August 2019 Union Farmer

Volume CIV, No. 5 Huron, SD AUGUST 2019

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

SERVING SOUTH DAKOTA’S FARM & RANCH FAMILIES SINCE 1915.

RDP Profiles

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SDFU meets with EPA

Camp Wrap Up

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Truth in Labeling, Food Security, Pre-K Education & More Focus of 2019 State Policy Meeting

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ruth in labeling, E30, affordable housing, pre-k education and food security topped the list of policy discussed during South Dakota Farmers Union annual state policy meeting, held July 24, in Huron at the Crossroads Convention Center.

“This is grassroots policy development in action,” explains Doug

Policy Meeting Continued on Page 17

See You At Farmers Union Day At South Dakota State Fair!

When: August 31 Where: Freedom Stage Time: Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m.

Fly In Call Out

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S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Camp Crook Ranch Family

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South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century.

Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we highlight the Latham family. Darwin (right), his wife Kay, and their sons, Jason (left) and John (center), are the fifth generation to ranch in the Camp Crook area.

omeone once asked Darwin Latham’s grandpa Frank about his heritage. His answer? “Texan,” says the Camp Crook rancher.

As the story goes, Frank’s uncles, Doc and Willie, were among the area’s early settlers, first arriving in the 1880s, driving herds for Texas cattle companies.

They trailed up herds from Texas. “They worked for both the CY Cattle Company and the 101 Cattle Company,” Darwin explains. “Then they began ranching. For a time, Doc was part-owner of the famous bucking horse Tipperary.”

Born in Texas, Frank’s dad died when he was only 2, so his uncles, Doc and Willie encouraged his mom, Mattie, and stepdad, along with his younger brother John, to relocate from Texas.

It wasn’t easy. They tried homesteading several claims and moved around trying to make a go of it. After Frank’s stepdad’s death, Mattie and John moved to a small ranch just north of Camp Crook which is still in the family today.

Frank served in France during World War I as a truck driver. After the war, he put his heavy-equipment experience to work as a “cat skinner” driving a dozer helping build state highways. The money he earned helped him get a start ranching on his own.

In 1928, Frank and his young wife, Esther (Bickerdyke), started ranching on land north of Camp Crook along the Little Missouri River. Their oldest child, Erwin, Darwin’s dad, remained on the ranch.

Latham Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer “We have a lot of history here.

I know it because I grew up with Granddad Frank, and although he wasn’t one of the first ones, he knew all the first ones.”

– Darwin Latham

Latham Family

Continued from Page 1

Darwin and his sons, John, 33, and Jason, 30, continue to ranch there today.

“There are two stories about why we still have the place. One is we are too stubborn to give up and leave. The other is we were too broke to leave. Maybe the real truth is, it is a good place to be, so why go anywhere else,” Darwin says.

And, thanks to these efforts, Darwin, his wife, Kay, and their sons are the fifth generation of Lathams to ranch in the Camp Crook area. The family raises a commercial

The Lathams have worked to install miles of waterlines, tanks and solar-pumped wells.

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herd of black Angus/Hereford-cross cattle and sell some registered bulls.

Originally, like all their neighbors, the Lathams raised Hereford cattle. Then black became the preferred color and sale barn prices changed their allegiance.

“We’d get $50 less. Our cattle were the same weight and everything. It was their color, so we switched to black Angus bulls and put them on our Hereford cows,” Darwin explains.

Then, they noticed the bulls weren’t holding up. “They were overdeveloped and couldn’t make it on just grass. Their feet would go bad and they’d break down when we turned them out with the cows on the forest service allotment in the summer,” John explains.

As a result, John bought some registered Angus cows at a dispersion and began raising his own bulls. “We figured the bulls needed to be developed on the same feed as our cows – grass, hay and cake. That will allow them to develop slower but last longer and remain sound,” John says.

“We hand-feed the bull calves because

we had some temperament issues with purchased bulls as well. Our main bullfeeding crew are Jason’s sons, my mom and my daughter,” John says.

John’s daughter, Joy, is 3 and Jason and his wife, Kaeloni, have two sons, Jaydon, 4, and Jarrett, 2.

To keep fresh genetics in the herd, John AI’s his registered cows and buys cleanup bulls. “I review catalogues extensively to get

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In addition to temperament, strong maternal traits and feed efficiency top the list. “Fertility, moderate frame, weaning weights and growth round out the rest of the list,” Jason explains, their cattle need to gain well on rangeland as well as the forest service land they lease in the Custer National Forest.

Their focus has been working. For the last two decades, the Lathams have sold calves right off their ranch, direct to the same Sisseton feeder.

“He is very happy with how our calves perform for him, and we settle on a price ahead of time so we know there won’t be a market wreck on shipping day,” Darwin explains.

Like his grandfather, keeping things going for the next generation still takes gumption and creativity.

During the most recent drought, 201617, the Lathams weren’t able to put up hay at home and lost some cattle to salinity poisoning when the water in their dams went bad.

Because access to water impacts pasture rotation, since 2003, the men have worked to install miles of waterlines, tanks and solarpumped wells.

“We’ve worked hard to get live water everywhere,” explains John.

For the solar wells, the family was able to get some cost-sharing help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds and Emergency Conservation Program.

The funds were made available during recent drought years when they had to haul water.

Even on overcast or snowy days, the solarpowered wells run continuously – keeping tanks thawed out on the coldest of days.

“They are easy to put in now, because we know what we’re doing,” Darwin explains.

Thankfully, there’s been plenty of moisture this year, “Our Little Missouri River is up longer than I’ve ever seen it in my lifetime. Typically, by this time of year you can walk across without getting your feet wet, but today, it’s 10-feet deep. The best clover year we’ve ever had.”

“We’re pretty well watered up. It allows for better utilization of pastures,” Darwin adds.

“And the cows and calves look much better,” says Jason.

The Lathams manage their summer pastures on a seasonal rotation. If they go into a pasture in the spring one year, they use it in the fall the next year. “It gives the cool- and warm-season grasses a break and as long as there’s moisture, it works pretty well,” Darwin says. “I can remember from an early age, my granddad Frank and dad told me, ‘if you take care of the ranch, it will take care of you.’”

Darwin’s focus on water began when he returned to ranch full time with his dad, Erwin, in 1994. He and his wife, Kay, had

been working as teachers. They jumped at the opportunity to raise their sons on the ranch.

“We felt this was a great place to raise kids. You don’t have a lot of violence and crime here, not like a lot of places,” Darwin says.

The boys attended the multi-grade school in Camp Crook through the eighth grade.

“I loved it,” says John, comparing it to the traditional elementary school experience he had prior to moving to the ranch. “You are with kids above and below you, so you learn a lot from your peers, and you get to help the younger kids. We all had combined recess and played kickball together. We even worked on subjects like history, social science and science projects together.”

“In a country school, you don’t have clicks because there are only about 20 kids in the whole school, so everyone needs to get along,” Jason adds.

Like their dad, John and Jason enjoyed working on the ranch and, after college they both planned to return home to ranch.

The time was right in 2012. Darwin needed extra help because their grandpa Erwin was fighting cancer and wanted to stay on the ranch. “We were able to honor that and take care of him here,” Jason says.

Jason was the first to return home. He had

Latham Family Continued on Page 7

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August 2019

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Union Farmer

Self-Care for Farmers, Communication & Finding Balance Discussed During Summer Farmers Union Enterprise Seminar

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hen it comes to challenges, we all have the opportunity to choose how we will react. This was one of many relevant messages delivered during the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Seminar held in June in Wisconsin.

“Given the planting season we just came off of, it is good to be mindful of that fact that yes, the environment stinks and planting season stinks, but I still make my own decision of how I am going to react to it,” explains De Smet farmer Rob Lee. When faced with a challenge, the presenter encouraged agriculture producers to take a moment to reflect on the situation. “Is this an inconvenience or a real problem,” explains Darcie Lee, Rob’s wife.

Rob and Darcie represent South Dakota in the one-year program that hosts a farm or ranch couple from each of the following five states: North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Montana. The Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program was developed

Rob and Darcie raise crops and a small herd of alpaca near De Smet. They represent South Dakota during the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program, which was developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union through leadership, citizenship and policy development training.

Each year, one couple from each of the five state Farmers Union organizations is selected to participate in Farmers Union Enterprise including North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Montana.

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to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union through leadership, citizenship and policy development training.

In addition to discussing ways to address challenges, communication, self-care and navigating personal and professional balance were also discussed. “This seminar gave us an opportunity to discuss our priorities and how to be better communicators with others and our spouse,” Darcie says.

She adds that they benefited from time spent discussing the topics with De Smet farmer Rob Lee tours other agriculture producers. “It is a Wisconsin cranberry bog during a recent Farmers Union interesting how even though our Enterprise Couples Leadership operations look much different, we Seminar. face similar challenges and struggles.”

Tours to a cranberry bog and robotic dairy were also part of the four-day seminar. The cranberry bog is owned by farmers who belong to the Ocean Spray cooperative. And, the robotic dairy is owned by family farmers who milk 160-head of dairy cows.

“Learning about different types of agriculture helped us think outside the box,” Darcie explains. “We began talking about ways we can be more efficient on our farm.”

Getting more involved is another takeaway the Lees mention. “This program is steering us in a direction to become more comfortable getting involved,” Rob says.

Darcie adds that the first day home, the State Policy Meeting flyer was in their mail. “Before participating in this seminar, I would probably ignore the flyer since the meeting is during the day, on a Wednesday. But now, I feel like we should go and see if we have input to share.

Nothing will change in our favor if we do not get involved.”

More about Rob and Darcie Lee Rob and Darcie raise crops and a small herd of alpaca near De Smet. In addition A Wisconsin dairy farmer discusses the labor savings to the farm, Darcie is a nurse, working at and other efficencies pro- Horizon Health Care Clinic in De Smet and vided by the robotic milker Rob works as a crop insurance adjustor. during a recent Farmers The couple has two young children, 3-yearUnion Enterprise Couples old Everett and 9-month-old Rosene.

Leadership Seminar.

Rob’s dad, Roger, introduced him to Farmers Union. Rob helped lobby Congressional leaders on behalf of South Dakota agriculture during the 2018 D.C. Fly-In and then took the policy advocacy skills he gained in D.C. and put them to work during SDFU Legislative Day in Pierre.

Throughout their year of involvement in Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program, the Lees will provide members with Union Farmer updates. To learn more about this program and how to get involved, contact Karla Hofhenke at Karla@sdfu.org. ■ www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Value Added Agriculture Center Celebrates 20 Years

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urning a good idea into a successful business isn’t simple – just ask Cheri Rath.

“Business plans, feasibility studies, research and development … there are so many spokes in the wheel. It is challenging, cumbersome, expensive and takes time,” explains Rath, Executive Director of South Dakota’s Value Added Agriculture Development Center.

Guiding South Dakota’s agricultural entrepreneurs through this process has been the focus of the non-profit organization since its inception 20 years ago, explains Lake Preston farmer and S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU) Vice President Wayne Soren. “We needed an organization where farmers, ranchers and rural citizens can go when they think they have an idea for a business, to help them get it off the ground,” explains Soren, who represents SDFU on the Value Added board of directors. “You think you have an idea, but what do you do next? You have to be able to manufacture, market and be financially savvy. In general, most people have the skills to do one of those three things. Sometimes two of those three.

But almost never does anyone have the know-how or resources to do all three effectively.”

This is where the Value Added Ag Development Center comes in, Rath explains. “We are able to walk people through the process.

We can step in and put ink to paper to help them get the necessary paperwork done to apply for grants or put together their business plan or have a feasibility study done – we consider ourselves the hub of the project, we hold their hands through the entire process, while bringing partnering resources to the table,” she says.

And, it’s working. Since 1999, 79 percent of all ideas that go through the Value Added Ag Development Center process, became a reality. Today, 41 percent are still operational. This is compared to the statewide average of 10 percent.

SDFU is among the founding sponsors of the organization, which provides all its services at no cost.

“Our membership, sponsors like Farmers Union, are instrumental to our being available to producers,” explains Rath, who says the organization also finds ways to leverage grant dollars to help finance the services they provide, and help entrepreneurs with research and development or other start-up expenses.

Grants discovered through the Value Added Ag Development Center helped Spearfish hops grower, Steve Polley cover costs associated with research and development. Polley began working with the Value Added Ag Development Center about 10 years ago, after he harvested his first crop of hops, and decided to preserve the crop by freezing it instead of drying it. Technical assistance provided by the Value Added Ag Development Center has also guided Polley with business planning and marketing strategy as Dakota Hops moves into commercialization of his unique hops products.

www.sdfu.org

“To my knowledge, we are the only grower who freezes hops for brewing beer,” Polley explains. In fact, after doing some research, Polley found only one journal article from the 1940s, where Oregon State University professors tried freezing hops to determine if it could be done. “They found it could be done, and the article said they thought it would make excellent beer, probably better beer than dried hops.”

Hops are among the main ingredients found in many varieties of beer, and according to Polley, although they are labor-intensive, they thrive in the western South Dakota climate.

To discover whether or not frozen hops could be used in brewing beer, Polley reached out to home brewers and microbrewries in western U.S. to help test the concept. Because the results were so favorable, they decided to do side-by-side tests to determine which tasted better – beer made with dried hops or frozen hops.

Using USDA grants they found through Value Added Ag Development Center, Polley was able to fund multiple tests, using multiple varieties of hops.

The results were uniform. Beer brewed with frozen hops tasted as good, or better than beer brewed with commercial kiln dried hops.

Polley wanted to know if two batches were made at the same time, using dried hops for one batch and frozen for the other, which beer would taste better.

Polley didn’t stop there. Using USDA grants he found through Value Added Ag Development Center, and working with local breweries and brew clubs, Polley tested this theory multiple times, asked Black Hills State University chemists to explore why freezing hops make a better tasting beer, purchased equipment and hired a brew master.

Polley, who doesn’t drink, relies on others - professionals, amateur taste-testers and judges - to determine if frozen hops produce a better-tasting product. Since R&D began, beer produced from Polley’s frozen hops has won top honors at four brew festival contests.

Flavor isn’t the only reason brewers may want to consider using frozen hops over dried. Polley’s research proved a large yield advantage.

“It takes four times less hops to make the same amount of beer,” Polley says.

He explains, that it takes 4 pounds of vine-fresh hops to produce 1 pound of dry hops for market. Whereas 1 pound of vine-fresh hops, produces 1 pound of frozen hops. “If a beer recipe calls for 5 ounces of Cascade (a hop variety), and a brewer uses 5 ounces of dried hops, it took 20 ounces of fresh hops. However, if we use 5

Valued Added Continued on Page 22 August 2019

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Union Farmer te Around the Sta with Farmers Union

South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.

4-H Horse Show

Community Concept Grants

County Farmers Union organizations are making a positive impact in their communities with Community Concept matching grants: Sanborn County (top), Kingsbury County (middle) and Deuel-Grant County (bottom).

Radio Show Check out the monthly radio show at www. sdfu.org and click on the news tab.

Sanborn County

Kingsbury County

Governor’s Ag Summit SDFU member Logan Wolter (far left) participated in the Governor’s Ag Summit Young Producers Panel. Other panelists, pictured with Gov. Kristi Noem (middle) include Taylor McMartin, Calli Williams and John Eilertson.

Deuel-Grant County

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Value Added Ag Center 20th Anniversary

www.sdfu.org

Latham Family

Union Farmer Continued from Page 3

been working in the oil fields of North Dakota and had been able to save up some money to build up the herd he began as an elementary student. Jason’s wife, Kaeloni, does billing and payroll for a local construction company.

John, after teaching and coaching for several years, returned to the ranch in 2018 and works as a loan officer for Pioneer Bank.

Jason and John have slowly built their own commercial herd and were fortunate enough to recently buy some pasture close to the main ranch. Both men agree, having off-ranch income helps them survive the weather-related events as well as volatile markets.

While John got his first heifer calf from Grandpa Erwin, Jason actually received his first calf as part of a local program, established

by Ludlow rancher, Claude Olson, to help kids get their start with cattle. Through the Olson Livestock Foundation, first-graders in Harding County can apply for a heifer calf.

Then, three years later, they donate back one of her heifer calves.

The Olson Foundation is just one example of the strong community the Lathams belong to, and, yet another reason the men wanted to return to the ranch.

“We’re so sparsely populated, but because we only have one high school in Buffalo, we know people from all over Harding County – we have people who are good friends and we consider as neighbors even if they live 25 to 50 miles away,” Darwin says.

“In the spring and fall we do a lot of neighboring, trading work, branding and working cattle. There are about seven families in our crew who rotate around and help each other,” Jason explains.

Branding, the men explain, is a social event everyone looks forward to each spring.

“After being cooped up all winter, it’s nice to get out and see people,” Jason says. “When you feel like you have had a crap winter, you hear about the one guy who buried his tractor in the snow and had to climb out his back window. It makes the day that you had all the pickups buried in the snow not seem quite so bad.”

Beyond the good times, community members watch out for one another in small ways, like delivering parts. “One challenge of living rural is the distances you have to go to get parts. Getting parts when you break down during haying can take one to four hours, depending on where you need to go for the part. At the Case-IH dealership 65 miles away there’s a sign on the counter asking in-store customers if they are from one of the towns listed, would they be willing to drop a part off for a neighbor in that community waiting for a part,” Darwin explains.

And in big ways. Darwin shares about a time a few years ago when an area ranch had www.sdfu.org

a TB outbreak in their herd. “Everyone who shares a fenceline with them had to test. It happened right before calving season. It was a terrible deal. You don’t want to work cows before calving, but we had to. We had phone calls from our bankers, feed salesmen, insurance salesmen and others asking if they could come out and help us work cattle,” Darwin says. “Relationships you develop in agriculture are like nothing you can find in any other field.”

To give back, the Lathams are all actively involved in the community. Jason and Kay serve on the fair board, John and Jason serve on the church council, Darwin has served on the school board and is president of the EMT association. John currently serves on the Harding County Economic Development

board and Jason has served as a director of Stockgrowers. Darwin, Kay and Jason are volunteer EMTs and John and Kaeloni are drivers for the Harding County Ambulance Service. ”We feel that part of leaving a legacy for your children and grandchildren is leaving not only a sustainable ranch, but a strong sustainable community. We have benefited from a great community and we want to give back and pay it forward to the next generations,” says Darwin.

“We have a lot of history here. I know it because I grew up with Granddad Frank, and although he wasn’t one of the first ones, he knew all the first ones,” Darwin explains.

“This area was, is and will continue to be a great place to live and raise a family.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

August 2019

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Union Farmer

2019 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees Each year, SDFU recognizes individuals who give back to their communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. To meet the 2019 honorees, attend the Rural Dakota Pride Ceremony held at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 31 during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair on the Freedom Stage.

Profiles by Lura Roti

JIM LANE, Groton

Empowering girls through running and faith-based principles, Angie Mueller, 40, and her friend, Angie Klock, started the Be{YOU}tiful Strides Running Club in 2015 in Ethan for girls third grade through sixth grade.

As members of the running club, girls train to run a 5K. Beginning when school starts, the running club meets at the city park before school two mornings a week. During stretches, Klock leads a character-building, “We wanted to help faith-based object lesson and shares girls realize that the verse for the week, like Matthew with a little work, 5:16, “Let your light shine.” Then, they encouragement, begin run/walk intervals together, as practice and belief Christian tunes play. When their 30 in self, they could do minutes of exercise is complete, the something big.” girls together with their teen and adult – Angie Mueller running mentors walk to school.

To date, 40 girls and five women coaches are involved in Be{YOU}tiful Strides Running Club. Each October, the running club ends their season by hosting a Sparkle Run where they put their training to the test and raise money for a cause, like NHim Orphanages and a community member in need. ■

When Jim Lane hears his peers make negative comments about “kids these days,” he is quick to disagree.

“I get to work with kids who put an incredible amount of work into their projects. Their work ethic, fortitude and personal drive are why I like volunteering as the robotics coach,” he explains about the Groton High School students who make up the robotics team he has coached since 2011.

“Robotics teaches Robotics is a unique extra-curricular them how to problem activity where teens are given the rules solve by helping of a game, and then expected to build them think through and program a robot to play that game, issues. I like watching competing against another robot built kids take ownership by an opposing team. Governed by an of their robot and the international organization, Robotics work it takes.”

Education & Competition Foundation, – Jim Lane the youth compete on the state level to qualify for regional, national and international competitions.

As the coach, Lane sees his role as practice organizer, supply provider, provider of transportation and teaching youth problemsolving skills. ■

Downtown Dell Rapids

Photo by Diane Martinson

ANGIE MUELLER, Ethan

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Union Farmer FRANKLIN OLSON, Pierpont When Franklin Olson commits to something, he follows through. As a little boy he decided he would farm.

As a young man, he expanded his dream, determining to farm 1,000 acres – even though he and his wife, JoAnne, had to start from scratch.

For nearly 65 years, Olson applied the same dedication to the many organizations he has served. He was only 18 when Farmers Union Independence Local 923 asked him “It’s always easy to serve as their Secretary/Treasurer to work hard for and he said “yes,” and never missed something you a meeting until he left town for two thoroughly believe years to serve in the Army. When he in.

I’m glad that a lot returned, he resumed his role, and of the things I was went on to serve several terms as Day involved in turned County Farmers Union President. He out to be good and served several years on the Brown/ successful.”

Day/Marshall Rural Water System and – Franklin Olson as well as the State Rural Water Board, helping guide them through several phases of development; served on the board of directors for FSA board as well as the board of the Strand Kjorsvig Living Center and served on the Farmers Union Oil Company board of directors for 35 years – missing only two meetings. Olson recently completed six years of service, representing District 3 on the South Dakota Farmers Union State Board of Directors. ■

RICH BAKEBERG, Frederick When the Cenex station in Frederick closed, the closest fueling option was 12 miles away in Ellendale, N.D. So, members of the Frederick Development Corporation began searching for other options.

The plan they finally went with was a creative one. The Development Corporation built a self-service fuel station and lease the facility to Agtegra. The local cooperative takes care of everything else.

“Our focus is to keep “After going without a local gas Frederick thriving station for quite a while, this was a big and growing – any success for us and our community,” opportunities we explains Rich Bakeberg, volunteer can create to get chair of the Development Corporation new families to the and a 2019 recipient of South Dakota community we will Farmers Union Rural Dakota Pride work to do.” honor.

– Rich Bakeberg A longtime resident of Frederick, Bakeberg donates his time to projects that help make Frederick a community welcoming to young families, like he and his wife, Gayle, were when they moved to town to raise their family 44 years ago. ■ www.sdfu.org

JEANNIE HOFER, Huron When Jeannie Hofer explains her work as a volunteer with Manolis Family Safe Center she says, “It’s about accepting and helping and extending a hand and a heart.”

Extending a hand and opening her heart to those in need is second nature for Hofer, 69, who is grateful an aunt and uncle were there for her, taking her in and raising her when she and her siblings were left without a home due to domestic violence.

The Manolis Family Safe Center is a volunteer organization for victims of domestic abuse and their children. Along with providing victims with a safe place to live, Hofer and other volunteers take turns buying groceries, cleaning and doing home maintenance, driving family members to counseling and doctor appointments and anything else necessary to “help them feel empowered and in control of their own life.” ■

“I was blessed as a child to have an aunt and uncle who took care of me, so I’ve always wanted to do the same.”

– Jeannie Hofer

To read complete profile articles, attend the Rural Dakota Pride Ceremony.

Complete profiles can also be found on our blog, www.sdfu.org, click on the News link.

Because of the efforts of 2019 RDP Honoree, Angie Mueller, 40, and her friend, Angie Klock, Ethan girls can belong to Be{YOU}tiful Strides Running Club.

August 2019

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Union Farmer

S.D. Farmers Union Meets with EPA Director to Discuss E30

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outh Dakota Farmers Union, together with leaders from 13 South Dakota agriculture organizations, sat down with Gregory Sopkin, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator for District 8 to discuss challenges facing South Dakota farmers and ranchers, as well as opportunities to be found through expanded support for higher ethanol blends.

The Aug. 1 South Dakota Ag Roundtable was hosted in Sioux Falls by South Dakota Corn.

“This was a valuable opportunity to provide the farmers’ story and give the EPA a chance to put a face to that story,” explains Doug Sombke, President of S.D. Farmers Union.

Stories like the one shared by a young farmer who participated in the roundtable. “He did a good job describing what it is like as a young farmer. He’s the same age as my son. He shared that there are no markets. All he and other farmers want is to have their markets back. One of the best ways to do this is through ethanol and distillers grains,” explains Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde farmer.

Because of the local marketing opportunities it provides for South Dakota farmers, supporting ethanol has been a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union policy for more than 30 years. Sombke says it was encouraging to hear other organization’s support for expanding the state’s ethanol industry through increased sales of higher ethanol blends, like E30. “During the discussion, the comment was made that young farmers are going broke and E15 isn’t going to cut it,” Sombke shares.

Prior to the roundtable, Sopkin traveled to Watertown to tour Glacial Lakes Energy Cooperative ethanol plants and learn about how the cooperative bolstered local sales of E30 600 percent through an educational campaign, the

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EPA Meeting Continued on Page 22

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Union Farmer

2019 Golf Tournament $ for Education A large crowd of family farmers, ranchers and their friends turned out for a fun-filled day of playing golf, fun game s and FUNdraising.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Glacial Lakes Energy LLC Farmers Mutual of Nebraska KWAT/KDLO, Doug Sombke Lisa Snedeker East River Electric No Limit Soil Service Full Circle Ag Larson King Sumption Farms CarlsonSV Insight Marketing Gail Temple Sioux Valley Energy Leader Printing Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa Kirk Schaunaman Wayne Soren Larry Birgen Farmers Union Insurance American Bank and Trust Gold Dust Washington Pavilion Lodge in Deadwood Beef Bucks Saloon #10 NAU Country Prostollo’s Robert Sharp and Associates Cherrybean Coffee Alpha Media Media One Lemars Donegel Tomahawk Lake Country Club Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Plastow & Assoc.

Corson/Perkins Co. Farmers Union Main St. America Sky Zone

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August 2019

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Union Farmer

S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Community Heroes, Farmers & Ranchers During SDFU Day at the State Fair

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outh Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) will celebrate community heroes, family farmers and ranchers and educate consumers on current challenges facing our state’s No. 1 industry of agriculture during the 2019 Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair, Aug. 31.

“State Fair is a celebration of the people who make up our state’s No. 1 industry of agriculture,” explains Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President and fourthgeneration Conde farmer. “It’s an industry, whose people are really struggling right

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now because of uncooperative weather and markets. So, this year, I see the state fair as a good place for those of us who work the fields and care for livestock to support one another and feel the support from our many friends, neighbors and supporters throughout the state.”

Clark farmer Gail Temple would agree.

“State Fair is like a family reunion. It’s a statewide gathering that supports farmers.

It’s where farmers from across the state bring all their best crops and livestock and 4-H kids bring their best displays.”

Temple, and her husband, Brad, raise crops and cattle. Temple also serves as District 3 board member. She will be among a group of Farmers Union volunteers to help host the organization’s annual Farmer’s Share Lunch.

Farmer’s Share Lunch is designed to educate consumers on the current low prices facing South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. During the lunch hour, Farmers

Union will only charge fairgoers the price a South Dakota farmer or rancher would receive for the ingredients used to make a $12 lunch.

This year the organization will only be collecting 25 cents.

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer “When consumers buy a pound of burger at the store and pays $4, they think I’m making $4 a pound for the cattle I raise. This simply isn’t the case,” explains Joel Keierleber, who farms near Winner.

“Consumers really don’t understand that most of their food dollars go to the middleman. For example, I only receive $1.73 for that pound of burger, and that is not counting how much it cost me to produce and market the cow.”

And, like every cow/calf producer in

South Dakota, Keierleber is responsible for the health and welfare of the cattle day-in and day-out until they are sold to a feeder or processor.

“As farmers or ranchers, we’re the ones taking care of the critter for up to two years and receiving a very small fraction of the grocery store price,” Keierleber explains.

Each year the farmers share lunch feeds more than 1,000.

“This is one of our largest education events,” says Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. “Education is a mission our grassroots organization takes seriously.”

Throughout the year, SDFU hosts education events for youth, rural professionals and community leaders and farm and ranch couples. They also provide

youth with farm safety education through the SDFU Farm Safety Trailer. The trailer will also be at the fair. A mobile, interactive classroom designed to provide rural youth with farm safety training. www.sdfu.org

Fairgoers will have an opportunity to go through the trailer during the state fair.

Team up for Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Another way the organization emphasizes farm safety is through the Team Up for Farm Safety Quiz Bowl.

Sombke and Hofhenke invite everyone to watch rural youth in action by attending the 2019 S.D. Farmers Union Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl championship, held at 2 p.m. on the Freedom Stage across from the Farmers Union Tent.

“The quiz bowl is a fun way for high school students to learn about safety on the farm or ranch,” says Hofhenke, of the competition that asks FFA members questions on farm and ranch safety.

The following FFA chapters qualified to compete during the 2019 State FFA Convention: Wolsey Wessington, Hoven, Howard and Platte-Geddes Community heroes honored with

Rural Dakota Pride awards At 10:30 a.m., Farmers Union will recognize five South Dakotans for their selfless contributions to rural communities across the state with the Rural Dakota Pride award.

The honorees include Rich Bakeberg, Frederick; Jeannie Hofer, Huron; Jim Lane,

Farmers Union Day Continued on Page 17 August 2019

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Union Farmer

Farmers Union Camps Make Lasting Impressions

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s South Dakota farmers and families navigate the countless things to tackle before harvest, SDFU offered camps for our next generation of leaders, business owners and farmers. Camps specifically designed for all ages offer both education and play.

SDFU places a high priority on cooperative education, leadership training and just plain fun for the children of our membership. Camp gives new experiences to kids and young adults in our South Dakota communities. This type of outreach is readily available in larger

cities, but SDFU makes it a point to bring it to our smaller communities too.

That’s why SDFU conducted dozens of camps across all corners of the state this year, including county, district and state camps under the theme of “A Journey Toward a New Tomorrow.” Camp also poses an excellent opportunity for farm kids and “town” kids to see how deeply cooperatives are woven into the fabric of communities.

“I keep coming back to camp because it is a family,” says camper Jessica Temple of Clark. “All are welcome and camp is not just

for farmers.”

“Going to camp should be first and foremost about a good time. Campers can have fun without screens and phones,” says Rachel-Haigh Blume, Educational Director for SDFU. “We also try to teach the importance of cooperatives, the value of giving back to your community and topics that are relevant to modern day rural living.”

“Each of us has a journey and we choose our thoughts, attitudes and actions that steer our day. We want to ensure the camper’s journey impacts others by teaching

Camp Continued on Page 19

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August 2019

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

South Dakota Youth Attend Farmers Union 83rd Annual All-States Leadership Camp

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en youth from South Dakota joined with Farmers Union youth members from across the country for the 83rd annual National Farmers Union (NFU) AllStates Leadership Camp. Hosted each June, the event encourages young adults to explore their leadership potential, discuss current events and important issues, learn more about the power of cooperatives and identify ways to affect positive change in their communities.

South Dakota youth include Jim Brockel, Megan Linke, Danielle Schmitz, Caleb Nugetern, Abby Dethlefsen, Justin Goetz, Kathryn Nightingale, Marleigh Hulm and Kate Oberembt.

“Education is the foundation of Farmers Union’s 117 years of success,” says NFU President Roger Johnson, an All-States Camp alumnus. “For the last 83 of those years, AllStates Camp has been an essential part of that foundation. By providing an opportunity for our young members to learn about Farmers Union, the cooperative model and advocacy, this program and others like it help build the next generation of agricultural leaders and ensure a bright future for Farmers Union and all of agriculture.”

Over the course of the week, campers ranging between 17 and 20 years old participated in programs that emphasize leadership, teamwork and cooperative education while also enjoying traditional camp activities. In addition, campers gained hands-on experience while volunteering at Sprout City Farms, an urban operation in Denver, Colo.

This year’s camp, themed “Making Changes,” featured a number of notable speakers and presenters. Some of the speakers have been esteemed All-States guests for many years; Olympic Gold Medalist Rulon Gardner, a camp regular, spoke about overcoming the odds to become an unlikely wrestling hero. Former camper and National Youth Advisory Council member Brittany Jablonsky, who now serves as the Senior Director of Communications at Farm Credit, shared with campers how embracing her roots as a North Dakota farm girl has helped her succeed in an agricultural career off the farm. Former camper and National Youth Advisory Council member Ben Lehman discussed leadership in agriculture with the www.sdfu.org

Ten youth from South Dakota joined with Farmers Union youth members from across the country for the 83rd annual National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Camp. Back: Jim Brockel, Megan Linke, Danielle Schmitz, Caleb Nugetern, Abby Dethlefsen, Justin Goetz, Kathryn Nightingale, Marleigh Hulm, front row: Rachel Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director and Kate Oberembt.

group, sharing with them the tools to create collegiate Farmers Union chapters. And NFU Government Relations Director Matt Perdue, with the help of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union’s Director of External Affairs Nick Levendofsky, walked the campers through NFU’s grassroots policy process and a mock policy debate.

The campers also elected six of their peers to NFU’s National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC), which represents thousands of young Farmers Union members across the country. NYAC will further hone their leadership skills at a learning session in Washington, D.C., through presentations at NFU’s 118th Anniversary Convention, as well as by planning next year’s All-States Camp.

This year’s NYAC includes Erin Elsner of

Wisconsin, Nick Foss of Minnesota, Maria Fatz of Minnesota, Marcus Iverson of North Dakota, Emily Ketelson of North Dakota and Josiah Zapf of Minnesota.

“This year’s Youth Advisory Council has already demonstrated initiative, strong management skills and determination. Over the course of the next year, those qualities will only grow,” says Johnson. “These exceptional young people have the unique opportunity to serve as the representatives of their peers, learn about the legislative process and lobbying, and present in front of hundreds of NFU members and press at the NFU convention. I’m confident they will be strong advocates for both the organization and all young people in agriculture.” ■ August 2019

15

Union Farmer On the Road with the Farmers Union Safety Trailer Gregory, Pierre, Huron & Summer Spotlight

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August 2019

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Policy Meeting Continued from Page 1 Sombke, SDFU President. “Leading up to state convention, this is the most important meetings we participate in. It sets the base for 2020 policy. Members from across the state have a chance to have their voices heard and impact our organization’s policy focus moving forward.”

During the afternoon meeting, members from across the state review the SDFU policy book, discuss and vote on updates suggested by the State Policy Committee. “It’s our job as a committee to listen to what members in our district are saying about changes they’d like to see, review the policy book and see where they would fit,” explains Policy Committee Chair, Jenae Hansen, a sixth-generation South Dakotan, working as a social work consultant for B Consulting, LLC. Hansen’s family farms near Turton.

The Policy Committee also reviews the policy book for outdated language, laws or language that needs clarification. In

addition to Hansen, who represents District 7, other members of the Policy Committee include District 1, David Cap, Yankton; District 2, Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs; District 4, Hank Wonnenberg, Gregory; District 5, Mary Ellen Cammack, Sturgis; and District 6, Dani Beer, Keldron.

“I enjoy seeing grassroots policy come together from members’ ideas and solutions,” explains Keldron rancher Danni Beer of why she agreed to serve District 6 as a Policy Committee member. “This meeting, and state convention, are a great way for members to voice their thoughts on policy that they don’t agree with or don’t think is worded quite right.”

Winner farmer, Joel Keierleber agrees.

“There are a lot of issues to look at and address,” he explains. And, although he could have spent the day repairing fence taken out by spring floods, Keierleber, like many other members, made time for the policy meeting.

From its inception more than a century ago, developing policy to support family farmers, ranchers and rural communities has been a focus of Farmers Union. And, for many members, policy development is a role they take seriously.

“Policy is very important. It’s something I truly love, so having the opportunity to use some of my policy development knowledge and experience to serve an organization I care a lot about is a great opportunity,” Hansen says. “As a membership organization that is truly driven by its members, this policy meeting is so important because it structures what our voice will be when we advocate and talk with legislators.”

To learn more about SDFU current policy, contact Karla Hofhenke for a copy of the policy book. All policy discussed and voted on during the State Policy Meeting will be reviewed and voted on again by delegates during the 2019 State Convention. ■

Farmers Union Day Continued from Page 13 Groton; Angie Mueller, Ethan; and Franklin Olson, Pierpont.

As an organization which supports South Dakota farmers and ranchers, Farmers Union understands the integral connection between those who work in South Dakota’s No. 1 industry and their rural communities.

“One cannot survive without the other,” says Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of S.D. Farmers Union. “Without thriving communities, it’s difficult to encourage young people to return to their family’s farm or ranch. Rural communities are key to the future of South Dakota’s agriculture industry, which is why we like to recognize www.sdfu.org

those individuals who help them thrive.”

Scholarships Awarded The organization will also announce the South Dakota students who receive $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education as part of the Farmers Union Foundation and Farmers Union Insurance Agency 2019 Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship.

Since 2008, SDFU Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to students attending South Dakota post-secondary schools.

The recipients were chosen from among a large pool of applicants. They were scored based on a combination of academic record, activities and awards, financial need and an essay relating to how they will “Insure a

Brighter Tomorrow” in South Dakota.

Farmers Union Insurance agents throughout the state fund this scholarship program administered by the Farmers Union Foundation.

“Education is one of the three pillars upon which Farmers Union is built. Yearround, Farmers Union invests in providing leadership, cooperative and farm safety educational programming to school-age rural youth across South Dakota,” Sombke explains.

Visit www.sdfu.org to meet the scholarship winners who represent more than 20 South Dakota communities. ■ August 2019

17

Union Farmer 2019 Fly-In: Giving A Voice to S.D. Agriculture in D.C.

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ppley

Rachel & Jeff Ki

“It’s a great opportunity to connect with those leaders who don’t know about the day-to-day life on the farm.”

– Rachel Kippley, Brown County Farmers Union Member 2018 Fly-In participant

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ver feel like D.C. politicians don’t understand life on a South Dakota farm or ranch? If your answer is, “yes,” then the National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In may be the event for you.

“It’s a great opportunity to connect with those leaders who don’t know about the day-to-day life on the farm,” explains Rachel Kippley, a family farmer from Aberdeen who participated in the 2018 Fly-In. “It is really rewarding because you can provide them with a picture of what life is like on your farm or ranch and share your challenges with decision-makers.”

And, Kippley adds, you’re not going it alone. “National Farmers Union does a good job letting us know about the two to four initiatives the organization is focusing on. Then they turn you loose.”

State Farmers Union staff and board members are also by your side, serving as guides, so Fly-In participants can focus on sharing their farm or ranch story.

“Your story is so valuable. This may be the first time some Congressional leaders have ever heard from a family farmer or rancher, so I, Doug and the team do everything we can to make it easy for you to share,” explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

During the Fly-In, members meet with Congressional leaders from South Dakota, but also many other states who don’t have Farmers Union Fly-In participants.

Before Hill meetings begin, members get to hear from USDA officials on current and impending policy. They also have an opportunity to ask questions. “Federal officials, just like policymakers, need to hear from the farmers and ranchers they serve,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “The farmer’s image with the general public isn’t that great right now because there’s the perception that we are too heavily subsidized. We need to help them understand policies that need to change so we can receive a fair price for our product – and also share our ideas for solutions so we won’t need subsidies.”

This year, Sombke sees infrastructure as a hot topic. And, he hopes to also advocate for Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET). A farmerled solution to poor markets, IMSET was developed by Craig Blindert and tested by North Dakota State University economics professors. Sombke and Blindert have www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer made other trips to D.C. to advocate for IMSET, urging governmental organizations to consider IMSET, which incentivizes soil health building, as a product for RMA to release to farmers to use alongside crop insurance.

“Farmers and ranchers are resourceful. We

have sound ideas about ways to overcome our challenges, but because we are not the creators of many of our challenges – like trade wars and monopolies – we need partners in advocating for policy change. This is why we go to D.C. – to lobby for agriculture and

support of agriculture,” Sombke says.

To

learn

more

about

the

2019

D.C. Fly-In, Sept. 9-11 contact Karla Hofhenke at 605-352-6761 ext. 114 or Karla@SDFU.org. ■

Camp Continued from Page 14 simple acts of kindness and choosing positive thoughts – walking away from the negative,” adds Haigh-Blume.

“Stay positive and have fun every day,” states Landon Copley of Aberdeen.

Haigh-Blume agrees, “Campers are experiencing many pressures nowadays and camp is geared at being a short getaway from their trials and a safe environment to be comfortable with themselves and those surrounding their camp family.”

The Campers Rights and Dignity Statement sums up the camp experience well. “Our hope is that campers challenge themselves to try new activities and expand their comfort zones.” The camps are designed for ages 6 and up and are designed to keep campers engaged at every age until graduation.

This year, campers organized and operated cooperative businesses. They also learned about the Farmers Union, other co-ops, participated in leadership workshops, listened to guest speakers and had talent nights. A tour of the Black Hills, hiking, volleyball, basketball, and more fun cooperative games completed the state camp experience and left campers with lasting memories and many new friends.

“The camp schedule across the state is critical to the SDFU mission,” adds HaighBlume. “When the youth of our state get to see the full range of possibilities here in South Dakota, they are more likely to stay and do great things that add to our economy and lifestyle. Ultimately, we want to build great contributors to South Dakota.”

SDFU Junior Advisory Council and Senior Advisory Council have been long standing traditions of molding youth who aspire to lead. By being involved in the camp process and watching peers attain leadership status, younger adults are inspired to do the same.

Garrett Krugger of De Smet enjoys being a counselor and says, “After years of watching other counselors, it has helped me learn my leadership skills and style.”

At the end of the work day or the camp day, it’s easy to see why the camp experience is crucial to the future of farming, business and leadership in South Dakota. ■ by Toby Kane www.sdfu.org

SDFU Facebook page is a great place to share what South Dakota's farm and ranch families do each day.

Like us on Facebook: South Dakota Farmers Union

August 2019

19

Union Farmer Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

S

ummer is often a sleepy time in Washington, D.C. But this year, Congress and the administration have been working on a number of policies that have significant implications for family farmers and ranchers, both negative and positive. On the former, EPA’s recently-released proposed renewable volume obligations would only slightly increase biofuel use in 2020, ignoring the 2.6 billion gallons in lost demand due to the misappropriation of small refinery exemptions. But on the latter, the House of Representatives passed an agricultural appropriations bill that provides funding for rural stress assistance and on-farm conservation.

Similarly, NFU was glad to see proposed changes to the USMCA that would reduce healthcare costs and protect rural jobs.

USMCA PROVISIONS COULD HELP REDUCE HEALTH CARE COSTS AND PROTECT RURAL JOBS All eyes are on the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), a trilateral trade deal introduced last September to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Though the agreement has been signed by all three countries, it has only been ratified by Mexico so far. President Trump’s “Statement of Administrative Action” in late May triggered the United States’ ratification process, beginning a 30-day waiting period before the administration can kick USCMA to Congress for approval. The window has now elapsed, but House Democrats are pushing for additional improvements before they officially receive the deal and prepare for a vote.

National Farmers Union (NFU) supports many of the proposed changes. In a letter sent to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, NFU President Roger Johnson emphasized the importance of export markets to agricultural communities and urged Congress to adopt provisions that could help reduce health care costs and protect rural jobs.

“Farmers are increasingly dependent on offfarm employment to make ends meet,” says Johnson, “but many rural manufacturing and other jobs are moving to foreign markets with cheaper labor and lower environmental standards.” This has happened in large part due to the free trade framework that has dominated U.S. trade deals for the past 25 years. He recommended that Congressional leadership strengthen USMCA’s

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“labor, environment and enforcement standards . . . to help to keep jobs in rural communities.”

Additionally, Johnson expressed concern about a provision in the deal that would grant pharmaceutical companies marketing exclusivity for prescription biologic drugs for a minimum of 10 years. If approved, it would “limit the actions Congress can take to reduce prescription drug prices,” he noted, and as such, it “must be rectified to allow for future reductions in healthcare costs.”

EPA RELEASES DISAPPOINTING RENEWABLE FUEL VOLUMES On July 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the year 2020. The proposal would not increase the target for corn ethanol at all, and would increase overall biofuel use only marginally, from 19.92 billion gallons to 20.04 billion gallons.

National Farmers Union (NFU) was disappointed with the news, especially in light of the ongoing misappropriation of RFS small refinery exemptions to multinational corporations, which has eliminated demand for biofuels by 2.6 billion gallons.

“This is yet another setback in a long string of setbacks for homegrown biofuels and the American family farmers who grow them,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. He urged EPA to reverse course and “support the biofuels industry and increase demand for American farm products” by “halting the misallocation of exemptions and accounting for the lost gallons in the finalized RVOs.” HOUSE PASSES AG APPROPRIATIONS BILL The U.S. House of Representatives passed an appropriations bill that allocates $24.3 billion in discretionary funding for agricultural programs, rural development and the Food and Drug Administration in fiscal year (FY) 2020.

The bill provides funding for a number of programs that are important to NFU. It fully funds the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) at $10 million, as NFU had urged Congress to do in March. The program provides grants for governmental, educational and nonprofit entities to provide stress assistance programs to farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers. Additionally, the bill provides another $5 million to help farmers resolve legal disputes through the Agricultural Mediation Program.

In April, NFU joined more than 100 farm and conservation groups to call for the protection of funding for farm bill conservation programs in the appropriations process. The organization was pleased that the House bill complies with this request.

Furthermore, NFU was similarly encouraged by the inclusion of a provision that would block the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plans to relocate two of its research agencies to the Kansas City region. Due to its current and potential implications for the quality, quantity and objectivity of agricultural research, NFU opposes USDA’s proposal and has continuously urged Congress to halt the relocation process.

The Senate has not yet started writing its version of the appropriations bill. It is expected to begin the process in the coming weeks.

FARM GROUPS CALL ON PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO INCREASE FAIRNESS FOR FAMILY FARMERS As fewer corporations seize greater control over the food and farm sectors, NFU joined 34 other organizations in calling on elected officials and presidential candidates to address corporate consolidation in the livestock and poultry markets.

The coalition outlined their priorities, which include strengthening antitrust laws, restoring mandatory country-of-origin labeling, instating a moratorium on agribusiness mega-mergers and leveling the playing field for independent processing facilities.

“Our food system is clearly rigged,” says Johnson in a statement. “While just a handful of multi-national corporations have been allowed to exert more and more control over every step of the agricultural supply chain, farmers and ranchers have been left to cope with higher production costs and fewer marketing choices as well as unfair and abusive business practices.”

Corporate consolidation plagued family farmers and ranchers for many decades, and lax antitrust enforcement in the past several administrations has allowed the problem to get out of hand. “It is critical that we act now to restore fair competition to agriculture,” adds Johnson. “As the field of 2020 candidates vie for the presidency, we urge them to take the issue of corporate consolidation and antitrust enforcement seriously by incorporating these recommendations into their platforms.” ■ Current as of July 15, 2019

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer From the President....

Your Input Makes an Impact…

Doug Sombke SDFU President

A

s president of a grassroots organization, I rely on members’ feedback to guide where I focus my energies. I know our state staff and board of directors agree.

Your challenges, your ideas, YOU drive this organization.

Your voice is heard. Recently, after hearing from several members, I wrote a letter to Sen. Thune, Sen. Rounds and Rep. Johnson providing suggestions for modifications to the Market Facilitation Program – including suggestions for how to include prevent plant acres in the program.

When the USDA announced updates to the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), the program’s language matched ours.

Thank you to the members who reached out to me with solutions. Thank you to our state’s leadership for listening! It goes to show, a grassroots organization can make a difference and positive change.

Agriculture needs some wins. Our agriculture economy faces so many challenges, honestly, this is the worst I’ve seen things in my entire career – and I started farming in the ’80s.

Thank you to all members who took time away from their farms and ranches to participate in our annual State Policy Meeting. Four Special Orders came out of this discussion focused on: 1. Truth in Labeling 2 . Support for Family Farms and Ranches 3. Promotion of Healthy Diets 4. Promotion of E30 Blends The four Special Orders of Business we discussed and voted on during this meeting will be voted on again during 2019 State Convention.

These topics as well as the challenges we’re facing with ever-rising expenses but declining markets, will be discussed

with policymakers when we meet with leadership during the D.C. Fly-In coming up in September.

Again, this is an amazing opportunity where Your Voice Is Heard. Every year, I hear from leadership and their staff that they appreciate hearing from real people.

Contrary to all the drama we hear about on the news, Senators and Representatives are seeking solutions. So, when they have an opportunity to hear from real farmers and ranchers about solutions to issues impacting the Heartland, they listen. Sometimes what we have to say becomes policy – like the MFP example.

SD Voice petition Having one’s voice heard is a basic right in a democratic society. South Dakota was the first state in the Union to allow public issues to be put on the ballot. However, in recent years, many restrictions have been placed on the process, making it difficult for citizens to get ballot measures on the ballot.

SD Voice is working to change this.

Their mission aligns with SDFU policy, so during the 2019 State Fair, you’ll see some Farmers Union staff and volunteers asking for signatures on behalf of SD Voice. Please make a point to sign.

Speaking of State Fair, I look forward to visiting with you there! It’s truly a celebration of the people who make up our state’s No. 1 industry.

Sincerely, Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 9 times per calendar year, with issues printed in January/February, March/April, May/June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design

All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron

Doug Bruckner..............ext. 118 Controller Wessington Springs

Rachel Haigh-Blume.... ext. 125 Education Director Tulare

Luke Reindl................... ext. 122 Communications & Policy Specialist Wessington Springs

Rocky Forman..............ext. 117 Member Services Coordinator Huron Luanne Thompson.......ext. 111 Administrative Assistant Virgil

Representative Dusty Johnson 202 225 2801 / 855 225 2801 reid.rasmussen@mail.house.gov

www.sdfu.org

Senator Mike Rounds 202 224 5842 / 844 875 5268 logan_penfield@rounds.senate.gov

Senator John Thune 202 224 2321 / 866 850 3855 thune.senate.gov

Pam Evenson................ ext. 116 Membership Specialist Doland Karon Rembold............ext. 111 Receptionist Miller

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Mike Miller................ District I Freeman Lisa Snedeker........... District II Woonsocket Gail Temple............. District III Clark

Contact NFU

Contact your Congressional Leaders today:

sdfu@sdfu.org

David Reis................District IV Oacoma Dallis Basel...............District V Union Center Lynn Frey.................District VI Lemmon Chad Johnson........District VII Groton

National Farmers Union 20 F Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001

Roger Johnson, President ~ Patty Edelburg, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

August 2019

21

Union Farmer

S.D. Farmers Union Welcomes Luke Reindl

T

here’s so much going on in the world today, that the challenges family farmers and ranchers face are often not heard by policymakers. Luke Reindl hopes he can help create positive change through his new position as Communications & Legislative Specialist with S.D. Farmers Union.

“I think it’s so noisy in the world we live in right now, it’s easy for what’s going on with our family farmers and ranchers to get lost in the mix. I wanted to join Farmers Union so I could be a voice for them and advocate on their behalf,” explains Reindl, who grew up on a cow/calf and crop operation near Wessington Springs.

In his role, Reindl will work closely with members and state staff to enhance and support the organization’s communication and policy

efforts.

Working directly with members, meeting with them on their farms and ranches is an aspect of his work that he is familiar with. Prior to joining the SDFU team, Reindl worked as a branch manager and ag banker for American Bank and Trust in Wessington Springs.

“Being able to work directly with producers is where I get the greatest reward,” Reindl says. “I understand the direct impact markets and weather have had on our producer families, and I am eager to advocate on their behalf.” ■

EPA Meeting Continued from Page 10 E30 Challenge.

“The administration has been trying to help farmers. One way is to expand use of E15. I received education on possibilities of E30 and what a community is doing to promote E30,” Sopkin shares. “When I was at Glacial Lakes Energy, many in the community showed up to say how they used E30 in nonflex fuel vehicles and in general, they had a positive experience.”

Hearing Sopkin’s words, SDFU Executive Director Karla Hofhenke says she is optimistic about the future growth of the state’s ethanol industry. “We’ve worked for decades lobbying for ethanol use to be part of policy dealing with clean air and the environment.

It’s not easy because our largest competitor is Big Oil. But, after Administrator Sopkin’s tour of Glacial Lakes and meeting with leaders of

Valued Added Continued from Page 5

ounces of frozen hops, it only took 5 ounces of fresh hops. And, the beer tastes better,” Polley says.

The ability to produce four times more hops per acre, by changing the preservation method could have a large impact on the hops industry. Polley says his research company, Dakota Hops LLC, needs to do

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ag organizations who shared that one way the president can support farmers is through his support of E30, I am hopeful.”

Support in tough times Hope is also a word Sombke used when reflecting on the discussion. “Unity was demonstrated today. On the surface, we each have different focuses, but overall, the work we do boils down to supporting South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. We’re like a family. We may not always get along, but in tough times, we are here for each other. I felt that today,” Sombke says.

Sombke explains that in his role, he visits with farmers and ranchers daily and hears how the current depressed ag economy impacts their lives. “This is the worst I’ve seen South Dakota’s agriculture economy, and I started farming in the ’80s.”

Also, during the roundtable, a participant shared that they talked with a South Dakota lawyer who typically works on three to five farm bankruptcies a year, and as of January 2019, the lawyer is working on 52 cases.

“It was encouraging to sit beside other leaders and know that we are all working together,” Sombke says.

E30 was not the only opportunity discussed. Land stewardship and farmers’ and ranchers’ work to improve soil health were also topics brought up.

“Communicating with the EPA how South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers care for the land and its resources is important,” Sombke explains. “It’s our land and our livelihood.”

To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union supports the state’s family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org. ■

more research and development before he is ready to market his discoveries.

This harvest, they plan to freeze hops in the field using liquid nitrogen (-320 degrees Fahrenheit) with Individual Quick Freeze (IQF) technology. This will preserve hop freshness because it will reduce hop preservation time to a few minutes.

“My business model fits the concept of the Value Added like a glove. We have taken an agriculture product and been able to develop something that prior to this did not exist,” Polley says.

Soren adds, Value Added Ag Development Center fits with the philosophies of South Dakota Farmers Union too. “Value Added shines in its work helping small, rural businesses. If you read our mission statement, you can see it talks about rural America and supporting rural communities. If one business gets started in a rural community, and provides employment to one, two or three individuals, that is a big deal,” Soren explains.

To learn more about the Value Added Agriculture Development Center, visit www. sdvalueadded.coop/. To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union supports family farmers, ranchers and their rural communities, visit sdfu.org. ■ www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Departings Charles Yost, 73, of Gann Valley, passed away peacefully with his family at his side July 3, 2019. His funeral was held July 10, in Duncan, S.D. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and children: Charley Yost, Gann Valley; Wade (Tara) Yost, Ree Heights; Christina (Wade) Christensen, Wessington Springs; Stacey (Justin)

Penrod, Gettysburg; and Rodney (Erin) Yost, Gann Valley; his grandkids: C.J., Bailey and Abby Yost; Sage, Kendyn and Kaylor Yost; Quinten, Landen and Hayes Christensen; Anastasia and Thomas Penrod; and Remington Yost; his siblings: Ardessa (Richie) Moser, Willie (Iona) Yost; and sister-in-law, Norma Yost.

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook

Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. Available for a limited time, the sign makes a fun addition to the farm driveway, the side of a barn or even a statement piece in the house.

The cost per sign is $10 or free with a five-year or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, contact Membership Specialist Pam Evenson at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at PEvenson@ sdfu.org.

Like us for updates, photos, news, and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-Farmers-Union277721538812/ Follow us for the latest legislative updates and news. https://twitter.com/sdfarmersunion View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR AUGUST 8 Farm Safety Trailer, Vermillion

COOK’S CORNER

8 Corson/Perkins County mtg, Bison

Dakota Bread

8 District 6 meeting, Bison 10 Farm Safety Trailer, Brandon Faye Blindauer, Letcher, S.D. (Lifetime Member)

¼ c. honey 1 tsp. salt 2 -2 ½ c. bread flour ½ c. whole-wheat flour ¼ c. wheat germ

¼ c. rye flour ¼ c. oatmeal 1 egg white Corn meal

Sprinkle yeast in warm water to dissolve. In a large bowl, mix oil, egg, cottage cheese, honey and salt. Add yeast mixture and 2 cups bread flour.

Gradually stir in wheat flour, wheat germ, rye flour and oatmeal, plus enough bread flour to make soft dough. Knead dough until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover and let rise 30 minutes. Punch down and shape in round loaf. Place in greased glass pie plate and sprinkle with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with wheat germ. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. www.sdfu.org

mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org

Farmers Union signs available

Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

1 pkg. yeast ½ c. warm water 2 T. sunflower oil 1 egg ½ c. cottage cheese

4 Ways to Connect With Us! SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

13 KELO AM Radio, Sioux Falls 24 Jerauld County mtg, Wessington Springs 29-Sept. 2 S.D. State Fair, Huron 31 SDFU Day, S.D. State Fair, Huron SEPTEMBER 2 State Office Closed 9-11 Fly-In, Washington, D.C. 10 KELO AM Radio, Sioux Falls OCTOBER 8 KELO AM Radio, Sioux Falls 9-12 Western Jr. Livestock Show, Rapid City August 2019

23

Union Farmer

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Darrel Kessler J.R. Johnson Cameron Lux Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Dawn Melius J.R. Johnson Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders

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Carrie Derschan Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Sabers Agency Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

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