Union Farmer June/July 2023

Rural youth from across the state attend South Dakota Farmers Union 2023 State Leadership Camp.

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Becki Nickels

State Camp

urvivor” season 21 contestant and Eureka, S.D., farmer Holly Hoffman had these words of advice for campers after surviving 38 days in the jungle of Nicaragua.Continued on Page 15

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When: July 20

Time: 9 a.m. Central

Where: Virtual

How to Participate: Visit www. sdfu.org and click on the Policy Meeting button. If you need technical assistance, contact Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, at 605-554-3028.

trip to the pasture to check or move cows often turns into a range plant identification practice for the Christensen brothers: Quinten, 19, Landen,16, and Hayes, 13.Their dad, Wade, will point to a plant and ask what its name is, what type it is and the season of growth.

“It’s two things in one,” Landen explained. “You think you are going out to the pasture to work cattle and then we go out there and we also learn a new plant which helps me in 4-H and FFA Range Judging.”

Christensen Family Continued on Page 2

Rodeo Family Prepares

for

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD Attend Virtual State Policy Meeting

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Continued from Page 1

“Brandy Knutson was the Extension agent who got me into range judging. I was on the first team from Wessington Springs to win 4-H range judging. We went on to compete

in Oklahoma twice,” explained Wade, who went on to judge at the collegiate level as a student at South Dakota State University. He graduated in 1999 with a range science degree.

“I picked range science because I was good at it,” he explained. The degree has

served him well on and off the family ranch. He worked as a range conservationist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “Range science focuses on soil health because that is what gets us through these droughts – like we are in right now,” Wade said.

When he and his wife, Christi, took over his family’s ranch in 2007, he quickly began installing water tanks and cross-fencing to allow for rotational grazing.

“When I was growing up, it seemed like

Christensen Family

“Range science focuses on soil health because that is what gets us through these droughts – like we are in right now.”

– Wade Christensen

Christensen family after a Jacks football game: Wade, Hayes, Quinten, Landen and Christi.

Christensen Family Continued from Page 2

everything had its own pasture. You put cattle in this pasture and they stayed there all summer. Today, our cattle don’t stay in one pasture much more than three weeks,” Wade said.

Once they rotate their cows from one pasture to the next, the range gets to rest for the remainder of the summer.

“It’s the rest that makes all the difference,” Wade said. “The grass looks really good, even when it’s dry. Once we cross-fenced and put in water, we could not believe how fast it changed. The weed species were gone in about two years. My neighbor to the west was so impressed he began renting me some of his ground.”

After working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for nearly 15 years, in 2017 Wade and Christi had the opportunity to become co-owners of the Kimball Livestock Exchange together with Chad Heezen.

“We both grew up around cattle and auction markets and believe it is important to keep the sale barn open. Competitive markets are crucial,” Christi said. “I grew up going to the Miller, Kimball and Chamberlain sale barns with my family.”

Christi (Yost) grew up on her family’s ranch northwest of Gann Valley. “Growing up I was around livestock all the time. I enjoyed the family aspect of working hard and getting to see the fruits of your labor.”

She appreciates the fact that their sons

Since 1946, Kimball Livestock Exchange has hosted a Tuesday sale that played a huge role in “putting Kimball on the map.” Built by Arlo Olson, and later joined by his brother, Fred Olson, the sale barn has a rich history in helping buyers and sellers get the best bang for their buck. It has evolved from a time where many cattle were loaded out on train cars to the present where cattle can be purchased through the sale “online.”

Wade, Christi and Chad purchased the sale barn from Wayne Tupper. Before Tupper, Darold Mentzer, Jim Luckett, Orville Haines, Arlen Hoesing, Walter Strand and Art Ernst owned the sale barn.

get to grow up similar to how she and Wade did. “Ranch work teaches responsibility and respect. Love, respect and responsibility are big things we focus on in our family.”

Oldest son, Quinten, agreed. “Everything you do on the ranch involves responsibility.

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Growing up there and living that way of life really instills a work ethic and a respect for hard work,” he said. “The harder you work, and the sooner you learn it at a young age, it makes other things in life easier.”

A sophomore majoring in agriculture business at SDSU, Quinten plays football for the Jacks. He is an offensive lineman and can play four of the five line positions.

“Growing up on the ranch makes it easy for me to wake up for these early morning workouts,” said Quinten, who starts each summer weekday with rehab at 5 a.m. followed by practice, followed by rehab. “I think ranch experience gives me a little extra edge because I am not afraid of hard work.”

Because of the Monday-Friday 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. football commitment, this summer Quinten needs to be close to Brookings. So, he is working off the ranch for a cousin who owns a landscaping company in Astoria.

While Quinten is away, his younger brothers are helping keep up with ranch chores. They also make time for area brandings.

“We enjoy getting to rope in the pen,” Landen said. “My uncle says it’s rude to go first, so we work the ground for a little while until it’s our turn to rope and drag.”

Christi’s brothers, Rodney and Wade Yost, taught the boys how to rope. Hayes enjoys brandings because of the opportunity it provides to hang out with his cousins.

Christensen Family Continued on Page 10

“Growing up I was around livestock all the time. I enjoyed the family aspect of working hard and getting to see the fruits of your labor.”

– Christi Christensen

The Farmers Union family said goodbye to lifetime member, former board member, and friend, Franklin Olson.

Franklin passed away June 13. He is survived by his son, Tom (Sara) Olson, daughter, Diane (Leon) Gaikowski, and sonin-law Joe Janisch. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, JoAnne, daughters Christie Sattler and Kay Janisch.

Able to work on his farm until his last day, Franklin loved farming. As a little boy he decided he would farm. And 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.

Through hard work and tenacity, they expanded and eventually Franklin was farming 1,000 acres and milking a herd of cows.

Franklin applied the same dedication to the many organizations he served. He was only 18 when Farmers Union Independence Local 923 asked him to serve as their Secretary/Treasurer and he said “yes,” and never missed a meeting until he left town for two years to serve in the Army. When he returned, he resumed his role and went on to serve several terms as Day County Farmers Union President. He served several years on the Brown/Day/Marshall Rural Water System 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, Fron Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and was always willing to lend

Saying Goodbye to A Good Friend & Retired Board Member

a helping hand in any church events, and served on the Farmers Union Oil Company board of directors for 35 years – missing only two meetings. Franklin recently completed six years of service, representing District 3 on the South Dakota Farmers Union State Board of Directors.

young age, he had to fit meetings and service activities into his already busy farm and dairy schedule. “Some mornings I got up early, and some nights I worked late. JoAnne was always a great support,” he once shared.

Franklin once reflected, “People who milk cows do things on time.” He based this on firsthand experience. His typical workday began at 5 a.m. since they milked the cows at 6. “People who milk cows do things on time.” ■

By Lura Roti for SDFU

“It’s always easy to work hard for something you thoroughly believe in,” Franklin once said. “I’m glad that a lot of the things I was involved in turned out to be good and successful.”

A strong advocate for Farmers Union and cooperatives, Franklin once shared that both played a vital role in supporting South Dakota’s farmers. “If we didn’t have cooperatives in our country right now, farmers would not have a local place to do business. Farmers Union is the No. 1 farm organization. We have always fought for family farmers, fair prices and education programs. Like agriculture, our cooperative has evolved quite a bit. I have watched it grow from a small cooperative to merge with a cooperative in a neighboring community to better serve farmers throughout our region.”

Because Franklin began serving at such a

“It’s always easy to work hard for something you thoroughly believe in. I’m glad that a lot of the things I was involved in turned out to be good and successful.”

– Franklin Olson

Franklin Olson

Kingsbury County Farmer Selected to Serve on National Farmers Union Board

National Farmers Union recently appointed third-generation Kingsbury County farmer Rob Lee to serve on the organization’s national board as a Next Generation Advisory Representative.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to speak up for Midwestern row crop and cattle farmers,” said Lee, who together with his wife, Darcie, raises crops, cattle and alpacas near De Smet. “Because we have three young children, I am in a stage of life where I can bring the perspective of someone who is working to balance farming with my off-farm work and our family life. It is a challenge I’m sure most around the board table have faced, but it’s easy to forget unless you’re living it.”

Lee was nominated by South Dakota Farmers Union. He is one of three producers to serve on the board in this advisory, nonvoting role.

“Rob brings a valuable perspective to the national board of a younger row crop and cattle farmer,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union and NFU Treasurer. “Rob is a solid leader who has served his country as a veteran. He is a great family man, farmer and communicator. He will well represent farming as we know it in South Dakota.”

Having served on the NFU executive team for several years, Sombke explains the role of Next Generation Advisory Representative was created with two distinct goals in mind: to incorporate the perspective of a younger producer in leadership discussions and to engage younger producers in the leadership functions of the national organization.

“Like many organizations, the leadership of National Farmers Union is not getting any younger. If we want to successfully continue our mission of serving family farmers and ranchers we need to prepare the next generation of leaders,” Sombke explained.

At the state level, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) works diligently to support family farmers and ranchers in strengthening their communication, advocacy and leadership skills.

Each year up to two couples are selected to participate in the Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership (FUEL) program. Sponsored by Farmers Union Enterprises, the

organization which oversees Farmers Union Industries, FUEL is designed to strengthen young producers’ leadership and communication skills. FUEL seminars are held throughout the year.

In 2019-2020, Lee and his wife, Darcie, participated in the program.

“FUEL helped prepare me for this opportunity because it gave me the confidence to speak up when applicable to voice what is important,” said Lee, who serves as Vice Chair of Kingsbury County Farmers Union and also serves on the SDFU State Policy Committee.

Growing up on his family’s crop and cattle farm, Lee began farming some of his own acres when he was in high school. He and Darcie decided to make their home near the family farm when he returned from active duty in 2010.

Lee spent a year serving in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard’s 211th Engineering Company, De Smet & Madison.

His company was tasked with route clearance.

“We were tasked with going out ahead of convoys to find and exploit IEDs (improvised explosive devices) that had been placed in roadways,” he explained. “It had its good days and its bad days – just like any job. Our truck hit an IED during our first mission we did on our own. I thought at the time, ‘Man, this is going to be a long year.’ We got better quickly. We had to.’”

The couple built up their farming operation slowly. Both of them work off the

Rob Lee is a De Smet farmer and member of the SDFU Policy Committee. He was recently appointed to serve on the NFU Board as a Next Generation Advisory Representative.

Rob Lee

Rob Lee and his wife, Darcie, farm near De Smet where they raise their three young children: Everett, 7; Rosie, 4; and Esme, six months.

Union Farmer Get to Know 2023 Interns

With district and state camp enrollment numbers up, South Dakota Farmers Union summer 2023 rural youth educational programming is off to a strong start thanks to Education Specialist Samantha Olson and the team of interns she leads.

“These interns are so creative, I can give them a problem and they come up with so many fun and interactive solutions to enhance camp curriculum as well as ways we can get more youth involved,” Olson said. “I am excited to watch how they continue to develop throughout the summer.”

Together with Olson, the intern team works to provide rural youth from across South Dakota with engaging programming that teaches them about cooperatives, farm safety and helps youth develop personal and professional leadership skills for their future. The 2023 intern team comes to SDFU from three different post-secondary institutions and they bring a diverse set of strengths as well as enthusiasm for serving rural youth: Garrett Kruger, Western Dakota Technical College; Paige Lehrkamp, South Dakota State University; and Macie Luce, Northern State University.

Recently, the intern team shared a bit more about themselves and their thoughts on the internship opportunity SDFU provides. Read on to learn more.

Garrett Kruger is an intern many members may already know because he is a 2022 Torchbearer and served on SDFU Junior Advisory Council and National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council.

Q: Did your experience with South Dakota Farmers Union impact your desire to serve as an intern this summer?

A: The short answer is yes!

Growing up, each summer I attended district and state camps. As a member of the Junior Advisory Council I also had an opportunity to serve as a camp counselor.

The experiences I had as a camper and a youth leader, and the skills I have gained have benefited me. I want to provide

similar experiences to the next generation. Also, I enjoy working with kids. They are so spontaneous!

On a more personal note, when I was younger, I was a troublemaker and a Farmers Union camp counselor served as a great mentor and gave me advice I use to this day. Because of my background, I am not afraid of troublemakers because I understand how they act and why they act out.

Macie Luce hopes to eventually get her master’s in school and clinical counseling so that she can help children who have experienced severe trauma. Growing up in a loving home with supportive parents, Luce’s career goal does not come from personal experience. It stems from experiences she gained as a camp counselor working with children who experienced trauma.

Q: I know you have worked as a camp counselor before. What is it about this role that made you want to serve rural youth as an SDFU intern?

A: After working as a camp counselor at three different camps, I realized I love working with children and I need to stay connected with youth.

New Interns Continued on Page 7

Interns Macie Luce and Paige Lehrkamp help prepare decorations for the 2023 Leadership Camp banquet.

Garrett Kruger is serving as an intern and JAC this summer, pictured here with Leadership Camp speaker and “Survivor” contestant, Holly Hoffman.

NFU Statement in Support of Landowner Rights and Community Input

June 14 - The National Farmers Union (NFU) Board issued the following statement in support of landowner rights, expressing the need for community input throughout the process of infrastructure and development projects:

The rights of landowners and their communities to make decisions for themselves are a core principle for our organization. Local control is a core concept that keeps family farms and rural communities vibrant. NFU strongly supports the rights of landowners and opposes the use of eminent domain as a means of transferring control of land from one private interest to another.

We stand by the rights of landowners and local communities to make decisions for themselves. Family farmers and their communities should not be taken for granted.

New Interns Continued from Page 6

Camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to make connections and feel supported.

I enjoy being a person youth can lean on. And camp is also a great place where, as a counselor, we can plant seeds of knowledge that will grow over time.

I also appreciate the agriculture focus of Farmers Union camps. I was involved in FFA throughout high school and even though I did not grow up on a farm because of agriculture education classes and FFA I learned a lot about agriculture. I understand how important it is for all rural youth to be exposed to agriculture.

Paige Lehrkamp grew up on a West River ranch. She said she learned a lot from helping her family on the ranch and showing cattle. She developed a strong passion for teaching youth who did not grow up the way she did about agriculture after she attended Rapid City Central as a high school student. This desire led her to become a South Dakota state FFA officer and pursue a degree in agriculture education.

Q: Did your desire to teach youth about agriculture impact your decision to apply for the Farmers Union internship?

A: Getting to teach rural youth about agriculture is a big part of why I wanted to serve as an intern. When I was a high school student, I realized that even though

we all lived in a state where agriculture is the No. 1 industry, unless they lived on a farm or ranch, not many of my classmates had an opportunity to learn anything about agriculture.

Agriculture is a part of every single product we use every day – the cars we drive, food we eat, clothes we wear – it all goes back to agriculture. So, I am eager to teach kids about where their food comes from and encourage farm and ranch kids to be proud of what they know and their family’s agriculture operations.

Because we do live in a rural state, farm safety is also so important for all South Dakota youth to understand. ■

By Lura Roti for SDFU

Union Farmer Plankinton Ranch Family Prepares for South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals

It doesn’t surprise Rustin or Kama Bruns that their children love rodeo.

“Our kids grew up on horses,” Kama explained. “I would be pregnant riding horses and they would be babies and riding with us. So, it was pretty natural just to go in and start rodeoing.”

The family raises Angus and Hereford cattle with Rustin’s parents, Bob and Roberta, near Plankinton. So, horses are part of everyday life for the Bruns family because they use them year-round to help with cattle work – to move feedlot cattle, to sort pairs, to move cows from one pasture to the next, to do health and calving checks. And when the workday is over, they and their horses head to the arena to practice for the upcoming rodeo.

“We ride horse every day and rope every other day and rope the dummy every evening,” explained 17-year-old Royce.

Royce is focused on training for the 2023 South Dakota High School Rodeo Association State Finals. He recently qualified to compete in calf roping and team roping during the event held June 13-17 in Ft. Pierre.

requires skill and perfect timing. To win the three points she needs to qualify requires Layce to rope the calf and do it faster than most of the other competitors.

“Rodeo makes you tougher… mentally tougher. If you miss, you’re always thinking, ‘I can get them next time,’” Layce said.

Along with training for her upcoming event, Layce and her older brother, Royce, also make time to help their younger brothers, Tyce, 11, and Chayce, 10, get ready for their events.

it’s mostly a competition with each individual. Each kid gets their personal records and they have goals – they want to be faster or ride harder,” Kama explained.

And unlike school-sanctioned sports, Rustin explained that rodeo places more responsibility on the individual athlete.

“It’s different than a sport in town. The school gives you your uniform and you get on the bus and they take care of you and get you there. It’s a whole different deal with

His sister, Layce, 15, competes in breakaway roping, but hasn’t qualified for the High School Rodeo Finals yet, so she had a lot riding on the June 10 and 11 regional rodeo held in Watertown.

“I missed my calf both days during the regional rodeo in Huron, so I don’t have any points right now, but hopefully we can get some points,” Layce explained.

Rodeo athletes need to earn three points in their event at a regional rodeo to qualify for the High School Rodeo Finals, and there are only four regional rodeos.

Like all rodeo events, breakaway roping

“It’s nice because they teach me things, and I can see what they do and it makes me better,” explained Tyce, who team-ropes with his friend, Grace Saienga.

And even though the younger brothers are not yet old enough to compete in the upcoming High School Rodeo Finals, they will definitely be in the crowds cheering. Chayce said his best words of advice for his older siblings are: “Go get-em!”

Sportsmanship, mentorship, optimism, perseverance, goal setting and responsibility are among the reasons Kama and Rustin are happy their children enjoy rodeo.

“The actual rodeo is a competition, but

Bruns family from Plankinton gear up for the 2023 South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals (left to right): Layce, Chayce, Kama and Rustin, Tyce and Royce. Rodeo Family

Continued from Page 8

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we ran cattle, we always used horses, but we never roped or did any of that. When we started dating he taught me how to rope, then I was team roping with him just for fun, that is how I got to know it and love it,” Kama said.

The fact that rodeo is a sport the entire family does together is another reason the couple loves it. Throughout the summer, it provides them with an opportunity to take a break from ranch chores and spend time together and with other farm and ranch families.

rodeo. I mean you need to take care of a horse. You need to have all the equipment – you can’t just throw a horse in a trailer and go there. You need to make sure you have your saddles, your water buckets, your hay.”

“You need to know what is going on and be ready,” Kama added. “Each event has a certain order. And you get three calls, and if you are not there when they call your name

the third time, you are out.”

Rustin grew up competing in rodeo with his family. His uncle, Vernon Niles, taught him to rope in his grandparents’ arena. He was competing at the collegiate rodeo level when he and Kama met. They were agriculture business students at Western Dakota Technical College.

“I grew up showing cattle and sheep and

“It’s like a huge family. All the guys and gals I used to rodeo with are there and now it’s their kids competing. It’s very generational,” Rustin said. “At night you sit around your trailers and campers and all eat and grill together. You know, it’s basically like a camping trip with a rodeo event thrown in.”

To learn more about why the Bruns family enjoys rodeo, visit the South Dakota Farmers Union website, www.sdfu.org. As a grassroots family farm and ranch organization, South Dakota Farmers Union supports rodeo families by providing a meal to all during the South Dakota Rodeo Finals. ■

By Lura Roti for SDFU

Union Farmer

Continued from Page 3

“I like going out with my cousins to ride horses and work cattle together,” he said. When their parents bought the Kimball Livestock Exchange together with Chad Heezen, their sons’ ability to help out on the ranch became even more important.

While Wade keeps busy consigning cattle, Christi took on a second off-ranch job working as the sale barn’s office manager/ sale clerk.

“These small sale barns are incredibly important for the small towns where they are

located,” said Christi who also works parttime as a nurse for Avera Weskota. “Local businesses have told us that on Tuesdays those who are selling cattle also shop at the hardware store, they buy groceries, they stop at the convenience store and they go out to supper after the sale.”

“There used to be sale barns everywhere,” Wade said. “There was one in Wessington Springs, Miller, Highmore, Redfield, Faulkton, Gettysburg, Chamberlain – none of these towns have sale barns anymore.”

To help bolster local businesses, the Christensens and their business partner, Chad Heezen give meal tickets to consignors who sell over a certain number head of cattle. The tickets can be redeemed at the local steakhouse in Kimball or at several rural steakhouses.

In addition to clerking sales and payroll, since 2017 Christi has maintained the website where buyers and sellers can look up sale history.

“The history of the cattle crisis and the changes in the market are right there for people to see,” Christi said.

Like everyone in the cattle industry, the Christensen family is enjoying the current market highs.

“I have been getting a lot of thumbs-up and smiles,” Christi said.

Wade added, “It’s fun to own a sale barn right now. I have been getting texts and phone calls from cattle producers who are so happy with the prices they have gotten. The other day a guy texted me. Together, he, his brother and dad, sold 500 head. His text read, ‘I’ve never held a million dollar check before.’”

Consignors generally come from a 150mile radius of Kimball, but they have sold cattle from all of the surrounding states, as well. The buyers travel even further.

“Buyers come back year after year,” Wade said. “One order buyer comes from a town in Nebraska with a sale barn that also has sales on Tuesdays. To tease him, I asked him why he comes to Kimball every Tuesday for our sale? He said, ‘You know why I come up here. These cattle are that much better.’” ■ By Lura

Roti for SDFU

South Dakota Farmers Union Launches 2023 Photo Contest: Celebrating Life on

the Family Farm & Ranch

South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) hosts its annual photo contest, Celebrating Life on the Family Farm & Ranch July 1 to Oct. 1.

“Agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry. This photo contest celebrates the families who do the work,” explained

Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. 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. ■

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.

Samantha Swanson

Faith Kashas

Candie Beck

Cody Lafferty

Dusti Berry

4-H

Farm & Ranch Scenes

Working on the Farm & Ranch

Field Work

Livestock

Photos are courtesy of 2022 Photo Contest winners.

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2023 Camp Dates

Marshall County .....................

Brown County ........................

Spink County

Davison County

Meade/Pennington County ....

Harding County .....................

Perkins County

Brule County

McCook County .....................

Clay/Lincoln County ...............

Gregory County

State Jr. Camp

July 6 ...............Britton

July 7 ...............Aberdeen

July 10 Frankfort

July 11 Mitchell

July 12 .............Union Center

July 13 .............Buffalo

July 14 Bison

July 17 Kimball

July 18 .............Salem

July 19 .............Lennox

July 20 Gregory

July 23-26 Huron

2023 COUNTY CAMPS

2023 STATE LEADERSHIP CAMP

State Camp

Continued from Page 1

“When you feel like quitting, and you don’t, it will be the greatest reward you will ever discover.”

Hoffman shared how on day five she felt like quitting, but because of positive encouragement from another contestant, she kept going and eventually became the last woman and fourth contestant standing.

“Keep your circle strong, not negative,” Hoffman said. “Never let the odds keep you from something you want to do.”

As she listened to Hoffman, Lizzy Schoenfelder was impressed not only by the message to grab opportunities and seek out solid friends, but also by Hoffman’s delivery.

“Holly did a good job of being dramatic when she needed to be, but also adding pauses so that the listener could imagine the scenario in their minds and become more engaged.”

Active in FCCLA and FFA at Parkston High School, Schoenfelder plans on implementing some of the speaking tips she gleaned in upcoming competitions.

speakers like Hoffman, Cochran and the other campers had plenty of time to explore South Dakota’s Black Hills, hiking the many trails surrounding Storm Mountain Campground where Farmers Union Leadership camp was held. One day of the week-long camp was also dedicated to touring other attractions and youth got to ride the 1880s Train.

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Campers Recognized

Bob Janish Memorial Friendship

Award: Sean Thompson, Pierre

Happy Camper: Grace Rowen, Wessington

I’ll Do It: Danielle Kruger, De Smet

Dirtiest Cabin: Garrett Kruger, Uriah Tindell, Coltyn Raymond, Billy Kezena, Philip Stanczyk

Cleanest Cabin: Chaz Blotsky, Ethan Mutter, Riley Mutter and Carter IntVeld

They also learned about the cooperative business model and policy development, explained Education Specialist Samantha Olson. “I was not sure how the campers would respond to learning about legislation and policy, but once they got going, you could tell they got excited and became passionate about how to use the process to get bills they cared about passed.”

During one exercise led by state Sen. Ryan Maher, campers had the opportunity to put what they learned about bill creation to the test. Campers drafted a bill and utilized their recently developed parliamentary procedure skills to convince Olson to give them more time to dance at their Wednesday evening dance party.

“What I learned about politics, policy and parliamentary procedure was so interesting,” said Madi Raymond, a camper from Ethan. “I never knew what a lobbyist was or what they

Winning KP: Red Team Danielle Kruger, Macayla Gerlach, Sean Thompson, Beckett Hutcheson, Billy Kezena, Riley Mutter, Lizzy Schoenfelder, Amilia Adams, Skyler Cochran and Aeriel Eitreim.

MVPs: Ella Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Mya McCloud, Holabird; and Chase Blotsky, Winner

All Star: Emilia Adams, Spearfish

Sportsmanship: Cadence Konechne , Kimball

Caterpillar: Skyler Cochran, Rutland

did until I listened to Farmers Union lobbyist Mitch Richter. As I listened to him, I thought this may be a career I want to do. I have no clue what I want to do when I am older so I am trying to learn as much as I can about them now.”

Raymond also serves as her FFA chapter parliamentarian so she said she will have plenty of opportunities to apply the parliamentary skills she learned during a camp workshop led by Gerri Eide, owner of GANE Leadership Consulting.

Hoffman’s words also resonated with 14-year-old Skyler Cochran. “She was my favorite speaker. I liked what she said about living like the camera is always rolling because people will remember the negative you do, even if you also do a lot of good things.”

This was the Rutland teen’s first year attending Farmers Union Leadership Camp. And he says he plans to attend next year. “I really enjoyed getting to meet all these new friends and the opportunity we had to have fun outdoors in the Black Hills.”

Along with learning from inspirational

This is Raymond’s third year attending Farmers Union Leadership Camp. She said it is the friends she makes and the opportunity to reconnect each year during camp that keeps her returning.

Aeriel Eitreim would agree. “For me, the people are my favorite part about Farmers Union camp, meeting new people and getting to watch campers I have known from previous camps show their true personalities and come out of their shells.”

Last year Eitreim was elected by her fellow

State Camp

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2022-2023 JACs with Holly Hoffman. Left to right: Jayda Walton, Garrett Krueger, Aeriel Eitreim and Chaz Blotsky.

Camper Riley Mutter gives his cooperative’s financial report.

Camper Madi Raymond helps weed the campground during the camp’s service activity.

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but would take our large group of campers just an hour,” Walton explained.

In addition to deep cleaning the kitchen and dining hall, campers cleaned camping gear and weeded campground flower beds.

The JACs led the awards banquet Thursday evening, where the 2023-2024 JACs and Jr. JACs were announced: Sean Thompson, Pierre; Madi Raymond, Ethan; and Chase Melius, Faulkton. New this year, Jr. JACs were also selected through an interview process to assist the JAC team. Jr. JACs selected are Cadence Konechne and Beckett Hutcheson.

Reflecting on the 2023 JACs, Olson said she is proud of the work they did organizing the successful camp and engaging with campers.

campers to serve as a member of the Junior Advisory Council (JAC). Together with the other JACs she planned and organized camp. “I learned a lot through this experience about leadership and how I like to lead with other people,” Eitreim said. “Samantha was an amazing guide. She was always looking for ways to help us and was always looking for ways to make things better.”

Her teammate Chaz Blotsky agreed. “I was nervous about taking on this big role, but it is something I have wanted to do and Samantha was so easy to talk to and ask advice from.”

Blotsky and the other JACs chose Survivor as the theme for camp. Blotsky said the team enjoyed connecting activities and speakers to the theme. “The different camper cooperative groups were their own ‘tribes’ for the different competitions,” Blotzky explained.

Campers formed co-ops, elected leaders and worked to raise funds. The cooperatives campers belonged to were: Insurance, Housing, Newspaper, Credit Union and Store.

Camp enrollment was up this year and JAC Jayda Walton said she really enjoyed the challenge of working to connect with as many campers as possible. One of the many opportunities this leadership position provided to her.

In addition to helping guide her tribe through developing their own cooperative, Walton also worked right alongside her tribe as they donated one-hour of camp time to deep cleaning the camp kitchen.

“For our camp service, we asked the campground staff to give us projects that would take their small staff two to three days

“JACs really stepped into their roll and were leaders younger campers can look up to,” Olson said. “I enjoyed watching them lead the camp they planned. And supporting them through guidance when they needed it.”

Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden was the banquet keynote speaker. He shared about his hometown connection to Farmers Union (Union Center is named after the Farmers Union Oil Cooperative established there in the 1920s); and like Hoffman, encouraged youth to take advantage of opportunities.

“My pastor once said, ‘people are always waiting for doors to open. He encouraged us to look for doors not locked.’”

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union educational programming, visit www.sdfu.org ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

During his keynote address, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden encourages campers to take advantage of opportunities.

SDFU Lobbyist Mitch Richter explains the role of a lobbyiest and what he enjoys about advocating on behalf of family farmers and ranchers during Legislative Session.

Campers Mya McCloud and Lizzy Schoenfelder enjoy the camp Awards Banquet.

Campers Share Favorite Memories

“I enjoy camp for the chance to meet new friends.”

– Ella Kolousek, Wessington Springs

“Holly’s talk on how much missing someone you love can hurt resonated with me because I’ve lost a lot of people this year. She helped me realize, those I love will always be in my heart.”

– Danielle Kruger, De Smet

Macayla Gerlach, Stickney

“I enjoyed the speaker who taught us about how bills/ legislation is made. Who knows what I will end up doing in the future? This could be part of my future.”

– Macayla Gerlach, Stickney

“I enjoy the camp tradition of singing and dancing and hikes. I really like the scenery here because I live on the other side of the state and I don’t get to the Black Hills much.”

– Billy Kezena, Yankton

“Learning what a lobbyist does was a highlight. I enjoy government and law and working to persuade others.”

– Coltyn Raymond, Ethan

“I enjoyed the dance and the train ride and meeting new people. And I learned a lot from Holly’s talk about being more confident and taking risks.”

– Avril Fletcher, Highmore/Harrold

CONGRATULATIONS Andrew Mefferd Agency

605-222-7979

1007 Wells Ave, Pierre, SD www.fumic.com

Ella Kolousek with camp friends Lizzy Schoenfelder, Cadence Konechne and Danielle Kruger

Avril Fletcher (center) with friends, Grace Rowen (left) and Mya McCloud

Billy Kezena and Coltyn Raymond

Andrew's Agency is one of just 7 Farmers Union Insurance agencies in the state to achieve “Premier Agency” status, a highly coveted designation within the company.

This elite group is being recognized for their high level of service, sales and marketing.

Union Farmer

Meet the 2023-2024 Junior Advisory Council & Jr. JAC Members

Each year during camp, campers elect who will serve on the Junior Advisory Council (JAC). JACs are the teen leaders who develop, plan and organize camp each year. They also serve as camp councilors and are provided leadership training and support throughout the year to prepare them for this esteemed leadership position.

New this year, two campers were selected through an application and interview process to serve as Jr. JACs. These youth will work together with the JACs as the team hosts Farmers Union State Leadership Camp 2024.

Read on to learn more about these young leaders.

Sean Thompson, JAC

Hometown: Pierre

Guardians: Bonny and Walter Ruhnke

Why do you want to be a camp leader and how has Farmers Union prepared you for this? When I first came to camp, I realized this group of friends was completely different from the kids I went to school with. It was the JAC team who demonstrated to me what it is like to have someone be inviting to you when you are new and do not know anyone.

Because I know the positive impact this had on my life, I want to help everyone fit in. I want to be the guy they know they can talk to.

Madi Raymond, JAC

Hometown: Ethan

Guardians: Betsy and Jason Raymond

Why do you want to be a camp leader and how has Farmers Union prepared you for this? When I first came to Farmers Union Leadership Camp, I was in middle school and I did not feel like I belonged at my school. I arrived at camp and everyone was so warm

and welcoming. It was easy for me to make friends.

It was the JACs who created this warm and welcoming atmosphere. These JACs were great role models. They worked to connect with me and the other campers. As a JAC, I want to be part of making camp welcoming and a special experience for everyone.

Chase Melius, JAC

Hometown: Faulkton

Guardians: Kelly and Dawn Melius

Why do you want to be a camp leader and how has Farmers Union prepared you for this? I am eager to help campers have the best time they can when they are at camp. Over the years, I have had great examples from previous JACs who I looked up to on how to do this.

Cadence Konechne, Jr. JAC

Hometown: Kimball

Guardians: Kayla and Kelly Konechne

What does success in this role as Jr. JAC look like to you? Being able to teach new campers the things that make camp fun, like the dances, games and traditions. Throughout the years that I have attended camp, it has helped me open up and be more outgoing.

Beckett Hutcheson, Jr. JAC

Hometown: Canistota

Guardians: Jenny and Luke Hutcheson

What does success in this role as Jr. JAC look like to you? I want to make sure younger campers have fun. Through the years that I have attended camp, it has helped me become a more outgoing and talkative person. ■

2023-2024 Junior Advisory Council Team stands with Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden: Chase Melius, Madi Raymond and Sean Thompson.

2023-2024 Jr. JACs stand with Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden: Beckett Hutcheson and Cadence Konechne.

RODEO FINALS

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

Around the State with Farmers Union

DONATION

AGP donated $10,000 to Farmers Union Youth Programs to support camp, cooperative and farm safety education. SDFU President Doug Sombke is pictured here with Emma Schaunaman, AGP.

Union Farmer

There has been a lot of smoke in Washington over the past month – both literally and figuratively. For most of May, Congress was bogged down due to intense and painstaking negotiations over the debt ceiling. Coverage of the negotiations featured a significant amount of “smoke”– with both sides portraying the negotiations as difficult and unproductive, all while slow but steady progress was being made behind closed doors.

Despite the resolution to the standoff, plenty of smoke remains (literally). Washington is currently choked by wildfire smoke being pushed down from Canada to the point that simply being outdoors is considered “hazardous.”

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And Congress and the Biden administration were certainly burning the midnight oil to come to an agreement on the debt ceiling. We are hopeful the smoke dissipates before the Farm Bill expires and lawmakers can soon make progress on important legislation.

PRESIDENT BIDEN SIGNS BILL TO RAISE DEBT CEILING, AVERT DEFAULT

On May 28, President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced an agreement to resolve the months-long impasse over the impending debt ceiling. In mid-January, the U.S. officially hit the debt ceiling, which prevents the federal government from borrowing money to pay down existing debt. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced “extraordinary measures” to enable the federal government to continue paying its financial obligations but warned such measures would be exhausted by early June.

In March, Biden released his budget proposal to Congress, which increased both defense and nondefense spending levels and proposed new revenues from high-income households and corporations. This proposal was quickly rejected by House Republicans. Biden refused to negotiate on the debt ceiling with McCarthy, insisting on a clean debt-ceiling increase without conditions. After months of wrangling, the House GOP narrowly passed their own debt limit bill in late-April, which proposed federal spending cuts of nearly 14 percent over the next decade, including major cuts to clean energy spending from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and strict work requirements for participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), essential food assistance and anti-poverty programs.

With both sides taking action, Biden and McCarthy finally came together to begin negotiations. Initial meetings were rocky, with little progress being reported and talks “breaking down.” Biden even had to cut short his attendance at the G-7 Summit in Japan to return to Washington, as the deadline approached. However, talks began to progress in the final weeks of May.

The deal was struck the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. The agreement provides a roadmap

for federal spending for the next decade, with two years of hard spending caps, followed by four years of non-binding spending targets. In exchange for suspending the debt limit until January 2025, the deal freezes fiscal year (FY) 2024 federal spending at FY 2023 levels, and caps FY 2025 spending levels at 1 percent growth.

Republicans demanded a decade of statutory spending caps but settled for two years of binding caps and four years of non-binding targets. The deal also imposes and expands existing work requirements for certain recipients of SNAP and TANF. Democrats were able to keep the climate and clean energy spending provisions and tax credits in the IRA largely intact.

Many observers looked to the debt ceiling standoff as an indicator for the farm bill process. The deal resulted in mixed feelings among Republicans and Democrats alike. Even with increases in work requirements for certain SNAP recipients, new exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals and families and young adults who recently left foster care will result in a net increase in SNAP spending, per the Congressional Budget Office.

Other funding considerations are also complicating the farm bill situation. Rescissions of funding that were authorized but not yet spent will cut about $3.2 billion from USDA programs. This includes nearly $400 million from the Dairy Donation Program, which likely could have been repurposed for the Farm Bill.

NFU OPPOSES FY24 APPROPRIATIONS BILL

On May 18, NFU stated opposition to passage of the fiscal year 2024 agriculture funding bill as passed by the U.S. House Appropriations agriculture subcommittee. The bill includes several harmful provisions and funding cuts, including language preventing USDA from completing ongoing and forthcoming rulemakings to modernize and strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act).

The bill also includes several other harmful provisions, including:

• Cutting funds that would support distressed borrowers of Farm Service Agency loans.

• Rolling back funding for programs that help address climate change and promote the growth of renewable energy on farms and ranches.

• Tightening requirements for low-income individuals to qualify for SNAP (in addition to the new requirements from the debt ceiling deal).

The P&S Act rulemakings would provide clearer protection for producers of livestock and poultry, clarify what conduct or actions by meatpackers violates the P&S Act (including by making clear what constitutes deceptive and retaliatory conduct by meatpackers), require poultry companies to be more transparent in their contracting practices with producers and would settle the issue that individual

farmers that are harmed do not need to prove competitive injury to the entire sector (whether cattle, hogs, poultry or otherwise) in order to bring a case under the P&S Act.

NFU has advocated for modernizing and strengthening the P&S Act for decades and has contended with similar harmful provisions instituted through the appropriations process before. The Obama-era P&S Act rulemakings were hampered through the FY 2012-15 appropriations bills. When NFU and allies won the victory to lift those appropriations riders, the Obama administration did not have sufficient time to successfully finalize most of its proposed P&S Act rules.

NFU will work to ensure these harmful provisions are not part of the final House bill and similarly harmful provisions are not included in the Senate agriculture appropriations bill.

FARM BILL FOCUS: NFU CHAMPIONS FARMERS FIRST ACT

In mid-May, Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the Farmers First Act of 2023, which reauthorizes and increases funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). FRSAN was first authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill but did not receive funding from Congress until 2019. The Farmers First Act increases annual funding for FRSAN from the current level of $10 million to $15 million for Fiscal Years 2024-2028.

FRSAN supports a service provider network that connects farm and ranch families to stress assistance programs and resources. Four regional centers established through FRSAN are increasing access to farm stress services across the United States and its territories by coordinating efforts to serve the unique needs of the populations in each region. Services provided and coordinated through FRSAN include telephone helplines and websites, training programs and workshops, support groups and outreach services.

Farming is an inherently stressful occupation, with persistent financial pressure, falling commodity prices, climate change and lingering effects from the Covid-19 pandemic hitting rural America particularly hard. Sixty percent of rural residents live in areas with professional health shortages, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. FRSAN is essential for serving populations where the need is great, and resources are limited.

The bill is cosponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR), Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jerry Moran (RKS), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Susan Collins (RME). NFU will push for its inclusion in the 2023 Farm Bill. ■ Current as of June 17, 2023

Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

From the President.... Farmers Union Policy Supports Landowners’ Rights

In South Dakota your actions speak louder than your words and your word is your bond!

South Dakota Farmers Union policy supports landowners’ rights. Because of this, during the 2023 Legislative Session SDFU supported HB1133.

In a nutshell, House Bill 1133 did not define CO2 as a common carrier commodity. Unlike electricity, water or natural gas transported via pipelines, transporting high pressured CO2 benefits currently only two private ownership groups in search of federal tax incentives.

HB1133 passed the House but died in the Senate. If HB1133 had passed the Senate, CO2 would not qualify for eminent domain. And Summit Carbon Solutions would not be drilling on farm ground owned by Brown County landowners like Jared Bossly. And farmers like Jared Bossly could focus on growing crops, not fighting in court with Summit Carbon Solutions.

While Farmers Union and other agriculture and landowner rights group lobbied for HB1133, Summit Carbon Solutions’ 12 lobbyists worked hard to influence senators against the bill. Summit Carbon Solutions also served as a platinum sponsor of the 2023 inauguration.

I share all this background with you because during a June 26 radio interview with KWAT radio, Gov. Kristi Noem said she had no legal control over the fact that Summit Carbon Solutions is exercising eminent domain. “There were several bills that came to the legislature that would have addressed this; the Legislature killed them all. None of them made it to my desk.”

This is completely not true. The governor is the most powerful political position in our state wielding extreme influence when it comes to lobbying for bills during legislative session. Yet, never did she or anyone from her office support HB1133 or any other bill making property rights stronger for landowners.

Her bill specifically against Chinese investors SB 185, which she goes on to throw legislators and ag groups under the bus over, has nothing to with eminent domain or the way Summit Carbon Solutions is using it to abuse family farmers and ranchers today.

The governor clearly pivots mentioning SB 185 which has absolutely nothing to do with eminent domain to throw listeners off the fact she has done nothing to support family farmers and property rights. Moreover, she is doing everything she can for her platinum sponsor of the 2023 imaginational ball Summit Carbon Solutions.

As governor and a supporter of family farmers and their property rights, she has the power to halt any surveying and test wells for any CO2 pipeline until after South Dakota Public Utilities Commission finalizes their ruling of the pipeline in South Dakota, the least this governor should have done is use her influence with her party leadership to make sure HB1133 would get to the floor of the senate for debate and a vote. Remember, South Dakota’s House and Senate along with all state

Union Farmer

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

wide elected officials are controlled by the same party – the governor’s party, Any lack of action protecting family farmers from eminent domain abuse is clearly on the governor and her party leadership.

She also has the power to call a special session to address eminent domains abuse to family farmers and county commissions who are calling for specific setback limitations protecting the public.

In South Dakota your actions speak louder than your words. Gov. Noem has clearly spoken with her lack of action.

Because our policy continues to support landowners’ rights, South Dakota Farmers Union is working to unite with other organizations to continue to support landowners’ rights as they fight against Summit Carbon Solutions in court.

Landowners’ rights will be among the many topics discussed during our July 20 Policy Meeting. Our board has invited representatives from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to answer questions on this topic during the meeting. At this time, we are unsure if they will be attending the meeting.

Join us at 9 a.m. July 20 for South Dakota Farmers Union Policy Meeting. To join the virtual meeting, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Policy Meeting slider. Based on member feedback, the 2023 meeting will once again be held in a hybrid format. The Board of Directors and Policy Committee will meet in person and members can participate via Zoom.

If you have any questions, contact Karla Hofhenke at 605-554-3028 ext. 1140.

Sincerely,

Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

Congressional Leaders Contact information:

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

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

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 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

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

Doug Sombke, SDFU President

Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance Brendon Hansen Agency, Inc.

There’s just something about growing up in a small town. For Farmers Union Insurance Agent Brendon Hansen, it was baseball and family.

“I returned to Irene after college because baseball and my family were here,” Hansen explained. “Growing up, sports were my big thing. I played football, basketball, baseball and golf.”

Hansen started playing amateur baseball for the Irene Cardinals at 16 and continued after he graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University with a degree in business.

“Six of us started playing in the adult baseball league together, we took our lumps and learned from it and got pretty good – making it to the state tournament year after year,” he said of the 17 years they played together. “The thrill of standing on the batter’s box or pitcher’s mound – it’s oneon-one. That adrenaline rush is hard to replicate.”

In addition to baseball, there was another draw. A family business. Hansen’s dad, Darrell, his brother, Brian, and he decided to jointly open a Farmers Union Insurance Agency together.

“We shared the values of community and service to clients that Farmers Union Insurance focuses on,” he said.

For Hansen, working as an insurance agent turned out to be a good career fit. It gave him some flexibility to remain involved in baseball and he got to serve the small-town communities he and his wife, Sara, grew up in.

Farmers Union insurance is actually how Brendon and Sara met.

Sara’s dad, Gary, was the Menno Farmers Union Insurance Agent. As Gary was nearing retirement, Brendon took over. Today, Brendon works with clients in Irene and Menno, he happily spends work hours in his and his wife’s hometowns.

“I’m very big on family and community. Growing up in Irene I knew everyone and knew the community supported me,” he said. “My clients are what matters to me and making sure that if something happens to them, they have the coverage they need to put things back the way they were, this is what I work hard to accomplish.”

Today, Brendon and Sara are happy that their four children: Jacob, AJ, Noah and Olivia get to experience a smalltown childhood similar to the one they enjoyed – surrounded by a supportive community and plenty of South Dakota smalltown life, including baseball. ■

Contact Info:

Irene: 605-263-2121 • Menno: 605-387-5555 email: brendon.hansen@fumic.com

farm, Rob is a crop insurance claims adjuster for Precision Risk Management and Darcie is a nurse, working as Director of Clinical Operations for Horizon Health Care. They have three young children, Everett, 7; Rosie, 4; and Esme, six months.

Recently the couple expanded their farming operation, leasing land from Rob’s dad, Roger, and Darcie’s dad, David Cronkhite.

“My dad’s land is on the south end of the county and Darcie’s dad’s land is at the north end of the county, so 20 miles apart,” Lee said. “It can be a lot of driving – I made the drive three times yesterday – but at the same time it spreads out my risk geographically.”

The couple became actively involved in South Dakota Farmers Union after Lee

advocated for South Dakota agriculture during a National Farmers Union Fly-In in 2018. Lee said they were impressed with the grassroots nature of Farmers Union policy development and advocacy.

“It is a big deal to us how Farmers Union does grassroots policy. Starting at the local level and working its way up from there,” Lee said.

Lee has also served as a delegate to the state convention and was elected to serve as a delegate to the National Farmers Union convention.

“We appreciate that in Farmers Union policy is developed from a county level up to the national level, not the inverse. There is no top-down policy,” Lee said.

In the role as Next Generation Advisory

Representative, Lee will serve a threeyear term. During the three years, he will participate in quarterly NFU Board of Director meetings and other NFU events.

“This is a big commitment for both me and Darcie because when I am away from the farm for National Farmers Union, she will be managing everything on her own. She supports me because we both agree that anything that is worthwhile doing in life is a commitment,” Lee said.

In addition to Farmers Union, Lee also serves on the Kingsbury County Conservation District and Chair for the South Dakota Committee for National Crop Insurance Services. ■ By Lura

Roti for SDFU

Brendon Hansen with his wife, Sara (far right) and their children: Noah, Jacob, AJ and Olivia.

Rob Lee Continued from Page 5

THAN K YOU

Thank you for sponsoring the fourth place market hog! Me and big dog had lots of fun! The plaque is really nice.

– Jonathan Moe

Thank you for sponsoring the fourth overall breeding plaque. My gilt is a spot gilt and her name is Karen. The plaque is really nice.

– Andrew Moe

Members Lacey and Mike Rippentrop welcome Henry Allen June 17 at 7:30 p.m. He weighed 9 pounds 11 oz and was 22 ¼ inches long. Grandma Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, is delighted and grateful. Henry is grandbaby number five.

Darlene F. Malone, age 87, of Lake Preston passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the Good Samaritan Society of DeSmet, S.D.

Having a passion for volunteering, she was an active member of the UMC/UCC Church and Women’s Fellowship, South Dakota Farmers Union as District 3 Education Leader for many years, American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, 4-H and the Alumni 4-H Group “YMW.” God blessed Darlene with five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. They were the pride and joy of her life. She enjoyed sharing the passions she loved with them and encouraging, attending, following them in their many activities and adventures.

Darlene is survived and cherished by her husband, Bernard, her children, Lori MaloneHansen of Redfield, S.D., and Lisa Malone of Lake Preston, S.D.; grandchildren, Veronica Dahl, LaRen (Chad) Johnson, Heather Kruger, Lance Rademaker, and Miles Rademaker; great-grandchildren, D.J. Plummer, Tracy Engelkes, Raelynn Engelkes, Garrett Kruger, Dani Kruger, Autumn Johnson, Emily Johnson, Brooke Johnson,and Kennedy Johnson.; greatgreat-granddaughter, Lilah Engelkes; siblings, Don (Sherrie) Abel of Morton, Ill., Deanna (Lowell) Satterlee of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Delaine (Daryl) Keezer of Murry, Ky.; brother-inlaw, Owen Malone of Las Vegas, Nev.; beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Condolences can be mailed to Lisa Malone at 21061 441th Ave., Lake Preston, SD 57249.

COOK’S CORNER

Crab Salad

1 pkg Rotini noodles

10 sticks of crab

1 jar black olives

1 jar Spanish olives

Dressing:

1 pkg. Italian dressing

1 ½ c. mayonnaise

1/3 c. water

1 ½ tsp. vinegar

Prepare noodles as directed. Drain and cool. Cut crab sticks into pieces. Slice all olives. Mix together noodles, crab and olives. Blend together all dressing ingredients and pour over crab mixture. Chill.

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