August 2023 Union Farmer

Policy Meeting Focused on Landowner Rights and More

Landowner rights were the main topic of discussion and the focus of two Special Orders during South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) 2023 Annual Policy Meeting held July 20.

“The nice thing about Farmers Union is the policy is developed from the bottom up, not the top down,” said Cheryl Schaefers, a Polo farmer and owner of a catering service. “I also like that

Policy Meeting

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They started out with 10 cows, a goal and the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Two brothers who farmed this ground did not have children interested in farming, and they wanted a young couple to come and farm it,” explained Lincoln County farmer Jason Twedt.

In 2015, Jason, his wife, Bridget, and his dad, Milo, signed the papers to purchase all the farm’s equipment and they began leasing all the farm and pasture ground.

“We always say we are blessed that the Young family gave us a hand up to start farming ourselves because the start-up costs of farming without having a generational family farm we could join would have been too much,” said Bridget, who works as the Beresford middle and high school FFA Adviser and Agriculture Education Instructor. Because of their backgrounds and passion for production agriculture, when the Young family talked to them about farming their land, they jumped at the opportunity.

Learn more on page 11

When they first began leasing the farm and pasture ground, they Twedt

The Bridget and Jason Twedt family raises cattle and crops near Beresford: Jade, Bridget, Jason, Taten and Cassandra.

SDFU Board and State Policy Committee: Doug Sombke, President; Wayne Soren, Vice President; Paul Hotchkiss, Colton farmer; Dallis Basel, Union Center, rancher; Hank Wonnenberg, Dallas farmer; David Cap, Yankton farmer; Chad Johnson, District 7; Mary Ellen Cammack, Sturgis rancher; David Reis, District 4; Jenae Hansen-Gross, Tulare cattle producer; Scott Kolousek, District 2; Gail Temple, District 3; Larry Birgen, District 1 and Rob Lee, De Smet farmer.

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both worked full time off the farm. The couple set a goal that Jason would be on the farm full-time within five years. They met their goal in three.

The couple say many factors played a role in making their farming operation viable. One of which is their mindset.

“Because we were not coming into a generational operation, we did not need to do what had always been done. We could make changes, choose how to market our cattle and livestock, and make goals to make a profit,” said Bridget.

The couple also credit beefSD. Hosted by SDSU Extension, beefSD is an intensive educational/management program designed for beef producers.

“beefSD exposed us to opportunities as well as every part of the industry. We toured many different operations, packing plants, whole foods markets, breeding facilities, which gave us so many ideas on how to expand our operation,” Bridget said. Today, the couple’s operation has grown to 120 cow/calf pairs. They raise registered Simmentals, background their calves, produce replacement heifers and sell bulls each year.

“We like the meat quality,” Jason explained. “We started with Angus and put Simmental bulls on our cows and liked the way the heterosis brought our pounds up.”

Jason explained that in his experience, in their herd, Simmental genetics increased feed efficiency without creep feeding, allowing for an increase in total pounds produced with minimal increase in cost.

In addition to raising Simmental cattle, the entire family is actively involved in the American Simmental Association.

Bridget serves as the South Dakota Vice President, their oldest daughter, Cassandra, 17, served as the 2022 South Dakota

Jade Twedt

Bridget Twedt (center) is the Beresford middle and high school FFA Adviser and Agriculture Education Instructor, surrounded by her children who are FFA members: Taten (far left), Cassandra and Jade.

Twedt Family

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you need to get young kids involved and knowledgeable. The kids don’t love doing every contest, but this gives them insight into the industry.”

Their daughter, Cassandra, said she enjoys connecting with other farm and ranch youth.

Simmental Queen. Cassandra is also on the South Dakota Junior Simmental board. and their son, Taten, 15, and daughter, Jade, 13, show cattle and compete in judging and speaking contests sponsored by the organization.

To help equip the next generation of cattle producers with enhanced leadership and management skills, the Simmental organization focuses not only on how the cattle/youth do in the show ring, but also how well they do in speaking, judging, cattle industry knowledge and sales talk competitions.

“We do things a bit different then just showing up to show your animal,” Bridget explained. “Those youth that compete in our state Simmental Contest at the Summer Spotlight are encouraged to also compete in two out of three educational competitions.”

Jason added, “To keep the breed strong,

“Going to the National Simmental Show is really fun. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people through this organization from all over and I enjoy livestock judging – it’s my strong suit – at the national and regional Simmental shows I end up judging all cattle which is my favorite to judge.”

Through livestock judging, Cassandra says

she has learned how to evaluate and rank cattle based on industry standards.

Cassandra is not alone in her passion for livestock judging. Taten and Jade also enjoy judging. Jason said he appreciates his children’s opinions when it comes to the family’s herd.

“I will ask the family to pick their favorite 20 heifers out of our herd and then I take their picks, look at the genetic makeup of the Twedt

Family

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“Because we were not coming into a generational operation, we did not need to do what had always been done. We could do what worked and would make a profit.”

Taten

Jason and Jade

Cassandra Twedt and her 4-H livestock judging teammates Olivia Newell and Karin Sweeter have competed together at the state 4-H livestock judging contest.

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we discuss policy every year because things change, so we need to discuss what is relevant to the current year.”

By discussing grassroots policy and having members vote on the organization’s policy each year, SDFU leadership knows what to advocate for or against when they visit with leaders in Pierre and D.C. explained Doug Sombke, President of SDFU.

“And it gives a united voice to family farmers and ranchers when a statewide organization like ours addresses a relevant topic like landowners’ rights,” Sombke said. “As a collective voice we carry a lot of weight, policymakers know they need to listen.”

During the Policy Meeting, members go through SDFU policy book section by section and suggest additions or changes, explained Hank Wonnenberg, a Dallas farmer and Chair of the State Policy Committee. “We had a lot of good discussion and there were a few small changes suggested to make the policy book more clear and easy to understand,” Wonnenberg said.

technology.

All policy additions or changes brought forward during the July 20 Policy Meeting will be voted on during the South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention held Nov. 30 through Dec. 1 in Huron.

In addition to updating current policy, members brought forward three Special Orders to address timely challenges facing farm and ranch families.

1. Oppose Anticompetative Practices in Livestock Markets

2. Eminent Domain

3. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Guidelines

Special Orders will be voted on by delegates during the 2023 State Convention. In case you were not able to attend the Policy Meeting, we asked the members who introduced these Special Orders to share more information in this Union Farmer article.

Special Order of Business #1 – Oppose Anticompetitive Practices in Livestock Markets

vertical integration increasing potential for price manipulation and less competition.

Hank Wonnenberg, Dallas farmer, introduced this Special Order.

Question: Why did you see a need for this Special Order?

Answer: When I learned that national policymakers were proposing a change to U.S. law that prohibits sale barns from being partial owners of processing plants, I saw a need to act.

If sale barns also have financial interest in local meat lockers or other processing plants, it removes necessary competition. I see it as a step toward vertical integration and we run the risk of the beef industry going the way of the hog industry where most hog producers are contractors for the packinghouses.

In addition, this Special Order also addresses a concern of local livestock markets. Livestock auction owners are concerned because there is currently no law prohibiting processing plants from owning livestock auction markets.

Among the clarifications made to the policy book was in the section addressing electronic identification tags. Members discussed suggested policy should be updated to reflect the organizaton’s stance on electronic tags if mandatory countryof-origin labeling (MCOOL) were to be reinstated.

They proposed a change to policy that electronic identification tags remain a voluntary option and if these tags were necessary for MCOOL, then the organization would support federal subsidies for the

Farmers Union opposes efforts permitting livestock auction market owners to have direct or indirect ownership interest in protein processing facilities. While such practices have been illegal for more than 100 years, proposed legislation [“A-Plus Act” (H.R. 7438) and its companion bill in the Senate (the “Expanding Local Meat Processing Act” – S. 4709)] seek to reverse the rule that has been in place to support a competitive marketplace. Likewise, packers should not be allowed to own livestock markets. Enabling simultaneous ownership in livestock markets and processing facilities is a step toward

This Special Order is designed to strengthen the current state law by adding a clause to prohibit processing plants from investing in auction markets.

Special Order of Business #2 – Eminent Domain

We believe eminent domain should be reserved for public projects. In the case where eminent domain may eventually be used, we believe individuals must be notified, that public hearings be held and PUC approves the permit prior to the project’s start.

We oppose further expansion of eminent

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“The nice thing about Farmers Union is the policy is developed from the bottom up, not the top down.”

— Cheryl Schaefers, Polo farmer

Around the State with Farmers Union Charles Mix Camp

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

SAFETY TRAILER

Bon Homme Avon

Twedt Family

animal to make the final decision,” Jason said. “It’s pretty cool having the kids involved in our operation.”

Bridget agrees. “We are the ‘bad’ parents who make our kids get up early to help us in the summer.”

Jade says she doesn’t mind the early mornings because she begins each day working with the family’s show cattle and goats. “I like working with animals,” said Jade, who plans on pursuing a career in the field of veterinary medicine.

This summer Jade is taking the lead on daily show chores because Cassandra is at volleyball and basketball morning workouts that begin at 7.

“There are not many farm kids in my class, so I usually get labeled as the stereotypical ‘farm kid.’ My coaches say I’m stronger and more aggressive – which is kind of true,” Cassandra said.

As she goes into her senior year of high school, she said balancing athletics, cattle shows and farm chores with other school involvement and activities is preparing her for life after high school. She is President of the Beresford FFA Chapter, serves on student council, is active in youth group, 4-H, plays volleyball, basketball and runs track.

“In college I won’t have anyone taking care of me,” Cassandra said. “Working with my siblings and parents has taught me how to get things done and how to work with people, even if I am not getting along with them at the moment.”

Her brother, Taten, would agree. He enjoys helping his parents out on the farm haying or treating sick animals. His favorite farm activities are the ones he can do horseback. In addition to farmwork, Taten spends his summers rodeoing. He is active in 4-H, FFA, High School Rodeo and 4-H Rodeo.

“I like roping, it is fun for me,” Taten said.

Taten spends most summer evenings in neighbors’ arenas practicing for the next rodeo. Because of opportunities the family farm has provided to him to do what he loves, Taten said he would not want to live anywhere else.

Bridget and Jason said it means a lot to hear their children share what they enjoy about living and working on the family farm.

“This farm is such a big part of our lives,” Bridget said. “And the livestock industry has been such a big part of both of our lives, we knew we wanted our kids involved from the start.” n By Lura Roti for SDFU

Cassandra

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Policy Meeting

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domain for private industry and for private use.

We support a bill in the next legislation session to require any company to have a state PUC permit in hand based on changing chapter 49 of the SDCL before eminent domain can be used.

Kirk Schaunaman, Aberdeen farmer, explains the reason he is in favor of.

Question: Tell us a bit about how this Special Order will help protect landowner rights?

Answer: When it comes to the CO2 pipeline, I think the issue is pretty simple. It comes down to landowner rights and safety.

I am in favor of this Special Order because eminent domain should be reserved for public projects not projects used for private financial gain at the taxpayers expense. Thestate Public Utilities Commission needs to have more authority in determining whether a project qualifies. And projects for private entities should not have the authority to go on private land to collect data until the PUC determines the project qualifies for eminent

domain.

If this were the case today, Summit Carbon Solutions would not be taking samples from my land, and my neighbors’ land as we speak.

Special Order of Business #3 – PHIMSA guidelines

It is the responsibility of all levels of government to protect and ensure the safety of its citizens.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHIMSA) is the governmental agency to protect people and the environment by regulating the movement of materials through pipelines.

PHIMSA is currently holding public hearings and investigations concerning the risk and safety factors of transporting CO2 through pipelines.

South Dakota Farmers Union supports placing a moratorium at all levels of government, including local, state and national, on all CO2 pipelines until the PHIMSA guidelines has been released and implemented.

Kirk Schaunaman, Aberdeen farmer, introduced this Special Order.

Question: How does this Special Order promote safety?

Answer: Like I said earlier, this issue is about landowner rights and safety.

And I believe if the federal government’s agency focused on pipeline safety is currently investigating the safety of CO2 pipelines, then shouldn’t we wait – put a moratorium on installation of this CO2 pipeline – until the report is out and we can review its findings?

Isn’t a job of government to protect its citizens?

Why would we want to rush a project that may not be safe?

This Special Order says, “Let’s just tap the brakes, slow the process down and see what the research and experts have to say about the safety of these pipelines.”

Next steps? All suggested policy changes and Special Orders brought forth during the July 20 Policy Meeting will be voted on by members during the 2023 State Convention. In the meantime, because SDFU policy supports property rights, SDFU leadership team and lobbyist will work to encourage state policymakers to support and protect landowner rights. n By Lura

Roti for SDFU

Jenae Hansen-Gross

Chad Johnson

2023 Farmers Union Camp Season A Success

Playing in the dirt. This may not be the first thing you think about when you think about summer camp, but nearly 100 rural youth from across South Dakota got their hands dirty planting as they learned about seed germination during Farmers Union Jr. State Camp held July 23-26 at Camp Byron near Huron.

“Kids learn by doing,” explained Samantha Olson, Education Specialist for South Dakota Farmers Union. “At Farmers Union Camp, youth get to participate in all the traditional camp activities like swimming, campfires, camp songs and archery, but because we are an agriculture organization, they also get to learn about the science of seed germination.”

After planting seeds, the learning didn’t stop. Campers toured Agtegra Innovation Center to learn about precision agriculture technology and how it is applied to planting equipment to help farmers maximize production. They also got to take home a science experiment.

“We teach campers about what seeds need to succeed. They take this information and get to choose a planting medium to plant a seed into – cotton ball, sponge or a paper towel and sponge. They took this experiment home with them so that they can continue to learn and think about the science involved in

growing food,” Olson explained.

Campers also dissected seeds to learn the scientific names. And using corn and soybean plants, Olson explained the difference between monocots and dicots.

“Because corn and soybeans are some of the main crops grown in South Dakota, using them to explain the science of seeds, plants and ag technology helps campers understand how crucially important all this is to South Dakota farmers,” Olson explained.

In addition to learning about the science of seeds, campers also learned about farm safety and cooperatives.

“We make learning about the cooperative business model fun by play multiple games that show the value in working together to get things done,” Olson said.

Cooperative education, farm safety and the science of seed germination, are also the focus of the day camps South Dakota Farmers Union hosts in cooperation with County Farmers Union Education Directors. These local volunteers work with Olson and her team of education interns to provide a one-day version of the camp curriculum to more than 30 rural communities across South Dakota.

“When we talk about cooperatives, we relate back to where kids live – their local ag cooperative or local gas station convenience

JACs Lead

Jr. Camp gave newly elected JACs and selected Jr. JACs an opportunity to begin putting their leadership skills to work. Let’s hear what some had to say about their new role.

“I enjoyed getting to know the campers and watch them open up and make new friends.”

– Cadence Konechne, Kimball

“It’s fun. Completely different from being a camper, and it is a bit chaotic, but I really enjoyed working with campers and helping them have a fun time at camp.”

– Maddisyn Raymond, Ethan

“I enjoyed getting to know the campers’ different personalities and teaching them. I think this Jr. Camp will make many feel more comfortable when they attend State Leadership – I hope many do.” – Sean Thompson, Pierre

Nearly 100 rural youth from across South Dakota gathered for South Dakota Farmers Union Jr. State Camp.

Union Farmer

All States Camp 2023

Each summer, South Dakota youth who have distinguished themselves as leaders are given the opportunity to attend NFU’s AllStates Leadership Camp. They join with youth from across the United States to explore their personal leadership skills, identify issues important to their generation and discuss their role in affecting positive change throughout rural America. n

“Farmers Union is a great organization to be a part of.” –

Garrett Kruger

“Through this experience of planning All States Camp, I learned about leading by example.”

– Levi Nightingale

Camp Season

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store or credit union,” Olson explained. “We partner with many local cooperatives and ag-businesses who explain how their co-op works or help provide farm safety demos.”

For decades the organization has hosted a State Leadership Camp for middle and high schoolage youth, but 2023 is the first year South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) hosted a Jr. State Camp for youth 9 to 12.

“We did have some reginal camps for younger kids, but camp is more fun when there are more kids,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of SDFU. “A state camp also allows us to pool our resources so we provide more opportunities to campers and their families. This year we provided transportation to and from camp.”

This year SDFU youth members to attend were Tyler Hanson, Britton; Levi Nightingale, White Lake; and Garrett Kruger, De Smet. These young leaders also helped organize the camp because they were elected during 2022 All States Leadership Camp to serve on the National Youth Leadership Council.

“I encourage youth to get involved in Farmers Union because of the opportunities to learn about cooperatives, travel and meet other members from across South Dakota and other states.”

– Tyler Hanson

SDFU also keeps the cost of camp under $100.

“We want camp to be something affordable for rural youth,” Hofhenke said. “Our organization is focused on supporting farm and ranch families and their rural

communities. We feel educating rural youth is one of many ways we can do this.”

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union educational programming, visit www.sdfu.org

n

By Lura Roti

South Dakota members serving on the 2022-2023 National Youth Leadership Council (left to right): Garrett Kruger, De Smet; Levi Nightingale, White Lake; and Tyler Hanson, Britton.

2023 COUNTY CAMPS

Celebrating Life on the Family Farm &Ranch Photo Contest

South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) hosts its annual photo contest, Celebrating Life on the Family Farm & Ranch, that runs through Oct. 1. Photographers can submit photos in one of five categories: Livestock, Fieldwork, Farm/Ranch Scenes, Working on the Farm/Ranch or Photos taken by 4-H Members. Qualifying entries

will be judged, with the winning photographer from each category receiving $100. All photos need to be entered via SDFU website: www.sdfu.org. To enter and for contest rules, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Photo Contest link under the News & Events tab. n

Carleyn Petersen

Tyler Rumpca

Lisa Johnson

Samantha Swanson

Crystal Josephsen

Dena Boyd

Samantha Swanson

Brian Hansen

Charles Belcher

Kodi Retzer

Robert Espeland

Samantha Swanson

Samantha Swanson

South Dakota’s 4-H and FFA Families Prepare for 2023 State Fair

By Lura Roti

With 2023 State Fair approaching, South Dakota Farmers Union checked in with three 4-H and FFA families: the Eide family from Gettysburg and the Michalek and Rose families from Chamberlain. As the premier sponsor of the South Dakota State Fair, Farmers Union wanted to learn their stories. We wanted to learn, what do these families do to prepare for this annual event and what it is about 4-H, FFA and the State Fair that they appreciate?

The Eide Family

Bobbi Eide remembers counting down the days until her 8th birthday.

“I couldn’t wait to turn 8 so I could be in 4-H,” said the 15-year-old Gettysburg High School student. “My older brothers were in 4-H long before I was, and I loved helping them get their livestock ready for the fair.”

It’s midJuly and Bobbi is getting her own livestock ready for the State Fair. She is showing pigs like her older brothers, Hunter, now a senior pre-med student at South Dakota State University, and Tanner, a high school senior.

“I got my love of showing pigs from my brother, Hunter. He was the first to show pigs in our family,” Bobbi said. “I like getting the pigs used to me so they are calm in the show ring. A couple years ago, I trained one pig to fetch a stick like a dog and I taught another one to roll over so I could pet his belly. I think pigs are kind of like dogs – just a bit more smelly.”

In the show ring, Bobbi needs to be able to control her pigs as they walk around the judge. To prepare for this, throughout the summer she

The Michalek Family

Moving from the ranch to town as an 11-year-old was a life change Marty Michalek wasn’t too excited about. The move also meant he would be starting fifth grade at a new school where he didn’t have many friends.

Reflecting on this time in his life, the 47-year-old said joining 4-H made all the difference. “It got me acclimated to a new town and helped me make friends. I got involved in FFA and was fortunate enough to serve as a state FFA officer. That was a tremendous experience that opened a lot of doors and helped me make contacts throughout the years which absolutely helped me get to where I am today as a professional,” explained the Vice President of ag banking for First Dakota National Bank, Chamberlain.

Because of his experience, when he and his wife, Mandy, moved their young family back to his hometown of Chamberlain in 2004, they signed their children up for 4-H.

Their oldest son, Garrett, was a kindergartener at the time. Today, he is an electrician and works as Service Technician for Muth Electric,

The Rose Family

As a kid, Becky “Alexander” Rose loved being actively involved in 4-H and FFA because of the fun trips and the opportunity to leave her family’s Clark dairy farm to show at the State Fair where she got to know South Dakota youth from across the state.

Today, at 39, she reflects on these opportunities through the experienced eyes of a mom to four sons: Dusty, 17, Austin, 14, Ty, 11 and Lane, 6.

“I have a different perspective, and I am glad I was involved in these two organizations because they gave me lifelong skills,” Becky said. “As a kid, I didn’t realize I was learning skills I would use the rest of my life, but looking back I can see that obviously I was – things like public speaking and other career-orientated skills that you don’t gain from team sports.”

She is grateful her sons are gaining similar opportunities and skills today. Becky and her husband, Jesse, raise cattle on his family’s ranch near Chamberlain. Jesse was also involved in 4-H and FFA and when he reflects on the expe -

Rose Family

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Top photo: Eide Family selfie during State Fair: Tanner, Bobbi, Aunt Dawn, Grandma Stella Nagel, Gerri and Hunter.

Second photo: Bobbi showing.

Top photo: Ryder, Marty, Mandy, Colton, Garrett and Tayzlee.

Second photo: Ryder and Colton with champion rabbit at State Fair.

Becky and Jesse Rose with sons: Lane, Dusty, Austin and Ty.

Second photo: Austin Rose.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR

Families Prepare for State Fair

EIDE Farmily Continued

walks her pigs several days a week and plays music in the barn where she keeps them, so they are not startled by noises at the fair. Bobbi says State Fair is one of her favorite weeks of the summer.

“I have been going to the State Fair since I was born. I love it because I get to see my 4-H and FFA friends and I like hanging out with my family there,” Bobbi said.

Bobbi’s mom, Gerri, can relate. “State Fair was a very special time with my dad and sister. My dad always took us to the fair every year. It was a time to showcase what I had been working on all year –whether it was showing beef cattle or other projects in 4-H. And it was an opportunity to meet and

make new friends and connect with friends from past years.”

When Gerri and her husband, Shon, started their family, she wanted to pass on the tradition her dad, Eugene, started with her and her sister, Dawn. Her family camps at the State Fair with other 4-H and FFA families just like she did as a kid. And she said getting involved in 4-H and FFA provides her children with much more than showmanship skills and ribbons.

“It opens a whole world of opportunities and exposes them to learning some very important life skills, like teamwork, thinking on their feet and connecting with others,” Gerri said. “Networking with people across the state as a 4-H or FFA member will help them in whatever profession they go into.”

In addition to showing livestock, all three Eide kids also participated in speaking competitions. In fact, her son, Tanner, no longer shows livestock because he found he enjoyed other projects and fair activities more and he wanted to put more time into those.

“Participating in 4-H and FFA events helps them find their strengths, interests and what they truly enjoy doing. If they aren’t exposed, how do they know,” Gerri said.

She added that because they get to do

Continued from Page 12

MICHALEK Family Continued Brookings.

“4-H gave me an outstanding opportunity to build relationships,” Garrett said. “As a kid, I was relatively shy. Involvement in 4-H gave me communication skills and helped me get comfortable speaking in public and overall communicating.”

In 2017, Garrett put these skills to work when he applied for the Mitchell Technical College and the Build Dakota Scholarship. The full ride scholarship not only covers all tuition and tools, but it also connected Garrett with his current employer.

His brother Colton also credits 4-H and FFA experiences for helping him receive a 2023 Build Dakota Scholarship. And as Colton prepares for his last year showing at the South Dakota State Fair, he says that in addition to communication skills, he has met and made many friends through involvement in 4-H and FFA. And often, he’s learned more from losing than winning.

“Losing is probably the best learning experience because I become a better person after losing. It makes me grow. Last year at State Fair I was showing a sheep and I did pretty bad. As I listened to the Judge talk about all the sheep that placed ahead of mine, I thought, ‘I may have lost, but I’m learning to be humble.‘”

During the 2023 fair, Colton will show sheep, goats and horses, but when he and his brothers, Garrett and Ryder, first started in 4-H, they showed rabbits. And even though their dad, Marty, had been involved in 4-H as a kid, the brothers say their first few years were a learning experience for everyone.

“Just watching the confused/baffled look on Dad’s face because the entire game had changed since the time he was a kid and involved – so, we all tripped and stumbled to the finish line together,” Garrett said.

Marty added that he was reminded of the power of involvement in 4-H during the first rabbit show he took his sons to.

“One of my favorite 4-H memories is our first rabbit show,” Marty said. “I was trying to figure out how to enter everyone, and all the sudden, I see the kids running by with a piece of cardboard that they pulled out of a dumpster. They saw that everyone else in the building had signs for their rabbits. By the time I got everyone registered and got back to them, they had come up with a name for their 4-H club and made their own sign. It is amazing how mature 8 and 10-year-olds can be when you let them.”

On the drive home, Marty said the newly named CKKRC Rabbit Club held its first meeting and elected officers. They named their club after the first initial of founding members’ names.

Since that first show, the family has spent countless hours showing meat goats, dairy goats, cattle, hogs, sheep and rabbits. “I remember a couple years ago on our way home from the State Fair, we counted up and Colton was in the show ring 112 times,” Marty said.

Getting animals ready for the fair is a daily task, explained Mandy. “Our kids take care of the animals because Marty and I both work off the farm.”

When their children were young, Mandy and Marty would create feed boards for them to help remind them of each animal’s feed ration. “Today, I don’t need to worry about this because they take care of it,” Mandy said. “I went to go pick up feed because we ran out the other day, and I didn’t even realize which feeds they were feeding because they’re so involved in feeding their own animals.”

“It’s 365,” added Marty. “It’s every day. There is no off-season because these animals rely on them for food and water. So, caring for animals instills a major sense of responsibility.”

And this sense of responsibility and work ethic transfers to other areas of life, explained Ryder. “4-H taught me that if you put in the work, you can accomplish anything. I love working hard. I’m not afraid to work and I will get up and do what needs to be done.”

At 16, Ryder already has college football and basketball coaches interested in him, and his goal is to play Division 1 college ball. To get there, he makes the 280-mile roundtrip drive to Sioux Falls three days a week during the summer for weight training and acceleration workouts. He gets up at 3:30 a.m. three days a week and drives 52 miles

Colton

Ryder

Hunter

Union Farmer

Families Prepare for State Fair

to workout with a coach in Wessington Springs.

Continued from Page 13

rience, he says it’s all about the people.

“Meeting new friends is what I enjoyed most,” said Jesse, who adds that as a dad, he is happy his sons are involved because it keeps his sons busy.

And between workouts and training, Ryder does chores and along with Colton, he helps their younger sister, Tayzlee, learn how to show sheep and goats.

“My brothers help me get my animals to walk,” said Tayzlee, 9. “I like 4-H because I get to show animals.”

After watching her brothers show from outside of the ring, this year, Tayzlee is old enough to show livestock. She will be showing sheep and goats at the State Fair and her entire family will be there to cheer her on.

“I wouldn’t miss it. State Fair is one of the more enjoyable times of the year,” Garrett said. “Being able to spend time camping with my family and helping them get ready to show their animals, it’s a way for me to continue enjoying the entire experience.”

Paying it forward

Marty and Mandy have served as 4-H leaders since 2011. And they are not just focused on helping their four children succeed. In 2009, they helped with a local program that finds sponsors to cover 50 percent of the cost of a show sheep. Since that time, the program has expanded to include hogs and market goats.

“I source the sheep from area producers, then I put the kids’ names in a hat and draw their names for which kid gets which sheep. It’s luck of the draw what animal the kids will get. This way, it doesn’t matter if you’re a rich family, or a family that would struggle paying for the best genetics, it’s fair,” Marty said.

The family also holds a workshop each year to help teach new 4-H’ers how to fit and show their animals.

“We’ve seen how taking care of an animal and being involved in 4-H honestly change kids’ lives,” Mandy said. “Marty had people help him when he got started. We had people help us when our kids got started. We were helped and now we are in a position to help others.” n

Busy may be an understatement.

It is 7:30 a.m. and oldest son, Dusty, is at basketball practice. After practice he is going to help at the Brule County 4-H office as they prepare for Achievement Days. Then, he and his younger bothers will probably put in some time practicing for the upcoming 4-H rodeo.

4-H rodeo is Dusty’s passion. He jokes, “My favorite event is steer wrestling because I’m not very good with a rope, but I’m good at falling off a horse onto a steer.”

His 11-year-old brother, Ty, also likes 4-H rodeo best. “I’m not patient, so I don’t like working with cattle to get them ready for the fair. I like working with my horse and spending time with my cousins and friends who rodeo,” Ty explained.

Ty competes in breakaway and goat tying events. Brother, Austin, enjoys participating in 4-H rodeo, but he also loves working with and showing cattle.

And his brother, Ty is right, getting cattle ready for a show like the South Dakota State Fair does take patience. The process begins when calves are only 5 months old.

“When I bring the calves in, they are a little wild and it is a bit hard to work with them, but after I work with them for a few weeks, it gets easy,” Austin said.

Working with his show cattle is a daily commitment. Austin walks them and positions them like he would in the show ring. He also washes them each day.

“They get to be in the barn with fans blowing on them, so they stay nice and cool and washing them makes their hair grow and keeps their hide clean,” Austin explained.

2023

South Dakota State Fair is the show Austin is focused on right now. But he competes

in other shows throughout the year, including Western Jr. in Rapid City. During the 2022 Western Jr. Livestock Show, Austin was among six youth to receive breeding stock – three ewes and three heifers – through South Dakota Farmers Union Herd Builder Scholarship program. The other youth are Jacob Jung, Mina; Rope Reis, Reliance; Madison Hofer, Freeman; Keeleigh Reis-Elwood, Oacoma; and Carissa Scheel, Alpena.

The heifer Austin received is doing well and is out grazing with the rest of his family’s herd.

Like their dad and mom, Austin and his brothers say they are grateful for their 4-H and FFA friends.

“It’s a special bond,” Austin explained. “Because we do the same things, so we can compare our showing experience and what we did right and what we did wrong, and we are there to congratulate each other on how we did that day.”

In addition to showing livestock and rodeo, the boys say being involved in 4-H and FFA has given them the opportunity to become better public speakers.

“During each 4-H meeting we can give a talk or demonstration, so I’ve learned to be a better speaker and I learned that it is not a big deal to speak in front of a bunch of other kids,” Austin said.

His brother, Ty, added, “And when I am in school and I’m asked to write an essay, I have something to write about because I can write about my rodeo involvement.”

With just two years of high school left, Dusty said involvement in FFA has him thinking about ag-related careers and the college major he may pursue.

“It has opened my eyes to what I can do in college and after college,” Dusty said.

After listening to their sons share what they enjoy and gain from involvement in 4-H and FFA, Becky said, “I am so proud to be raising another generation of 4-H and FFA members. These organizations had such a huge impact on my life and Jesse’s life.” n

Tayzlee

Garrett

Ty

Lane Dusty

Austin

Advocating for Landowner Rights Focus of Farmers

Union Day at 2023 South Dakota State Fair

Hundreds of farm and ranch families plan to attend the 2023 South Dakota State Fair. And the state’s largest agricultural organization and the premiere sponsor of the State Fair has a full day of events to educate and entertain. Farmers Union Day at the State Fair is Saturday, Sept. 2. All activities will be held on or near the Freedom Stage.

“The State Fair is the largest agricultural fair in the state. It is where South Dakota’s agriculture families showcase their best livestock, crops and showmanship talents. It’s also where they come for information on relevant issues,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “These are the reasons our organization sponsors the fair and hosts the activities we do.”

During the Farmers Union Day, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) hosts a Farmer Share Lunch, Farm Safety Quiz Bowl and a Landowner Rights Forum.

“Landowner rights have been part of our organization’s policy since the beginning because for farmers and ranchers, our land is much more than our livelihood – it is our legacy,” explained Doug Sombke, President of SDFU.

SDFU policy is established by its members. “We are not told what our policy is by the national organization. Our policy is developed at the local level based on what is important to our members. This is the definition of ‘grassroots,’” Sombke said.

Landowner rights have received quite

a bit of attention in recent months after the private corporation, Summit Carbon Solutions, began threatening to use eminent domain in order to install its pipeline on private land in South Dakota.

“Threatening to use eminent domain instead of working with landowners is not respecting landowner rights,” said Oren Lesmeister, a Parade rancher, small business owner and District 28-A Legislator.

Lesmeister and Sombke are among the South Dakotans discussing the issue during the public forum hosted by SDFU during Farmers Union Day at the State Fair. Other forum participants include Aberdeen farmer Craig Schaunaman; Jeff Kippley, Aberdeen farmer and Vice President of National Farmers Union and Brian Jorde, Managing Lawyer, Domina Law Group.

“I expect this to be a lively discussion with plenty of crowd participation,” Lesmeister said.

Sombke added, “State Fair draws South Dakotans from across the state. It is the perfect event to hold this forum so we can provide information and answer questions.”

Farmers Union feeds 1,000 fairgoers for the price farmers and ranchers are paid.

Providing food for others is a focus of South Dakota’s No. 1 industry of agriculture. And the Farmers Share Lunch helps consumers understand just how much family farmers and ranchers earn for the work they do. It’s a complete meal served by South Dakota Farmers Union and sold for a suggested donation of .42 cents.

“This nearly free lunch brings to light how much the middleman makes,” Lesmeister explained. “The price people pay for a steak at the meat counter is far from the price I receive. Thankfully beef prices are up this year, but my family only receives $2.64 for the $9.99 steak sold at the grocery store. And this goes for all commodities we raise here in South Dakota.”

Educating consumers as well as farm and ranch families is a large focus of South Dakota Farmers Union. The Farm Safety Quiz Bowl championships gives South Dakota teens an opportunity to sharpen and showcase their farm safety knowledge.

“I have seen many farm and ranch families go through loss or injury due to accidents. It’s devastating. This quiz bowl is one of several ways our organization works to promote safety through education,” Sombke explained. “And because fairgoers of all ages watch the competition, the Quiz Bowl educates more than youth.”

Teams who qualified during the South Dakota State FFA Convention are Gettysburg, Selby Area, Platte-Geddes and WolseyWessington.

Make a Wish Come True

During the South Dakota State Fair, SDFU will help make a dream come true, by sponsoring a wish Make A Wish South Dakota and Montana.

To learn more about the work South Dakota Farmers Union does to support family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org n

By Lura Roti for SDFU

Union Farmer

Congress has returned to Washington for the month of July following the Independence Day break, with a busy docket before the upcoming district work period in August. Lawmakers have been turning their attention to farm bill reauthorization and the annual appropriations process, with the Sept. 30 deadline for both fast approaching.

NFU continues to advocate for a farm bill that prioritizes creating fair and competitive agricultural markets. We recently met with the Biden-Harris administration on our farm bill competition priorities along with other key farm, food and competition stakeholders. NFU has also been engaging the administration on key developments regarding biofuels’ infrastructure and updates to the Renewable Fuel Standard.

NFU PARTICIPATES IN WHITE HOUSE, USDA COMPETITION ROUNDTABLE

On July 13, NFU President Rob Larew participated in a meeting hosted by the White House and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss competition priorities in the 2023 Farm Bill. Larew joined 15 other food and agriculture organizations for a listening session with senior White House staff and USDA officials to discuss the need for more competition in agricultural markets.

During the session, participants shared their perspectives on how consolidation harms producers and raises prices for American consumers. The groups expressed support for legislative action to strengthen and diversify supply chains and protect farmers and ranchers from anticompetitive conduct, while acknowledging recent progress that has been made by the Biden-Harris administration.

In 2021, NFU launched its Fairness for Farmers campaign to address the monopoly crisis in agriculture and the food system. The Biden-Harris administration has made promoting competition in the American economy a top priority, and NFU’s Fairness for Farmers campaign has provided a key platform for farmers to share their stories and to highlight reforms needed to create more competitive agricultural markets.

Following the meeting, Larew issued the following statement:

“We need a farm bill that prioritizes fair and competitive markets. Today’s meeting shows the continued commitment from this administration on competition in the agricultural economy and the need for this issue to be addressed in the 2023 Farm Bill. Our Fairness for Farmers campaign has been sounding the alarm on monopolies and consolidation across the food and agriculture industry and this meeting is a sign that we’re being heard by the President and other decision makers. We’re going to keep fighting for fairness and are happy to have growing bipartisan support in this fight.”

Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA has created a Farmer Fairness website, a confidential and

secure portal that allows producers to file complaints or tips for violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act. USDA has also ramped up interagency collaboration with the Department of Justice and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to create a more competitive and resilient meat and poultry supply chain. USDA is currently developing rules to strengthen enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to increase transparency and protect family farmers and ranchers from anticompetitive practices.

NFU looks forward to continuing to work with USDA to build fairer and more competitive markets and is working to include a competition title in the next farm bill

NFU CONCERNED WITH EPA TAILPIPE EMISSIONS RULE

In mid-April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a regulatory proposal to aggressively slash tailpipe pollution and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. If finalized as proposed, EPA expects EVs to account for up to 67 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales and 46 percent of new medium-duty vehicle sales by 2032. This surpasses President Joe Biden’s previous goal to have all-electric cars make up approximately 50 percent of vehicles sold by 2030.

NFU’s engagement on this proposed rule has been extensive. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, NFU joined seven national associations representing the full spectrum of the renewable fuel supply chain, expressing concern the proposed rule favors electric vehicles (EVs) while failing to consider the decarbonization potential of existing biofuels that can improve the emissions profile of the vast majority of cars on the road today.

The letter recommends EPA account for all emissions relating to different fuel and engine technologies and equitably incentivize emissions reductions from those technologies. NFU and partners support the agency’s goal of reducing overthe-road transportation emissions but are concerned the agency’s proposed standards “artificially tilt the scale toward electric vehicles,” while ignoring other available fuel and vehicle options that can help decarbonize the transportation sector more rapidly and at a lower cost.

The groups also noted the proposed rule exceeds the scope of the agency’s statutory authority, which does not include establishing greenhouse gas emissions’ standards that effectively mandate EVs. NFU has urged EPA to recognize the role renewable liquid fuels, such as ethanol, can contribute to meaningfully reduce emissions from the transportation sector. Biofuels and other renewables, if prioritized, can increase market opportunities for farmers, maximize the climate benefits of liquid fuels, build resiliency across the energy sector, and reduce energy and fuel costs.

NFU’s own comments echo the concerns

expressed in the letter, but emphasize the shortand long-term benefits and their compatibility with a large number of vehicles on the road today, offering immediate emissions benefits on a much larger scale than a market-wide transition to new vehicles. Larew also testified before EPA back in May, urging the agency to promote higher-level blends and recognize the role ethanol can play in the transition to low-pollutant vehicles.

BIOFUELS INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS, 20232025 RFS VOLUMES

NFU recently applauded the Biden administration for the recent investments into biofuels’ infrastructure. On June 26, USDA announced the first round of funding awarded from the Inflation Reduction Act for the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), with 59 infrastructure projects across 15 states receiving $25 million to support gas stations and distribution facilities. These funds are aimed at upgrading infrastructure to make biofuels more widely available.

The grants will help gas stations install, retrofit or upgrade fuel pumps and storage tanks to deliver ethanol blends greater than 10 percent and biodiesel blends greater than 20 percent. In July, USDA plans to begin accepting new applications for $450 million more in HBIIP grants. The funding will be distributed in $90 million increments each quarter.

According to USDA, approximately $67.5 million of those announcements will be headed to transportation fueling facilities, $18 million will go to fuel distribution facilities and up to $4.5 million will go to home heating oil distribution facilities.

The funding announcement follows the EPA’s final rule to establish blending volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The EPA has finalized volume requirements and associated percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel (BBD), advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel for 2023–2025. The final rule lowers the volume requirements for corn ethanol and advanced biofuels from the levels in the proposed rule, which was released in December 2022.

EPA’s final numbers show a 250-million-gallon reduction in total corn-ethanol volumes for 2024 and 2025 from the original proposal, setting those volumes at 15 billion gallons for both years. In addition, EPA set the corn-ethanol volumes at 15.25 billion gallons for 2023.

NFU’s statement on the EPA announcement notes while the modest increases in the biodiesel and renewable diesel volumes mark a step in the right direction, the final rule represents a missed opportunity to expand the production and sale of low-carbon fuel and reduce prices at the gas pump.

NFU continues to be a strong supporter of higher-level blends of ethanol, which can contribute to a green energy transition and provide economic opportunities to rural communities. n Current as of July 17, 2023

Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

Union Farmer

From the President.... Stronger Together

Policy, education and cooperation – these are the foundation upon which Farmers Union is built. They guide the work your board of directors and staff do to support South Dakota’s family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

And they are not stand-alone concepts. Let me explain.

On July 20, members gathered with the State Policy Committee and Board of Directors to discuss our organization’s current policy as well as timely issues we need to address.

This annual Policy Meeting continues Farmers Union more than a century-old tradition of grassroots policy development. Members telling leadership what is important to them and members voting on the policy their leaders will advocate for.

It is essential to the work we do to advocate for policy to support family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Because we know that a collective voice of nearly 20,000 strong will be heard.

The decisions made during this July meeting will be voted on during our State Convention this winter. And what is voted into our policy during State Convention guides our advocacy efforts as we meet with state and national policymakers.

Landowner rights were the focus of two of the three Special Orders of Business developed during the Policy Meeting. For those new to Farmers Union policy development, Special Orders are established to address timely issues. The Special Orders will be voted on for adoption during the 2023 State Convention. And although landowner rights have been part of SDFU policy for decades, these Special Orders were developed to address the specific threat Summit Carbon Solutions poses to South Dakota farmers and other landowners.

Some want to make this issue about ethanol. Farmers Union does not. Our policy supports ethanol.

Our organization believes this issue is about two things – landowner rights and safety. And they are what the Special Orders focus on (read Special Orders 2 and 3 beginning on page 3).

Since these Special Orders align with current policy, we are moving forward in our member-driven efforts to educate

policymakers on steps they can take TODAY to stop Summit Carbon Solutions.

Farmers Union is advocating for the Public Utilities Commission and the governor to use the authority they have been given to halt the efforts of Summit Carbon Solutions.

Special Order 3 highlights the fact that there is a current safety investigation underway by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHIMSA). This Special Order advocates for state leaders to halt any actions taken by Summit Carbon Solutions until the results of this investigation are made public.

We are also working to educate landowners by holding panel discussions at the Brown County Fair and the South Dakota State Fair. During these panel discussions, our goal is to provide landowners with answers, while at the same time give landowners a platform to share how Summit Carbon Solutions is impacting their land and livelihoods.

Ensuring the voices of South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers are heard is a task we take seriously. It is also one I personally enjoy. I am eager to listen to you and look forward to connecting with you during the Brown County Fair and South Dakota State Fair.

Sincerely,

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes seven times per calendar year, with issues printed in January/February, March/April, May, June/July, August, September/October and November. 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 • 605-554-3028 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff

Doug Sombke ext. 1240 President

Groton Direct Line 605-554-3027

Karla Hofhenke ext. 1140

Executive Director Huron

Direct Line 605-554-3028

Rocky Forman. ext. 1170

Member Services Coordinator Huron Direct Line 605-554-3025

Kelli Peterson ext. 1160

Administrative Assistant Huron Direct Line 605-554-3023

Doug Sombke, President South Dakota

Congressional Leaders Contact information:

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

Sen. Mike Rounds Michael Brooks – 202-570-1558 Michael_Brooks@Rounds.Senate.gov

Sen. John Thune 202-224-2321 / 866-850-3855 ryan_donnelly@thune.senate.gov

Doug Bruckner ext. 1180 Controller

Wessington Springs Direct Line 605-554-3026

Samantha Olson ....... ext. 1250 Education Specialist Mitchell Direct Line 605-554-3022

Luke Reindl ext. 1220

Comm. & Policy Specialist Wessington Springs Direct Line 605-554-3024

David Smith

Legislative/Farm Specialist Pierre Direct Line 605-350-8857

SDFU Board of Directors

Doug Sombke.........President Groton

Wayne Soren Vice President Lake Preston

Larry Birgen District I

Beresford

Scott Kolousek District II

Wessington Springs

Gail Temple District III

Clark

David Reis District IV Oacoma

Dallis Basel District V Union Center

Oren Lesmeister District VI

Parade

Chad Johnson District VII

Groton

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

Rob Larew, President ~ Jeff Kippley, Vice President

Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

Farmers Union

Doug Sombke, SDFU President

Union Farmer

Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance

Dan Lewis Agency

Dan Lewis is a “West River guy.”

“I like to be west of the river. It fits my lifestyle better and my beliefs,” he explained. “I fit in well with the conservative agriculture people of western South Dakota. We share the same values of honest hard work and like me, their belief in family is strong.”

Dan got to know and love western South Dakota as a kid growing up in Rapid City. He got to love farming visiting his mom’s family farm in eastern South Dakota. And after college he spent more than a decade working for his uncle and grandpa on Bonview Farms near Canova.

In the mid ’80s he had the opportunity to move back west to work for the Farmers Home Administration in Hot Springs. And in 1998, Dan quit working for the Farmers Home Administration and began working for his dad who owned the Lewis Insurance Agency.

“My dad started the agency 50 years ago this July.”

His dad, Elmer, turned 93 this year.

Dan’s son, Jake, also works for the agency. “We come from an ag background, so we understand how important it is to

Eide Family Continued from Page 13

what they are good at, her children develop confidence in themselves and their abilities.

“In society where sports are so important, it is important to have the confidence to say, ‘this is my thing,’ whatever that may be,” Eide said.

Bobbi agreed with her mom, adding through 4-H and FFA she has had the opportunity to connect with friends who have similar interests. “I get to share what I am passionate about with them and they understand me.” n

ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF THE FARMERS UNION CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK

have farm and ranch assets protected. It comes down to helping people. We want our clients’ to be successful,” Dan said. “We also have excellent support from our employee team. We have worked together a long time - Lisa Bader has been with us for nearly 30 years and Lawonza Montaque more than 15. We are fortunate!”

In 2013, Dan, had the opportunity to return to production agriculture when he, his wife, Amy (deceased) and sons, Jamie and Jake, purchased a ranch together near Rapid City.

Dan says he appreciates selling insurance as a Farmers Union agent because of the stability and quality products the company provides his clients. “Famers Union is a good, stable company, with the resources and stability behind them that our customers appreciate. Ag people in western South Dakota don’t like changes or surprises.”

In addition to helping agriculture producers protect their assets, Dan and Jake invest in the rural communities they work in, donating to many 4-H youth shows and the Black Hills Stock Show.

“We try to give back whenever we can,” Dan said. n

Contact Info: 605-391-7090 • email: Dan.Lewis@FUMIC.com

FARMERS UNION SIGNS AVAILABLE

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 Kelli Peterson at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at kpeterson@sdfu.org.

Dan Lewis

Tanner

Dear Rocky and Tom, The Avon Public Library staff and Board of Directors can’t thank you enough for the incredible job you did at our ‘Are you a Farm Safety Hero?’ summer reading program on July 26. You were both so good with the kids, and they are still very excited about all they learned that day.

Speaking of that day, did you know it was our biggest turnout EVER?! Yes, we had 86 children register, plus dozens of parents, grandparents, teen helpers, board members, staff, and others from the community on hand to learn about farm safety on July 26.

It must be gratifying to know you are making such a difference in the lives of South Dakota children. Thank you for all the good work you do.

~ Warmest regards, Mary Hurd, Avon Public Library Board President

Thank you for sponsoring my award for the Clark County Prospect show.

~ Elizabeth Albrecht

COOK’S CORNER

German Pancakes

¼ c. butter

1 c. milk

THAN K YOU

Thank you for sponsoring the 4th place market goat show at the Clark County Prospect Show.

~ Gabe Miller * * *

Thank you S.D. Farmers Union for supporting the Clark County Livestock show last weekend. We really appreciate businesses like yours that support youth livestock shows in the state of South Dakota. We had a great time at this year’s goat show and can’t wait to come back next year.

~ Thanks again, Harper Johnson * * *

Thank you for sponsoring the Heartland 4-H Rodeo.

~ Avery Stevens * * *

Thank you for sponsoring the Heartland 4-H Rodeo.

~ Tia Esser * * *

Thank you for sponsoring the Heartland 4-H Rodeo. I love the buckle from all around the world.

~ Ramsey Rouberg * * *

Thank you for sponsoring the junior girls all

1/8 tsp. salt

1 c. all-purpose flour

6 eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt butter in a medium baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix flour, milk, eggs, and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake on center rack in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with fresh homemade raspberry sauce.

RASPBERRY SAUCE:

1 pint fresh raspberries

2 T. orange juice

1 c. cold water

¼ c. white sugar

2 T. cornstarch

around for the first-go! I really appreciate it. I had a really good day and weekend. It takes a lot of help and volunteers to be able to put these on. Thanks again,

~ Charlie Braun

4 Ways to Connect With Us! SOUTH DAKOTA

mail to:

Like

https://www.facebook.com/

Combine the raspberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Whisk the cornstarch into the cold water until smooth. Add the mixture to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached. The sauce will thicken further as it cools. Puree the sauce in a blender or with a hand-held immersion blender and strain it through a fine sieve. Serve warm or cold. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Follow

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR

Karen Weeldreyer Huron, S.D.

FARMERS UNION

Protecting

What’s Important in Life

ABERDEEN J.R. Johnson

ABERDEEN J.R. Johnson ............725-3003

725-3003

ABERDEEN Cameron Lux 229-3945

ABERDEEN Cameron Lux ............229-3945

BISON Alan Voller 244-7431

BISON Alan Voller ................244-7431

BISON Karen Voller 244-7431

BISON Karen Voller ..............244-7431

BRITTON Tom Farber 448-5150

BRITTON Tom Farber ...............448-5150

BROOKINGS Gary Ray 692-6735

BROOKINGS Gary Ray ..................692-6735

BROOKINGS Matt Field 692-9224

BROOKINGS Beth Reams .............690-3018

BROOKINGS Heidi Fields 881-2830

BROOKINGS Heidi Fields ..............881-2830

BUFFALO Jenn Wickstrom 375-3311

BUFFALO Jenn Wickstrom ........375-3311

CLARK Lon Reidburn 532-3299

CLARK Lon Reidburn ...........532-3299

DOLAND Mark Rozell 635-6511

DOLAND Mark Rozell ..............635-6511

FAULKTON Dawn Melius 598-6570

FAULKTON Dawn Melius.............598-6570

Simply Different | fumic.com

GROTON J.R. Johnson 397-8155

GROTON J.R. Johnson ............397-8155

HURON Blaine Anderson 352-2130

HURON Blaine Anderson .......352-2130

IRENE Brendon Hansen 263-2121

IRENE Brendon Hansen ......263-2121

IRENE Brian Hansen 263-3342

IRENE Brian Hansen ...........263-3342

KADOKA Donna Enders 837-2144

KADOKA Donna Enders...........837-2144

LEMMON Chris Goldsmith 374-3462

LEMMON Carrie Derschan........374-3462

MARION Kevin Albrecht 941-0650

LEMMON Chris Goldsmith ........374-3462

MENNO Brendon Hansen 387-5555

MARION Kevin Albrecht ..........941-0650

MITCHELL David Schelske 660-2743

MENNO Brendon Hansen ......387-5555

MITCHELL Zach Horstman 840-0440

MITCHELL Ryan Leischner .........996-9651

PIEDMONT Ce Faulkner 737-0463

PIEDMONT Ce Faulkner ..............737-0463

PIERRE Andrew Mefferd 224-4123

PIERRE Andrew Mefferd ........224-4123

RAPID CITY Kasey Keller 343-4213

RAPID CITY Kasey Keller..............343-4213

RAPID CITY Dan Lewis 342-3585

RAPID CITY Dan Lewis.................342-3585

RAPID CITY Jake Lewis 342-3585

SIOUX FALLS Jeff Nord ..................338-5302

SIOUX FALLS Stacy Mongar 338-5302

SIOUX FALLS Stacy Mongar ...........338-5302

SIOUX FALLS Grant Sjaarda 338-5302

SISSETON Erica Steiner .............698-7316

SISSETON Erica Steiner 698-7316

SPEARFISH Scott Sabers .............642-8870

SPEARFISH Scott Sabers 642-8870

STURGIS Scott Sabers .............347-4507

STURGIS Scott Sabers 347-4507

WATERTOWN Todd Nichols ............886-9683

WATERTOWN Todd Nichols 886-9683

WEBSTER Debbie Baumgarn ....345-2640

WEBSTER Debbie Baumgarn 345-2640

WEBSTER Larry Baumgarn........345-2640

WINNER Jeremy Clay 842-1556

WINNER Jeremy Clay ..............842-1556

YANKTON James Murphy 664-2121

YANKTON James Murphy..........664-2121