Farmers Union Camps
There’s still time to sign your children up for Farmers Union Camp. With three types of camp available, there’s a fun and engaging option for all South Dakota youth ages 6-18.
“Whether your child attends one of our District Day Camps or our Senior or Youth Leadership Camp, our education team has developed programming that will provide fun access to farm safety, cooperative
South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates McCook Farm Family
Vicki and Andrew Streff were recently asked how they met and nearly in unison they said, “church ladies.”
“The church ladies got together and thought, let’s introduce some Streff boys to some Rakus girls,” explained Vicki of how their first meeting was orchestrated.
The church ladies were on to something because in addition to Andrew and Vicki hitting it off, Vicki’s sister, Katie, ended up marrying Andrew’s brother, Mark.
“Katie and I have always been close. She is my best friend and since we married brothers, now we get to share the same last name for a second time,” Vicki said.
It’s appropriate that their shared Catholic faith brought them together because faith plays a large role in the Streff family, explained Andrew’s mom, Julie.
The Streff family farms near Salem – Vicki and Andrew Streff with their son, Luke.
Union Farmer
“I moved to Salem to teach at the Catholic school here because faith is very important to me,” Julie said. “As the boys were growing up, we made sure to frequently talk about our faith.”
In fact, Julie and Eugene met because of St. Mary Catholic School. During the homecoming parade while she was teaching, Eugene saw Julie and decided to call her up and ask her on a date. “His nephew was a student in my class, so I knew the family,” Julie said.
A year later they married. It was 1992 and Eugene was more than a decade into farming the land his great-uncle, Bill Streff, sold him on contract-for-deed in 1981.
“My great-uncle came to visit me and offered to sell the quarter to me because he wanted to have a young guy over here and keep the farm in the family,” Eugene explained.
Great-uncle Bill Streff had good reason to keep the farmground in the family. The Streff
family has farmed in McCook County since homesteading days. Over a century ago, Eugene’s great-grandfather Joseph Streff, was a successful farmer and he was able to help each of his six sons get land and a start in farming.
Today, Eugene and Julie continue the tradition. In their 60s, they are currently in the process of transitioning the farm to Andrew and Vicki. Andrew’s older brothers, John and Mark, pursued off-farm careers. But for Andrew, it was always farming.
“I always wanted to farm,” Andrew said. “I’ve always liked driving tractors, and when I was a freshman in high school, Mom and Dad provided me an opportunity to actually farm as opposed to
Streff Family Corn Maze is planted by Andrew Streff and shared with the community of Salem.
The Streff Family: Eugene and Julie with their sons and their families: John and Hannah with their children, Xavier, Thomas and Sebastian; Mark and Katie with daughter, Bethany (expecting a baby boy soon); Andrew and Vicki with son, Luke.
“Mom and Dad always were big into the fact that you need to know how to run the business of the farm, not just how to drive tractors… because tractors are driving themselves these days.” – Andrew Streff
just being farm labor.”
His freshman year, Andrew leased 10 acres from Eugene and Julie. He made all the decisions on the land and kept the profits from the corn he raised.
Andrew returned to farm full time with Eugene.
Together the men raise corn and soybeans, managing the land with minimal or no-till practices and quite a bit of precision agriculture.
By the time he graduated, Andrew’s 10 acres had grown to 100 acres that he leased and farmed together with Mark.
In addition to learning about what goes into raising crops, because he kept meticulous records on his farm acres as part of his FFA Supervised Agriculture Experience, Andrew said he learned quite a bit about the business of farming.
“Mom and Dad always were big into the fact that you need to know how to run the business of the farm, not just how to drive tractors… because tractors are driving themselves these days,” Andrew said.
Eugene said this mindset came from farming during the challenging 1980s and what he learned later in his farming career from one of his Mitchell Technical instructors.
“He stopped by the farm and asked if I wanted to work through a computer farm business management course with him. I learned the value in looking at the numbers instead of just focusing on production,” Eugene said. “You can produce all you want, but if it is not profitable, why do it? And marketing, marketing is No. 1.”
In addition to his crop acres, Andrew and Mark also did custom land rolling and operated an ag equipment detailing business. “Together we could detail a combine in one day and earn $400,” said Andrew, who also kept records on the agribusinesses as part of FFA.
Andrew’s recordkeeping paid off in more ways than one. From 2016 to 2019, Andrew received multiple state and national FFA awards including the American Star in Ag Placement. He was also selected to serve as the South Dakota State FFA Treasurer in 2016.
Getting involved and giving back through leadership is something that remains important to Andrew today. He currently serves on the board of directors of Central Farmers Cooperative. And each spring, he uses his planter’s precision technology and plants a corn maze for the community to enjoy. Last year, the family hosted nearly 500 people at the corn maze over two weekends.
“When I started, I had a small farrow to finish operation and some cattle, but my passion was really with the crops,” Eugene said. “I just enjoy seeing the crops grow and see what ways I can do better.”
Doing their best is a mantra of the Streff family.
Even though in the early years finances were tight, Eugene made an effort to maintain a pristine farmyard and do everything to the best of his ability.
“It has always been that if we are going to do something it needs to look nice and be done right,” Eugene said. “We all like things done well.”
Julie has the same mindset.
“The desire for excellence was taught and bred into us,” Andrew said. “If you are going to do something, do it well otherwise why do it? Also, we are quite competitive.”
“You should see board game night,” Vicki added. “I’m competitive too.”
Board game night has turned into board game afternoons. Afternoons are when Vicki and Andrew’s 9-month-old son, Luke, takes a nap.
Although Vicki did not grow up on a farm, she is grateful Luke gets to grow up on one. Before motherhood, Vicki was a K-12 music teacher. She moved to South Dakota from New Jersey with her family during COVID because South Dakota wasn’t locked down like New Jersey.
“I like the fact that Luke will be able to go outside and play in all this open space, ” Vicki said.
Transitioning the farm to the next generation
About the same time he returned home to farm with his parents, Andrew was recruited to work for a Mitchell commodity broker. He started in May of 2020 and by 2023 he purchased Farmers Trading Company.
price risk. If the price of cattle suddenly goes up, farmers can sell a contract of cattle one day. The next day, if the Trade War causes the cattle market to go down, another cattle producer may ask me to buy calves on the board.”
Working as both a farmer and a commodity broker, Andrew understands the stress the Trade War is causing for the agriculture producers he serves. “It is about trying to manage the price risk and take measured bets on the market,” said Andrew, who also runs Midwest Grain Marketing, a marketing service geared toward completely managing a farms grain marketing program.
Beginning in 2018, Andrew started leasing and operating a portion of the farm from his parents. In 2024 Eugene handed over the farm management to Andrew. Today, Andrew and Vicki lease and manage 70 percent of the farm.
“Young people staying in the cattle business is rare and my dad wanted to see this carry on because cattle are his passion.”
“It is a fun time, we are growing the business and I get to help farmers,” Andrew said.
– Melissa Ellwein
After graduating with a degree in agriculture business from South Dakota State University,
Even in the midst of the current Trade War, Andrew sees opportunity. “President Trump is both a challenge and an opportunity for a farmer. The Tariff War created a lot of market volatility which gives farmers the opportunity to trade
“Transferring ownership and decisions over to Andrew is something we want to do, but it is not easy because I have been managing the farm all these years and now, I have to bite my tongue on occasion. But Julie and I feel that young people need the chance to develop their own lifestyle and future and set goals for the farm and reach for those goals,” Eugene explained. “I could keep farming full time and keep control of all the decisions, but is that good for Andrew and Vicki? We are proud of Andrew and Vicki and excited for their future on our family farm.” n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Union Farmer Burger Battle Boosts Revenue for Rural Restaurants & Bars
On any given winter day, one Reli-Bar employee can easily serve the 20 locals who show up and order a meal at the Reliance community’s only establishment.
But during the month of February, it takes at least two employees to manage the lunch and supper crowd. This is because of an annual Burger Battle competition between nine Lyman County and Brule County bars and restaurants, explained Angie Reis.
“The meal orders nearly triple. I’m pretty much married to the bar during the Burger Battle because it takes two of us to keep up with orders,” said Angie, who co-owns the bar with her husband, Zane. “Thank God for my staff – Bryce Janis, Jessie Gourneau, Missy Hoffer, Brooke Janis, Taylor Moran and NaTeela Hislaw. Everyone steps up during the Burger Battle month. It is totally a team effort.”
And it’s not just locals who show up to order a burger and cast their vote. “The Burger Battle brings in people from Chamberlain who don’t usually drive the 12 miles to check out a little bar in Reliance,” Angie said. Driving traffic to local restaurants during what is typically a slower time of year is the reason the Chamberlain/Oacoma Chamber of Commerce launched the Burger Battle in 2021, explained Chamber board president Chad Pinkelman.
“February is the shortest month, but it always feels like the longest,” Pinkelman said. “We want to get people out of the house and doing something fun during this colder season.”
In 2025 the Burger Battle brought in an estimated $27,224.62 in additional revenue spread across the nine businesses who competed. More Burger Battle burgers were sold than votes were cast. During the month of February, 1,711 votes were cast for Burger Battle burgers. The
2025 Burger Battle winner was The Smoking Mule.
“We sold 801 Bam Burgers during the 25 days we were open during the Burger Battle,” said The Smoking Mule owner Erica Sperl. “The Burger Battle encourages locals to go out locally instead of traveling to Pierre, Mitchell or Sioux Falls.”
Sperl has been working at The Smoking Mule since her mom and stepdad opened it in 2018. She recently purchased the restaurant and co-created the 2025 Burger Battle winner with her stepdad, Terry Gaulke.
“We made three or four options and had our staff sample the burger and give us their feedback. We knew we had a winner because our staff loved it,” Sperl said.
The Bam Burger featured smoked bacon, grilled pineapple, the restaurant’s creamy signature cheese blend and was topped with a crab rangoon and sweet chili.
And the secret ingredient is…locally raised beef
The Reli-Bar’s West River Rancher burger won the 2024 Burger Battle. In 2025, it was the Queso-Holic burger that was responsible for crowds of diners heading to the Reli-Bar. This ranch-raised burger was topped with homemade queso, pepper bacon and jalapeno bottle caps.
And like all the burgers sold at Reli-Bar, the Queso-Holic burger featured Reis Ranch-raised beef.
“Being able to sell a burger that is made with your own beef – it is better than anything,” Angie said.
“It’s important our customers know who is raising the beef they are eating,” explained Angie’s husband, Zane. “We think it is important that they can actually meet the rancher who raised the beef.”
Angie and Zane raise cattle with his parents, David and Brenda, on the Reliance ranch that has been in his family for five generations.
Growing up on his family’s ranch, Zane said he always loved working with cattle, but it wasn’t until he left for college at 18 that he knew he needed to build his life and career on the ranch and in the Reliance community.
“I have been building my cattle herd since my grandma gave me my first heifer when I was 5,” Zane said. “I went through a phase when I wasn’t sure if this was the life I wanted. But one month into college, I just
Farmers Union members Angie and Zane Reis co-own the Reli-Bar. Pictured here with Zane’s parents, David and Brenda Reis. Reli-Bar serves Reis ranch-raised beef.
Erica Sperl created the 2025 Burger Battle winner with her stepdad, Terry Gaulke. Sperl is pictured here with her family left to right: Rylie, Raegan, Erica, Ben and Rowan.
Meet the 2025 Interns
ELilly Blume is pursuing an associate’s degree in agriculture science at South Dakota State University. Growing up on a ranch near Redfield, Blume understands the work that farm and ranch families do to feed America. She sees this internship with South Dakota Farmers Union as a way to help educate young consumers about where their food comes from.
“Even if they grow up in a rural community,
ach summer, South Dakota Farmers Union welcomes college-age students to serve as Education Program interns. These young adults assist Education Program Specialist Samantha Bowman with curriculum development, county camp facilitation and serve as mentors to the junior leaders who plan and facilitate state camps. Read on to get to know them! Interns Continued on Page 12
many kids don’t get to see behind the scenes to understand how hard people in agriculture work. I want to help them understand,” Blume said. “Through the camps, we will be able to help make kids and their parents more aware.”
Blume first learned about Farmers Union when she participated in the camps when she was younger, and later when she competed
Lily Blume
Chloe Culver
Union Farmer
Camp Call Out
from Page 1
and leadership education,” explained Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU).
To sign up, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Education tab.
There’s A Farmers Union Day Camp Near You
In 2025, a Farmers Union Day Camp will be held in 54 of the state’s 66 counties. Organized by volunteers in collaboration with SDFU Education Team, all of the day camps have similar agendas that include farm safety and cooperative education, but with their own local twist.
“Because we work with local volunteers to help find speakers from local cooperatives and agribusinesses to help lead the lessons, no day camp is the same,” explained Samantha Bowman, SDFU Education Program Specialist.
Volunteers include Ipswich farmer Sarah Perrion. Perrion first volunteered to help organize the Edmunds County Day Camp when her oldest daughter, Bexley, was 6. She was so impressed with the outcome that she is among many volunteers helping in 2025.
“I didn’t know what to expect because I didn’t grow up in Farmers Union. But after I saw the impact attending camp had on Bexley, I knew this was something I wanted to continue to be a part of,” Perrion said. “Bexley is the most timid of our daughters and she made a friend. After camp she kept talking about the farm safety demonstration – to show the dangers of downed wires, the
Bexley was not the only youth impacted by the safety demonstration. “By the time we went home for lunch, I had several text messages from other parents letting me know that their kids, won’t stop talking about what they learned.”
Farm safety for all youth is an important focus of Farmers Union camps, explained Bowman. “As generations continue to get further and further away from the farm, many youth lose the opportunity to learn what is safe from their parents as well as the awareness of how to behave around livestock. However, that does not mean they will not spend time on a friend’s farm or ranch. And many who do not live on the farm still operate small equipment like 4-wheelers. It is important for all South Dakota youth to learn how to be safe.”
Perrion agreed. “Our daughters have a pretty good idea of what they can play on and what they need to stay away from on our farm. But when their cousins visit, we have to keep a close eye on them.”
Perrion said safety is taught in a way that kids can understand. “One demonstration encouraged kids to wear helmets when they are on a 4-wheeler. They put a helmet on a watermelon and dropped the watermelon. Then they dropped a watermelon without a helmet. There was a visible difference.”
In 2024, Bexley’s younger sister, Haddie, joined her at Day Camp. “When she turned 6 she said, ‘now I can finally go to Farmers
Union Camp,’ Perrion said.
Perrion’s youngest daughter Elliott, 4, is eager for her opportunity to attend.
Ag Ed in a Traditional Camp Setting
Seeing all the fun and opportunities his older siblings gained from attending Farmers Union Camp is the reason Braxtyn Raymond, 12, attended State Youth Camp in 2024, explained his mom, Betsy.
“I was happy when Braxtyn wanted to attend because Madi and Coltyn each had a really good experience,” said Betsy, who works as a Certified Public Accountant in Parkston. “The older kids absolutely love Farmers Union Camp. And they have had such great opportunities to network and gain leadership skills.”
During State Youth Camp, youth learn about cooperatives because they get to run one. They also learn about an aspect of agriculture. In 2024, Braxtyn and his friends learned about the digestive system of ruminant animals and had the opportunity to tour a veterinary clinic.
In 2025, in addition to cooperatives, youth will learn about renewable and nonrenewable resources and the important role farmers and ranchers play in protecting and producing natural resources.
“There are some misconceptions outside of the agriculture world that agriculture hurts the ecosystem or environment, and this just is not the case,” Bowman explained. “Family farmers and ranchers have come a long way in their investment in the land and we want
electric cooperative fried a hot dog with a powerline.”
Along with traditional camp activities, Farmers Union Youth Camp provides youth with opportunities to learn about cooperatives, farm safety and the state’s largest industry of agriculture.
Sean Thompson helps camper Kyle Olson with his cooperative report.
Celebrate Farm & Ranch Moms
As we reflect on the women who raised us this Mother’s Day, South Dakota Farmers Union would like to celebrate the many women who support the state’s No. 1 industry – farm and ranch moms!
Read on to learn about Shelly Kenzy of Gregory and Darcie Lee of De Smet.
Shelly Kenzy, Gregory
One of the many ways the Kenzy family spends time together is gathering at the family farm.
“Our sons live, eat and breathe the farm, and when our daughter, Brooklynn, is home from college the farm is where she wants to spend time too,” said Shelly of her children- Brooklynn, 21; Nick, 18; and Tyler, 17. “George is great about finding a project for us all to work on as a group – whether it’s feeding calves, working cows or moving them from one pasture to the next.”
It’s always been this way, she said. Even though Shelly and her husband, George, have their home in town, 25 miles from the farm where George and his brother, Brett, raise crops, cattle and operate a feedlot together – when the kids were little, the farm is where Shelly and the kids would spend their days.
“Some of the best memories were the weeks spent staying with George’s parents at the farm when the kids were younger. It was and always will be their favorite place to be,” Shelly said.
Shelly made the decision to leave her career as a dental assistant and stay at home with her children when she was expecting her second child. She was able to do that until their school years.
“I don’t think people realize how unique farm life is,” Shelly said. “The kids get to work with their dad, they gain respect for the land and animals. It teaches them responsibility, respect and independence. They learn to do things for themselves.”
For example, Nick and Tyler are currently replacing the engine in George’s 1991 Dodge. “Farm life opens so many opportunities and doors for them. It gives them so many experiences they would not have otherwise.”
To expand their children’s experiences, when Shelly and George went somewhere, they always brought their children. “We had our kids with us all the time, whether it’s a funeral, meeting, public event or a Farmers Union Fly-In in Washington, D.C. It taught them how to deal with real life things early on and understand how to behave in all kinds of environments.”
Growing up, Shelly said, “I always knew I wanted to be a mom, turns out it’s been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.”
Shelly grew up in rural Wyoming and met George as a child. “Our moms went to school together and were friends,” she explained. “We would come back nearly every summer to Gregory for the Fourth of July. I remember George actually pulled us on a trailer behind a 4-wheeler in the parade each year.”
They reconnected in their late 20s. “I hadn’t seen him for about 10 years. As they say, the rest is history,” Shelly said.
When their youngest, Tyler, started kindergarten, Shelly returned to work for the school. Today, she is the Gregory Elementary School Administrative Assistant. “I love my job. I love getting to know all the kids and their families,” Shelly said.
Working in the school gives Shelly the unique opportunity to be around her children and their friends all through the day.
She makes it a priority to stay close to her children as they get older. “I enjoy not only being their mom but also their friend. I stay very honest with them,” she said. “We talk about everything all the time.”
She also likes to stay up until they get home, because she wants to hear about their day. “As they come in, they’re still full of energy, and we end up having some of our best talks at night. It’s important for me to stay connected with my children as they grow.”
As their children look to their future, the farm remains important to them. “Continuing the family legacy means so much to George and his family and, the farm means the world to me. We know it is important.,” Shelly said. “And whatever happens, we know when they do return to the farm, they will take care of it and be good stewards of the land and livestock.” n by Lura
Roti for SDFU
Kenzy children on the farm: Tyler, Brooklynn and Nick.
Shelly and George Kenzy with their children, Brooklynn, Nick and Tyler
2025 Farmers Union Photo Contest Begins May 1
Enjoy capturing life on South Dakota’s farms and ranches? Then you are encouraged to enter photos in South Dakota Farmers Union annual photo contest May 1 through Oct. 1.
Photographers compete for cash prizes.
“Photos tell stories. Whether it’s a newborn calf or pouring seed into the planter or baling hay or corn harvest – there’s plenty of stories to capture on family farms and ranches,” explained Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director for South Dakota Farmers Union. “We love sharing the stories of family farmers and ranchers and this photo contest is one of many ways we are able to do this.”
Throughout the five-month contest, submitted photos are shared on social media in the Farmers Union newsletter and at www.sdfu.org
Enter photos today
The 2025 contest categories are:
• Farm & Ranch Scenery
• Farmer/Rancher at work
• Livestock
All photos need to be entered through the SDFU website, click on Photo Contest link under the News & Events tab. n
Interns Continued from Page 6
in the Farming for the Future Scholarship Ag Advocacy Contest.
In addition to helping out on her family’s ranch, Blume also showed cattle and goats in 4-H and FFA and is involved in the National Angus Association.
Chloe Culver is pursuing a degree in history education at South Dakota State University. And even though she did not grow up on a farm or ranch, she does have a strong appreciation for the work and the people of
agriculture because she spends time on her grandparents’ Huron farm.
She wants to make sure that other South Dakota town kids also have the opportunity to learn about what happens on farms and ranches.
“We live in South Dakota. Everywhere you look you see a farm, so it is important to teach kids where their food comes from,” Culver said.
Culver was happy to learn that farm safety
is among the topics Farmers Union camps focus on. “All South Dakota kids need training in farm safety because, whether they live on a farm or visit a friend’s farm, they need to know how to stay safe.”
After graduation Culver plans to teach, so she appreciates the experience she will gain from this internship. “This is such a great opportunity to work with and teach youth.” n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Livestock
photo credit
Lauren
Weishaar
Farmer
Rancher at Work photo
credit Debbie Harwood
Union Farmer
Add to Ethanol’s To-Do List
Doug Durante, Clean Fuels Development Coalition
Contributed April 14, 2025
For many of us, to stay on top of things we need to write them down as reminders in what I call a “To-Do” list. The ethanol industry has, or should have a “To-Do” list and it would undoubtedly include all the issues that dominate ethanol news:
– Get year-round E15
– Defend the RFS
– Ensure Robust RVOs
– Oppose Small Refinery Waivers
– Try to figure out how to survive in tariff world
– Re-instate dual fuel/FFV vehicle credits and prorate them
Wait, what is that last one? Well, I threw that in, it doesn’t seem to be on anyone’s list, but it sure should be. It looks like we are close on E15, which is good news, but if we ever want to get beyond E15 it would increase our chances dramatically if automakers got credits for using ethanol. Ethanol fuels have too much to offer to simply settle for a world of just two blends – E10/15 or E85.
A recent article in the Farm Journal’s AgWeb featuring an extensive interview with Missouri Corn Growers CEO Bradley Schad got me thinking about this issue. As Schad notes, Flex Fuel Vehicles are an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to increasing ethanol demand and corn grind, particularly for E85 if low carbon fuel standards survive the current administration’s dismissal of climate change. But equally important is the ability to capture value from mid-level blends like an E20-E30 for non-flex cars requiring high octane.
In the article, Schad points out that Ford Motor Company has not only abandoned the production of the F-150 truck in a flex configuration but all FFvs. As Schad points out, it is the farm and ag sector that have made the F-150 not only the top selling truck in America but the top-selling vehicle of any kind. Ford historically has been the
leader in FFV development with company Chairman Bill Ford taking an active role including ads with him in a cornfield with a flex vehicle. Given that farmers with a direct stake in the future of ethanol would love to buy a flex fuel 150, Schad is asking the right question – what happened?
This latest development from Ford leaves a whopping total of just eight vehicles available to the public that offer the option of operating on gasoline, ethanol or any combination. To understand this, a little history is in order.
For many who may have forgotten, the establishment of mileage credits resulted in automakers putting more than 20 million FFVs on the road today. Keep in mind this program was of no cost to the federal government or the consumer. It was designed to reduce oil consumption and as ethanol use increased, it did just that. We were off and running until several ill-informed and narrow-minded environmental groups waged a campaign to eliminate the credits, claiming these FFVs were not always using ethanol. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers offered several ways to actually measure the amount of ethanol going in the vehicles and adjust the credits accordingly. Rather than working with us and the auto industry to address this concern, these enviros went scorched earth and succeeded in eliminating them altogether.
This left automakers in a tough position. Many ethanol supporters argued it only cost a few hundred dollars per vehicle to make them flex capable and they should continue production. From the auto perspective, even a few hundred dollars when you sell millions of cars annually was a cost with no return.
The answer lies in providing mileage and emission credits and recognizing this is not a one size fits all solution. FFVs using E85 make sense in some areas, at some times, but higher ethanol blends in all
cars will make sense in all areas, all of the time. So, we need both. First, we have to get the credits reinstated and implement ways to measure the ethanol used. With the Trump administration vowing to revise fuel economy standards, we have a pathway. Oxygen sensors, computer chips and other devices can be used to give an accurate accounting. If an FFV uses 85 percent ethanol and a conventional auto uses 15, 20 or 30 percent, are they both not meeting the objective of the policy which is to reduce oil consumption?
The red herring chicken or egg argument that we first need E85 pumps doesn’t apply here, and that’s the beauty of FFVs. Unlike EVs that only operate on one fuel source, put FFVs on the road and they can run on lower ethanol blends as higher blend infrastructure continues to develop. As it is, we have nearly 5,000 E85 blender pumps in use today and the consistent, undeniable price advantage of ethanol will spur plenty more, and these pumps provide access to high octane premium ethanol blends that more and more newer cars require.
All of us in agriculture know we are facing a potential crisis with shrinking markets, the uncertainty of trade wars and tariffs, and ever-increasing costs of production paint a bleak picture. But we also know the positive impact of ethanol and by increasing our use of corn and other abundant, renewable feedstocks, we can turn things around with E15, E30 and E85. The Trump administration has made it clear we will continue to rely on internal combustion engines and liquid fuels. Well, that is a call to arms for agriculture, and as our friends in Missouri note, we need Ford and other OEMs to support us. Put it on the list. n
Union Farmer
Quiz
Bowl Continued from Page 13
situations, helping them stay safe while doing the work they love.”
Canton freshman Bayler Lems agreed. “Competing really made me use my head. I live on a farm, and I know this summer I will think more about farm safety because of this contest and the fact that I will be competing at the State Fair.”
And thinking about farm safety is not just for farm kids, his teammate Salvador Mancilla added. “I don’t live on a farm, but I have friends who do. So, it is important for me to understand how to stay safe when I visit my friends’ farms.”
Much of what they learn about farm safety in high school will also benefit them in their careers, explained Howard seniors Mason Jacobson and Lucas Feldhaus.
“I plan on becoming an electrician and I know I will be doing work on farms, so what I learned about things like grain bin safety I will put to use after high school,” said Jacobson, who plans to attend Mitchell Technical College and major in electrical construction and maintenance this fall.
Feldhaus will also be attending Mitchell Technical College. He will major in agronomy. After college he hopes to return home to farm part-time while working for a cooperative or ag business. As far as he is concerned, farm safety is something to always keep in mind.
Farm safety education is a focus
The FFA Farm Safety Quiz Bowl is one of many ways the state’s largest agriculture organization works to educate youth about farm safety. Keeping farm safety top of mind is the goal of programming South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) develops for their annual summer camps that are held across the state and attended by more than 1,000 youth each summer.
“I think farm safety is something you need to keep learning about throughout your career because the ag world is evolving with new technologies and equipment,” Feldhaus explained.
Farmers Union also designed an interactive Farm Safety Trailer to bring the message of farm safety to schools, fairs and community 4-H and FFA events, explains Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director for South Dakota Farmers Union. “Kids learn best when they are having fun, like with the Quiz Bowl competition, and when they get to engage,” Hofhenke said. “So, we made sure each safety lesson exhibited in this trailer engages youth in a hands-on activity.”
For example, in the Farm Safety Trailer youth can try on a safety harness while learning about grain bin safety; drive an ATV simulator to learn how to safely drive an ATV and through the 3-D model farm, they can learn about high-risk areas of the farm and how to be safe.
Since it hit the road in 2018, thousands of South Dakota youth have visited the Farm Safety Trailer.
To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union youth programming, and sign up for summer camps, visit www.sdfu.org n By Lura Roti for SDFU
Union Farmer
From the President.... Trade War
Destroying Fair Markets
South Dakota Farmers Union was chartered more than a century ago because farmers united for fair prices. Fair prices through fair markets continue to motivate much of our policy.
And I don’t have to tell you, it’s tough to get fair prices in the midst of a Trade War.
At the time I’m writing this, it is only three weeks into this Trade War and it has already destroyed the fair markets farmers and ranchers worked decades to develop.
We all invested our checkoff dollars in trade missions.
Many invested time, leaving their farms and ranches to travel and build relationships with other countries, like China and Mexico, where our excess commodities could be sold at a premium.
And while this Trade War, especially with China, robs U.S. farmers and ranchers of their markets. China only imports 12 percent of all their imports from the USA. It will not be hard for them to replace American trade from other countries like Brazil, Argentina or Venezuela. These countries and others are eager to fill the need. When it’s all over, it’s anyone’s guess if we will ever be able to reclaim these markets.
Yes, this administration promises a bailout if it’s necessary. But it is not enough – bailouts don’t bring our markets back. And FARMERS DO NOT WANT BAILOUTS. FARMERS WANT FAIR MARKETS.
Media has been calling me quite a bit to talk about the impacts of this Trade War on the family farmers and ranchers I serve. And the question I receive from media and others is, “why are farmers special?” This question is asked because this Trade War is not only impacting farmers and ranchers, but it is impacting every aspect of the U.S. economy.
Every business.
Every citizen.
Every community.
What are we to do? Farmers Union is doing
Rep. Dusty Johnson
Doug Sombke, SDFU President
what we have done for more than 100 years – we are doing what our grassroots policy asks us to do – we are talking to policymakers to make sure that they understand we do not support tariffs that cripple the economy.
The first week in May SDFU members will travel to Washington, D.C., to join with members from across the nation for National Farmers Union Week of Action. And when we meet faceto-face with policymakers, my message will be:
1. Follow the Constitution
2. End the chaos
All policymakers took an oath to follow the Constitution. They swore to uphold it. We need to hold them accountable.
The Constitution says all on U.S. soil have the right to due process. We need to hold leaders accountable to provide due process to all.
The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse. We need to hold leaders accountable to release funds appropriated by Congress. Many South Dakota farmers and ranchers are waiting for reimbursement funds promised to them by the federal government, but now frozen.
And similar to the Trade War, many industries beyond agriculture are also waiting for funds Congress appropriated.
Your voice matters. Your vote matters.
Although we are only taking a small group of farmers to D.C., please amplify our voice. If you do not agree with what is going on, call your congressional leaders. Their contact numbers are at the bottom of this newsletter page.
Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union
Mason Ohnstad, Legislative Assistant 202-225-2801 mason.ohnstad@mail.house.gov Congressional Leaders Contact information:
www.sdfu.org
Sen. Mike Rounds
Lucas Heitkamp, Legislative Assistant 202-224-5842
Lucas_Heitkamp@rounds.senate.gov
Sen. John Thune
Ashlynne Beninga, Legislative Assistant 202-224-2321
Ashlynne_Beninga@thune.senate.gov
South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes eight times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March/April, May, June/July, August, September/ October and November/December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D.
Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org
POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388
Contact SDFU • 605-554-3028 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
Megan Babcock ext. 1180
Controller Huron Direct Line 605-554-3026
Rocky Forman. .......... ext. 1170
Member Services Coordinator Cavour Direct Line 605-554-3025
Samantha Olerud.....ext 1160
Executive Administrative Asst. Huron Direct line -605-554-3023
Karla Hofhenke ext. 1140
Executive Director Huron
Direct Line 605-554-3028
Samantha Bowman ext. 1250
Education Specialist
Mitchell Direct Line 605-554-3022
Cally Faulhaber ext. 1220
Digital Media Specialist Plankinton Direct Line 605-554-3024
David Smith
Legislative/Farm Specialist Pierre Direct Line 605-350-8857
SDFU Board of Directors
Doug Sombke.........President Groton
Jeff Kippley Vice President Aberdeen
Larry Birgen District I Beresford
Scott Kolousek District II Wessington Springs
Gail Temple District III Clark
David Reis District IV Oacoma
Chad Johnson District VII Groton
Oren Lesmeister District VIII Parade
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
Union Farmer
Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance –
Bill Noethlich, Doland
From the years playing 9-man football for Doland High School, to playing four years as a starter for Southwest Minnesota State University to making it to the last round of cuts for the Minnesota Vikings, football has played a large role in Bill Noethlich’s life.
“Football taught me about discipline in the face of adversity, building relationships and leading as the team captain of my college team – but more than anything, football showed me that nothing is impossible in this world,” explained Noethlich. “I came from a small school, playing 9-man, graduated with 12 kids and had the opportunity to compete and beat out some guys who played in the Big 12 and Pac-10.”
Ever connected to his smalltown roots, a few years after hanging up his cleats, Noethlich left his career in the Twin Cities to return to Doland to farm with his uncles, Louie and Dwight.
“I really loved it. They taught me how to
do everything and I fell in love with agriculture,” Noethlich said.
About this same time, he fell in love with and married Samantha Swanda. Ten years ago, the couple welcomed their son, Owen. Two years later they welcomed Claire, two years later Elsie, two years later Maeve and this May they will welcome their fifth.
“Being a parent teaches you a lot. It changes your perspective on life – I look at everything different today,” Noethlich said.
With their expanding family, Noethlich began looking for a way to stay connected to the agriculture industry he loved but have a bit more time at home to help out than farmwork allowed.
This led him to Farmers Union Insurance. “I enjoy building relationships and working with farm families to help them protect what is providing them their livelihood,” Noethlich said. “I see this as a way to continue helping on more than my uncles’ farm.”
Along with giving him the flexibility to help get the kids on the school bus in the morning, Noethlich’s insurance schedule also allows him to help transport his kids to football, basketball and softball practice. n
Contact: Bill Noethlich
605-460-1525
bill.noethlich@fumic.com
Around the State with Farmers Union
Farm Safety Trailer – Clark
Farmers Union Insurance agent, Bill Noethlich with wife, Samantha, and their children.
Bill Noethlich
