; several 32 gallon sturdy, round, rubber totes with lids used for excess grain storage & seed. They have never been used for garbage. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

30 • October 2026 • Union Farmer

FOR SALE

CADILLAC, 1987 white Cadillac approximately 134,000 miles in perfect condition. 701-8984942, Lyle Locken, New Town. 1960 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. 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, Guns, Lugers, etc. WWIl North Dakota 164th Infantry Regiment Items. Email jgrindahl@gmail.com or call/text. 701-200-7125, John Grindahl, Fargo. ANVILS, from 100 pounds up to 175 pounds in very good condition and a 10’ porcelain Standard Oil Company sign, also in good condition. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

TIRES, 5 new Nexen Roadian HTX2 245/75R17 All Season Tires, Mounted and Balanced on NEW 17x7.5 inch Factory Jeep Willys Wheels, TPMS Valve Stems, 4.75 inch bolt pattern. $1,800. 701-659-1374, Connie Benke, Jamestown. SNOW BLOWER, Cub Cadet snow blower 528 SW, zero turn power steering, like new, used about 4 hours. Snow blower for roof or decks used very little; Barber shop chair, very old, needs to be restored; Karavan trailer 5x8 foot, never used fold down ramps. Call/text or leave message at 701-320-2094. 701-486-3168, Clifford Meadows, Medina. 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. 2015 Honda 4 x4 Wheeler Ribcon 1,700 Hours, 6,500 Miles, New Battery, New Tires on Front, Doesn’t use oil, No transmission problems. larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields. PLANE, 1966 Piper Cherokee, 150 HP. Recent restoration and electronics, new paint, leather upholstery. Very low total time. $80,000 or make offer. Trailer mounted log splitter project. Make offer. 701-252-0765, Dennis Nelson, Jamestown. BEAR CAT GRINDER MIXER PARTS. 2 gear cases, new gear case gears, shafts, hammers, bearings, and several other misc. parts. Four aluminum 15 inch wheels from a Chevy S-10 pickup. All straight and true. Perfect and no damage; Wood Vice, Tool Shop brand, $15. Kohler Light Plant, Runs and Generator$150. 6 " Sears 6" planer, Jointer with stand, - $150. 20 gal. parts washer - $70. Text or call. 701-833-2220, Jerome Behm, Burlington. TIRES, Two All Season "Laufenn" fit HT 235/175 R17 6 Ply tires mounted on Ford rims. Ran only 100 miles. Asking $180 for the pair. 701-7201263, Jim Norlin, Des Lacs. WANTED OLD STUFF, ND license plates, ND picked arrowheads, advertising signs, advertising thermometers, old gas pumps, oil cans. Old road signs with the Indian Head logo or ND HP metal door signs. I also buy old toys, marbles, crocks, metal trade tokens or anything else that's old and interesting. I can travel to your location paying cash. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. 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. PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land. Make reservations now. larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.

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.

Bread

1 LOAF

Milk

1 GAL

Eggs

1 DOZEN

Retail:

$6.49

Retail:

$5.99

Retail:

$6.99

Farmer:

$0.12

Farmer:

$1.83

Farmer:

$2.35

Bacon

1 LB

Apples

2 LBS

Top Sirloin

Retail:

$6.99

Retail:

$4.99

Retail:

$10.99

Farmer:

$1.07

Farmer:

$1.88

Farmer:

$3.54

Potatoes

5 LBS

Tomatoes

Retail:

$4.99

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

SAFELY STORE YOUR FIREARMS • Store guns in a locked cabinet • Keep stored guns unloaded • Utilize gun locks • Store ammo separate from firearms

Find more ag safety info at ndsc.org NDFU.org • October 2026 • 31

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

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