Cattle Producers Call for Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling in Response to Tariff Removal on Argentine Beef
“Hopefully we can use this unified frustration and anger to get the momentum we need for MCOOL.”
Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs
Raising cattle is tough work, and the cattle ranchers who have the grit to take on the task of feeding and protecting the U.S. beef supply through blizzards, drought and 3 a.m. calving emergencies will tell you although it can be grueling at times, the work is rewarding.
Continued on Page 4
South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates McCook County Farm Family
The Westhoff family farms in McCook County: Shaina and Paul with their children, William, 6, Tessa, 4, Ruby, 1, Paul, 8.
Weekday mornings can be a bit chaotic on the Westhoff Farm. Shaina needs to be out the door and on the road by 6:45 a.m. to teach at South Dakota State University. So, before he heads to the farm, Paul is in charge of getting 8-year-old Paul and 6-year-old William on the school bus by 7:45 a.m. and 4-year-old Tessa and 1-year-old Ruby to daycare.
“It can be stressful sometimes, but being a dad is pretty great,” said the fifth-generation McCook farmer.
Raising the children on the family farm is important to Paul and Shaina.
“Out on the farm the kids can be very loud, and no one gets mad, and they learn responsibility,” Shaina said. “I love getting home from work and telling my 6 and 8-year-olds, ‘you need to do chores – feed the kitties and get the eggs.’”
Unlike Paul, Shaina did not grow up on a farm. She grew up near Minneapolis. In school she enjoyed both English and science but found
on Page 2
Union Farmer
“I enjoy working in this very critical and unsung American agriculture industry.”
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science classes more interesting.
Curious about how food was raised, Shaina enjoyed spending time on a friend’s farm. It was there that she learned about career opportunities in soil science and agronomy, which led her to attend South Dakota State University and to pursue degrees in agronomy and environmental management. Shaina and Paul met at SDSU.
Shaina went on to receive a master’s and eventually a doctorate in plant science from SDSU. Today she teaches in the Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department there.
“I enjoy working in this very critical and
unsung American agriculture industry,” Shaina said. “It often shocks people when they learn that I did not grow up on a farm, but the nurse who put the IV in my arm when I had my child did not grow up nursing and my banker did not grow up banking – so you don’t have to grow up farming to work in agronomy and soil science.”
Shaina said her favorite part about teaching is watching students become more interested in a subject they thought would be boring as they learn more about “why” and “how” things work the way they do.
In addition to their farm being a great place to raise their children, Shaina enjoys getting to see the practices she discusses in the classroom implemented in Paul’s fields.
“I enjoy actually seeing how management practices alter the soil properties. Living on the farm helps me when I am teaching because I can discuss the application of practices on our farm,” Shaina explained.
Today nearly all of Paul’s fields are managed with no-till practices. To overcome the yield hit crops typically take in the early years of no-till, Paul bands nutrients.
“You get more bang for your buck banding nutrients. We still dry broadcast some fertilizer, but a portion of the fertilizer goes in the furrow with the seed,” Paul explained. “I tell other farmers, it is a pain in the butt, because you have to stop every 80 acres to refill, but because banding nutrients provides the seed with everything it needs for the critical early growth stages, the difference is noticeable.”
Paul rebuilt a planter, adding the precision section control equipment and technology needed to apply fertilizer in the seed furrow right
beside the seed as it is planted. Paul also rebuilt an air seeder for soybean planting.
“I can rebuild old equipment for a quarter of the price of buying new,” Paul said. “I have always been mechanical. My dad was this way. He always fixed his own equipment.”
When Paul reflects on his farming philosophy, he explained that his dad, Dan, had a strong influence.
Dan was a meticulous recordkeeper. And so is Paul.
“It is all about running the farm as a business, I always know what my costs are, so that I can be as efficient as possible,” Paul said.
Dan invested in on-farm storage because he wanted control over grain marketing. In 2018, Paul added 84,000 bushels of storage. “At this point we have enough on-farm storage for all our crop. Some years you can really make money putting it in the bin and holding on to it … and
Westhoff Family Continued from Page 1
Shaina Westhoff
Shaina with Ruby
some years you cannot,” Paul said.
On-farm storage also increases efficiencies at harvest – no lines to wait in to unload. Paul explained that when he does have time to haul grain, he can let price guide where he delivers.
“Rather than taking it all to town where the basis is not very good, we can contract it to the ethanol plant that is 45 minutes away,” he said.
Before Dan passed away from stomach cancer in January 2025, he took the time to put together an estate plan to keep the farm in the family.
“Dad was adamant about an estate plan. He said, ‘this farm cannot get sold every generation.’ He had seen too many times where Grandpa buys some ground and Dad buys some ground and the kids have to rebuy all the ground – it can kill a family farm.”
Paul and Shaina plan to create a similar transition plan for their children.
Fighting to keep the farm going is part of the Westhoff farm legacy.
“My great-great-grandpa lost the original place during the Depression. So, my greatgrandparents bought the homeplace from an insurance agency in 1938 as the Depression was winding down,” Paul said.
Dan’s dad, Gene, passed away in the 1970s, so Dan took over when he was only 23. After Paul’s mom, Donna, was tragically killed in a farm accident, with four children to raise, Dan made the difficult decision to keep farming instead of getting a job in town.
“It was a lot of stress for Dad, and he contemplated whether he wanted to farm or not at that point,” Paul said.
Paul’s oldest sister, Danielle, and his Grandma Bernette helped take care of him and his siblings. “We spent a lot of time with Grandma, especially during harvest. Dad would have to be in the combine, so we would go to Grandma’s house in town after school and he would pick us up in the late evening and put us to bed.”
Paul said when he graduated from high
Union Farmer
school, he was not sure if he wanted a farming career, but once he got to SDSU, he missed the farm.
“Out here on the farm, everything is a puzzle. Sometimes that is fun, and sometimes it is frustrating and challenging – but that is why I enjoy farming,” Paul said.
After college, Paul put his agriculture systems technology degree to work at an equipment manufacturer in Madison. He worked full time and farmed with his dad. Then in 2018, when his dad was ready to retire, he made the decision to farm full time.
“I’m happy to continue our family farm legacy because it is really about honoring my great-grandparents and my grandparents and my parents – everyone who came before and helped build the farm,” Paul said. “And hopefully continue it into the future so that someday one of my kids or a couple of my kids will take over.” n by Lura Roti for SDFU
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William Westhoff
Tessa Westhoff
Paul Westhoff
Union Farmer
Argentine Beef
Continued from Page 1
“I like the journey of ranching,” Jason Latham said. “And every calving season we get to start the journey over and there is great optimism, like anything is possible. We bring these baby calves into the world, and we get to care for them and watch them grow.”
A fifth-generation Harding County rancher, Latham grew up caring for cattle on the same land his great-great-uncle, Benjamin “Doc” Latham, homesteaded. Today, he and his wife, Kaeloni, have three young sons who get to do the same.
Although Latham loves the work and lifestyle cattle ranching provides, when he reflects on his bank account, his tone changes.
“I’m 38, and this is only the second time in my lifetime when I’ve felt like we were in a good spot –where cattle prices were at a place where we were making money over expenses and we could reinvest in the ranch, like upgrade a tractor we’ve had for 50 years, or buy more heifers instead of selling them to pay off our operating note,” Latham explained.
Today, Latham fears the “good spot” is gone. It’s five days after President Donald Trump’s Oct. 22 comments focused on removing tariffs on Argentine beef. Allegedly, the idea of increasing foreign beef imports will lower the price of beef in the grocery store.
Grocery store prices have yet to respond, according to R.F. Buche, owner of Buche Foods grocery stores.
But the cattle markets didn’t waste any time, explained commodities broker DuWayne Bosse. On Oct. 21 feeder cattle futures were selling at $373.47 per hundredweight. On Oct. 27 at 12:20 p.m., they are at $338.45.
“We are still dropping. We are down our limit today and I expect we will be sharply lower tomorrow. We have not found a bottom,” Bosse said. “Sadly, the cash market is down even harder from what I hear, it is tumbling at sale barns right now.”
Reliance rancher David Reis felt
the sting when he sold yearlings at the sale barn. The 18-month-old cattle sold for $120 less per head than a week earlier.
“The only thing that changed were the comments by the president,” explained the fourthgeneration Reliance rancher. “Our president should not use another country to manipulate U.S. markets. …The markets are supposed to set themselves. It’s supposed to be supply and demand.”
It Is Time for Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (MCOOL)
Trump’s America-first policies are among the reasons Latham and his rancher friends and neighbors voted for Trump.
“Rural America came out to support him incredibly hard and he just slapped us in the face,” Latham said. “It is frustrating because he said, ‘I’m going to take care of America first,’ and he is doing the exact opposite. And then he said we don’t understand the markets. We do understand the markets because they determine our livelihood.”
“Our president should not use another country to manipulate U.S. markets.” – David Reis, Reliance
“I’d be OK with the U.S. allowing more Argentine beef in if there was mandatory labeling because the American consumer has proven they will buy locally when they are given a choice.”
– Jason Latham, Harding County
As he waits for the markets to rally before selling his weaned calves, Latham said he and other U.S. cattle producers need mandatory country-oforigin labeling (MCOOL) if they are going to be able to compete in markets inundated with foreign beef.
“I’d be OK with the U.S. allowing more Argentine beef in if there was mandatory labeling because the American consumer has proven they will buy locally when they are given a choice,” Latham said.
Scott Kolousek, a Wessington Springs cattle producer and Farmers Union board member, had similar thoughts. “Hopefully we can use this unified frustration and anger to get the momentum we need for MCOOL,” said Kolousek, who traveled to D.C. to talk to congressional leaders about reinstating MCOOL following the Black Swan events of 2019, 2020 and 2021.
“Grocery store prices on beef were up then too, but cattle producers were losing money,” Kolousek said. “Cattle producers have zero control over what grocery store prices are. There is no guarantee that introducing foreign beef into the market will lower prices in the grocery stores. What we do know is it is hurting U.S. cattle producers.”
Constructive dialogue around MCOOL is what Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union, is working for. Re-instating MCOOL has been a focus of the grassroots policy of the state’s largest agriculture organization since the labeling requirement was removed on meat products in 2015.
Constructive dialogue around MCOOL is what Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union, is working for. Re-instating MCOOL has been a focus of the grassroots policy of the state’s largest agriculture organization since the labeling requirement was removed on meat products in 2015.
“Consumers deserve to know where their food comes from. They deserve to have the choice.
Argentine Beef Continued on Page 7
Family Farmers & Ranchers Donate 35,000 Pounds of Ham to Feeding South Dakota
Feeding others is the life’s work of family farmers and ranchers, and caring for neighbors in need matters to the members of South Dakota’s largest agriculture organization. For these reasons, South Dakota Farmers Union donated 35,000 pounds of pork on Oct. 17 to Feeding South Dakota.
“Farmers and ranchers and Feeding South Dakota have a lot in common – we all spend our days doing work that feeds people,” explained Doug Sombke, a Brown County farmer and President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “This donation is the right thing for our organization to do because right now a lot of our neighbors are struggling to feed their families. In fact, this harvest there are a lot of farmers struggling financially because the Trade War took away our soybean markets, so many of us are losing money this harvest.”
The 35,000 pounds of ham could not come at a better time, explained Hailey Srtska, Vice President of Operations for Feeding South Dakota.
“Protein is in high demand for the guests we serve because it is at an all-time high in the grocery store and we do not have access to protein like we typically do because of federal commodity food cuts to our program,” Srtska said. “With the government shutdown we expect our lines of guests to grow.”
Several thousand South Dakotans are among the federal employees who will not be receiving a paycheck during the shutdown.
Through Feeding South Dakota’s extensive network of partnering food pantries, the ham donated by South Dakota Farmers Union will be distributed to rural communities across South Dakota.
“It means so much to our organization that Farmers Union made this donation,” Srtska said. “To be able to add these hams to our menu and make this wonderful source of protein available to families across the state is huge right now.”
To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union works to support family farmers, ranchers and rural communities, visit www.sdfu.org n by Lura Roti for SDFU
“Farmers and ranchers and Feeding South Dakota have a lot in common – we all spend our days doing work that feeds people. This donation is the right thing for our organization to do because right now a lot of our neighbors are struggling to feed their families.”
– Doug Sombke, President of SDFU
Pictured here (left to right): Kevin Widmer, North Dakota Farmers Union Driver; Susanne Gale, Senior Development Officer, Feeding South Dakota; Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director, South Dakota Farmers Union; and Megan Kjose, Chief Development Officer, Feeding South Dakota.
Union Farmer
Board Election: 2025 Candidates Share Vision for Future
During the 2025 State Convention members will vote on whether or not to re-elect SDFU president, vice president and board members from District 2, 4 and 8. The 2025 State Convention will be held in Huron Dec. 10 and 11. Read on to learn more.
What are your goals for the new term of service? Honestly, my goals have not changed. On the request of our members, our leadership team continues to fight for Mandatory Countryof-Origin Labeling (MCOOL) and Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET). Although our organization has been advocating for these two solutions for quite some time, based on the current market situation, we need MCOOL and IMSET more than ever. Know that I will continue to represent the grassroots policy our members put in place and advocate for these and other solutions that can improve the lives and livelihoods of South Dakota family farmers and ranchers.
Why did you get involved in Farmers Union? The policy this organization stands for is the reason I became active in Farmers Union. I appreciate the fact that since the beginning, Farmers Union remains an organization that represents all family farmers and ranchers. We are an organization that brings people together. We are an organization that advocates. We are a member-led organization. Because of what South Dakota Farmers Union is and the policy and people we represent, it is an honor to lead this organization.
Vice President: Jeff Kippley, Aberdeen Crop & Cattle Producer
What are your goals for the new term of service? I want to see continued growth in our membership as well as engagement among our members. Our organization is so important legislatively, but Farmers Union also plays a big
role in South Dakota’s rural communities. While serving two terms as the National Farmers Union Vice President, I have had the opportunity to travel across the U.S. and see what other state’s Farmers Union organizations are doing. This allows me to bring back ideas to South Dakota.
Why did you get involved in Farmers Union? I value Farmers Union’s grassroots policy process. This process gives a voice to South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers. A family farmer or rancher can bring up an issue during a county or district meeting where they can discuss it with other producers and together, come up with a policy solution to share with the state delegation. If this solution becomes our state policy, then instead of it being supported by one producer, it is supported by many.
District 2: Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs Crop & Cattle Producer
What are your goals for the new term of service? Growth and retention of members is something I will continue to focus on together with the rest of the board, and not only increasing membership numbers, but increasing the number of involved members. I remember my grandparents telling stories about hosting local meetings and Farmers Union picnics, and I would like to see a resurgence of engagement.
Why did you get involved in Farmers Union? Growing up my parents were lifetime Farmers Union members. My dad reactivated our county in 2014 and that’s when Amber and I became involved. We got involved because we wanted to be part of something that directly impacts our way of life and livelihood. We wanted to be part of an organization that works to make changes for the better of our farming career and our kids’ future.
We appreciate that Farmers Union is a grassroots organization that aligns with our beliefs in supporting family farmers, ranchers and keeping local communities alive.
District 4: David Reis, Reliance Cattle Rancher
What are your goals for the new term of service? I want to continue to work with the board to advance policies that will benefit small farmers and ranchers like MCOOL. And to help accomplish this, I will work to build stronger relationships with legislators to get laws in place that support family farmers and ranchers.
Why did you get involved in Farmers Union? Farmers Union is the most grassroots agriculture organization we know about. Policy begins at the local and county level and if members support it, this policy will be advocated for at the state and federal levels. Other organizations are more top down.
District 8: Oren Lesmeister, Parade Cattle Rancher & Small Business Owner
What are your goals for the new term of service? I have a few goals. First, I want to work to recruit more young members because without young producers joining Farmers Union, we don’t have a future. Second, I will strive to ensure that members within my district remain informed. And I will work to find more common ground with other agriculture organizations.
Why did you get involved in Farmers Union? When Tracy and I first heard about Farmers Union, it sounded like a lot of other farm organizations we were already involved with. But once we learned more about it, we realized that Farmers Union is a member-driven organization, not a board-driven organization. We liked the grassroots nature of the organization. We appreciate the fact that this is a bipartisan organization where everyone has a voice and can be heard. n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Doug Sombke Jeff Kippley Scott Kolousek Oren Lesmeister David Reis
Argentine Beef
Continued from Page 4
MCOOL gives consumers a choice to buy U.S. or foreign beef. MCOOL gives U.S. cattle producers a fair market,” Sombke said. “Without MCOOL, the only winner is Argentina. If you want to increase the supply of beef in the U.S., ranchers have to be able to afford to increase their herd size. They can’t grow their herd if they can’t afford to.”
To encourage Congress to re-instate MCOOL, call 202-2243121. To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union supports family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Union Farmer
AI’s Impact on Production Agriculture & Policy Discussed During 2025 Farmers Union Convention
South Dakota family farmers, ranchers and nationally-renowned thought leaders will gather in Huron, Dec. 10 and 11, for the 110th South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) State Convention.
During the two-day convention, members of the state’s largest agriculture organization will discuss and establish policy to guide the grassroots organization. Delegate and board elections will be held. Members will gain valuable information from experts and thought leaders on topics ranging from AI’s impact on production agriculture and alternative ways to think about complex global issues to animal health and benefits of the checkoff.
“Education is a top priority for South Dakota Farmers Union,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director, SDFU. “We work to provide access to experts so family farmers and ranchers can engage with timely information to help them make informed decisions.”
Convention speakers include Gov. Larry Rhoden (invited); Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union; Doug Sombke, President, SDFU; Jeff Kippley, Vice President, National Farmers Union and SDFU; Derek McFarland, Veterinarian; Jacob Shapiro, Director of Research, Bespoke Group and host of “The Jacob Shapiro Podcast;” Peter Leydon, technology expert and thought leader on artificial intelligence; and Greg Hanes, CEO, Beef Checkoff.
Establishing policy to guide during uncertain times
Preparations for the 110th South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention Policy Meeting were underway during the government shutdown and in the midst of unstable crop and cattle markets as the result of a Trade War and threats to import more foreign beef.
“Every farmer and rancher I talk to is concerned about the future,” said Doug Sombke, President of SDFU and a fourth-generation Brown County farmer. “With 2025 harvest complete, most of us should be making plans and placing orders for 2026 inputs. But instead, many of us are waiting because with these unstable markets, we don’t feel confident making decisions.”
SDFU Policy reflects the needs of South Dakota’s agriculture producers. Established policy supports the re-instatement of Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (MCOOL), keeping the Farm Bill current (the current Farm Bill expired in 2023) and maintaining the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) within the Farm Bill. During the 110th convention’s Policy Meeting, members will vote on Special Orders to protect the U.S. food system from increased vertical integration and foreign ownership.
“Our policy brings attention to the problems we as farmers and ranchers face in our local communities, state and nation,” explained David Cap, a Utica farmer who serves on the State Policy Committee.
Cap explained that the policy established by members guides advocacy efforts of Farmers Union on the state and national level.
“We put this policy in place to protect our livelihood. As a farmer or rancher and citizens of South Dakota, we need to pay attention to what is going on with bills in the state Legislature and federally. Farmers Union helps us do this.”
Grassroots policy focused on fair markets for farmers and ranchers is
the reason Sombke joined Farmers Union in the late 1970s.
“When people come together to develop policy that is good for family farmers and ranchers – not necessarily corporations – it helps keep farmers farming and ranchers ranching. This keeps the U.S. food supply safe,” Sombke said. “Grassroots policy is the reason I joined Farmers Union.”
“When people come together to develop policy that is good for family farmers and ranchers – not necessarily corporations – it helps keep farmers farming and ranchers ranching. This keeps the U.S. food supply safe.”
– Doug Sombke, President SDFU
Aberdeen farmer Jeff Kippley agreed. “Members lead this organization through policy. We are unique in the fact that we go over our policy line by line to make sure it remains relevant. Not all organizations take the time to be this thorough, but it matters,” said Kippley, who serves as Vice President of National Farmers Union and SDFU.
In addition to members uniting behind policy, Kippley said State Convention serves as a time to reconnect with agriculture producers from across South Dakota. “Comradery is No. 1. I appreciate learning from the speakers and the policy we set is the most important thing we do, but getting to visit with farmers and ranchers like me is just as important.”
South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. The Policy Meeting is Wednesday. Elections are held Thursday. For more information and to register, visit www.sdfu.org n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Gov. Larry Rhoden
NFU President Rob Larew
Jacob Shapiro
Peter Leyden
Greg Hanes
110th Annual Convention
Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center Huron, South Dakota
December 10-11, 2025
• $4000 CASH
• DeWalt Blower
• Stihl RB 400 Pressure Washer
• Kids John Deere Gator XUV550 12v
South Dakota Farmers Union
Rob Larew
Jacob Shapiro
Peter Leyden
Greg Hanes
Gov. Larry Rhoden (invited)
2025 Life on Farms & Ranches Photo Contest Winners Announced
When storm clouds gathered and the wind picked up, many headed to their basements in fear of the July derecho – not Breyten Johnson.
Johnson dashed to the machine shed to watch and wait. The fifth-generation De Smet farmer wanted to capture photos of lightning.
“I really like taking photos of lightening,” explained a winner of the 2025 Life on The Family Farm & Ranch photo contest. “Whenever you take a photo of lightning, you have to take it a just the right moment. The lightning lights up the clouds around it. It’s almost like a sunset – you get that red, then orange, then it fades off into white. It’s always so pretty how it lights up the sky.”
Johnson won the Farm & Ranch Scenery division of the South Dakota Farmers Union annual photo contest.
Other contest winners are Bosten Morehart of Winner placed first in the Farmer-Rancher at Work Division and Samantha Swanson of Redfield placed first in the Livestock Division.
Life on South Dakota’s farms and ranches
Sharing moments captured on South Dakota’s family farms and ranches is the purpose of the annual photo contest, explained Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union.
“Agriculture is the backbone of South Dakota economy and communities, and it is families who do the work,” Hofhenke said. “Farmers Union wanted to honor and share the moments they find special enough to capture.”
Family farmers and ranchers from across the state submitted photos. Visit www.sdfu.org to view all photos. n
Bosten Morehart Farmer-Rancher at Work Division
Samantha Swanson Livestock Division
Breyten Johnson Farm & Ranch Scenery Division
2025 Photo Contest Winners
Bosten Morehart
Lindsey Cain
Bosten Morehart
Bosten Morehart
Bosten Morehart
Bosten Morehart
Craig Schaunaman
Allison Leber
Allison Leber
Tara Peterson
Sarah Davis
Oren Lesmeister
Megan Stiefvater
Tanner Feyereisen
Allison Leber
Cayleigh Reed
Amanda Goens
Cayleigh Reed
Cayleigh Reed
Samantha Zeutenhorst
Samantha Zeutenhorst
Lindsey Cain
Shantel Knippling
Allison Leber
Allison Leber
Samantha Zeutenhorst
Union Farmer
State’s Largest Farm Organization Teams Up with Grocery Store-Led Food Distribution Non-Profit
Months before more than 74,000 South Dakotans caught up in Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) uncertainty due to the government shutdown, South Dakota Farmers Union contributed to Team Buche Cares, a nonprofit focused on feeding the hungry in rural and tribal communities and led by RF Buche, the owner of a local grocery store chain, Buche Foods.
“These farmers and ranchers are no different than me, they are stewards of the land, and they really care about feeding the hungry,” said Buche of the August meeting with the South Dakota Farmers Union board of directors.
Dollars donated by South Dakota Farmers Union will aid in distributing $100 certificates to SNAP households to help cover grocery costs.
“The average South Dakota household receiving SNAP gets about $400. So, this certificate will help cover a week of food,” Buche said. “The most basic need there is, is food. People need food to live. They need food to thrive. They need food to keep everything important to them.”
When the family farmers and ranchers who serve on the board learned about Team Buche Cares’ mission to help feed hungry families in the most underserved communities in South Dakota, they were eager to help, explained Scott Kolousek, a Wessington Springs cattle producer.
“Team Buche Cares is about helping keep local communities alive. This is our focus too,” Kolousek explained. “Farmers Union is about more than the farmers’ bottom line – we are focused on keeping rural communities alive and vibrant and helping those in need.”
have been serving South Dakota’s Tribal communities since 1905. Along with the business of selling groceries, Buche said the family has always focused on caring for those in need.
He references a childhood memory of watching his dad, Robert Jr., reaching into his pocket to pay cash for the groceries of a young mother who did not have the money to cover the balance to feed her family.
“Dad said, ‘When you’re in this business, it’s our moral obligation to make sure no family goes hungry. That’s what we do,’” Buche said.
“Do the Right Thing,” is among Buche Foods’ core values. “Doing the right thing is the most important of our core values. I don’t care if it’s how we treat a customer or if it’s how we treat a team member, I have to look at myself in the mirror everyday and ask, ‘did I do the right thing?’”
Buche explained that doing the right thing is a core value with deep roots. “My great-grandpa had 18 stores when the Depression hit and he lost all but three of them. But not only did he
Located in Gregory, Mission, Oacoma, Pine Ridge, Wagner, Lower Brule and Wanblee, Buche Foods Grocery Stores and Buche’s Gus Stops
RF Buche
Farmers Union Board members are gifted Star Quilts by Team Buche Cares for their donation to the nonprofit focused on feeding the hungry in rural and tribal communities. Left to right: David Reis, Chad Johnson, Jeff Kippley, Doug Sombke, Anna Halverson, Pass Creek Tribal Council Representative of the Oglala Sioux Tribe; Gail Temple, Karla Hofhenke, Larry Birgen, RF Buche, Team Buche Cares; Scott Kolousek and Oren Lesmeister.
Young Livestock Producers Get a Start with Farmers Union Herd Builder Program
Six South Dakota farm and ranch youth received the opportunity to expand their meat goat and cattle herds during the 2025 Western Jr. Livestock Show thanks to South Dakota Farmers Union’s Herd Builder Program.
“Helping young people interested in making their future in livestock production is among the many ways our organization is able to support the future of South Dakota family farmers and ranchers,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director for South Dakota Farmers Union.
The Herd Builder Program selected youth participating in Western Junior based on an application and their family’s involvement in Farmers Union. Six youth selected are Coy Petersen, Chamberlain; Huntley Urban, Kimball; Evelyn Bunker, Reliance; Jade Grieves, Hermosa; Mayli Forman, Huron; and Alexander Brixey, Bison.
“Costs associated with breeding stock make it difficult for young people to get started, and like any investment, the sooner you begin, the better off you will be,” Hofhenke said.
Get to Know the 2025 Herd Builders
Coy Petersen, Chamberlain
Third-generation livestock producer, Coy Petersen loves caring for livestock on his family’s farm/ranch.
“I don’t like being cooped up indoors, so I go outside and work whenever I can,” said Petersen of caring for cattle, meat goats and crops.
At 13, Petersen is involved in all aspects of the livestock husbandry: feeding, giving shots,
calving, training show animals and helping his dad, Calvin, select genetics to improve the next generation.
Petersen received a heifer through the Herd Builder Program. “I am looking forward to having my own genetics and building my own herd,” Petersen said.
Petersen plans to save the money he earns from the sale of offspring for college.
Huntley Urban, Kimball
Huntley Urban has been building his cattle herd since he was 9. Thanks to the heifer he received through the Herd Builder Program, the 12-year-old now has five breeding animals.
“Expanding my herd is a slow process because the price for cattle is so high right now,” said Urban, who is a fifth-generation livestock producer. “I want to thank Farmers Union for giving me this opportunity because it helps keep young people like me in the ag industry.”
In addition to helping his dad, Ryan, on the family’s farm/ranch, Urban works to expand his livestock knowledge because he competes in livestock judging. During Western Junior, he and his teammates (including his older brother, Trace) placed first.
Evelyn Bunker, Reliance
Growing up helping her parents, Bryan and Amber, on the family’s ranch, Evelyn Bunker became inspired to build a herd of her own, but the cost of purchasing a heifer was too great. So, receiving a heifer through the Herd Builder Program made a long-term goal a reality for this high school junior.
“This heifer gives me a hands-on experience caring for my own animal, I am so excited for when I get to calve her,” said Bunker, who plans on doing quite a bit of genetic research before AI’ing her heifer.
This experience will help Bunker with another goal – to become a large animal veterinarian.
“I plan to use the money I earn from selling calves to help pay for college,” Bunker said. “After vet school, I want to return to Lyman County because there is a shortage of large animal veterinarians.”
Jade Grieves, Hermosa
Third-grader Jade Grieves loves taking care of his goats.
“Goats have funky personalities. I like how friendly they are. They are fun to watch and fun to play with,” Grieves, 9, explained. “I am thankful Farmers Union did this because I wanted more goats, but as a kid I can’t afford to buy one.”
Today, with the addition of the meat goat doe Grieves received through the Herd Builder Program, he now has two goats. “I am waiting to name her because I want to get to know her first.”
The Kids Inc. 4-H Club member plans to use the money he earns from her offspring to expand his goat herd further. “I want to get more loveable goats.”
Mayli Forman, Huron
Sixth-grader Mayli Forman has always had a dream of owning a herd of goats.
“I like goats because they are small and easy to handle and I think meat goats look really cool,” Forman said.
She has been building her meat goat herd for three years now and said she is excited about the Herd Builder doe she received because the genetics will strengthen the future of her herd.
In addition to caring for her goat herd, Forman also enjoys showing goats.
“Showing goats is fun and if I ever struggle my dad helps me through it and helps me improve my mistakes,” said Forman of her dad, Rocky.
Forman plans to use some the income she earns from offspring to save for college. She plans to become a veterinarian.
Alexander Brixey, Bison
When Alexander Brixey applied for the Herd Builder award, the 13-year-old said he was eager to improve his herd’s genetics.
“This doe has genetics that are better than my current herd,” Brixey said.
Including the Herd Builder doe, Brixey has four goats.
Herd Builder Continued on Page 18
South Dakota Farmers Union awarded doe meat goats to three South Dakota youth who participated in the Western Jr. Livestock Show. The 2025 Herd Builder doe meat goat recipients are: Alexander Brixey, Bison; Mayli Forman, Huron; and Jade Grieves, Hermosa.
South Dakota Farmers Union awarded heifers to three South Dakota youth who participated in the Western Jr. Livestock Show. The 2025 Herd Builder heifer recipients are: Huntley Urban, Kimball; Coy Petersen, Chamberlain; and Evelyn Bunker, Reliance.
Union Farmer
From Pasture to Plate: Local Beef Served Up at Langford Area
Students at Langford Area School are getting a true taste of home this year as the district launches a new program that brings locally raised beef to school lunches. The initiative, organized entirely at the local level, connects area producers with the school kitchen to provide fresh, high-quality meat while supporting community agriculture.
Langford School Board Member Cory Cole helped spearhead the effort after seeing a similar program highlighted in another South Dakota district.
“About two years ago, Faulkton’s school district posted about their local beef program,” Cole said. “Someone sent it to me, and I started looking into it. It didn’t take off right away, but it stuck in the back of my mind.”
The idea aligns with a growing movement across South Dakota and the nation to connect schools with local food sources. The South Dakota Beef to School initiative is part of a broader Farm to School effort that links students with the origins of their food, improves meal quality and strengthens ties between schools and local producers.
Cole said the Langford effort gained traction last spring when Superintendent Shad Storley encouraged a committee to explore whether the program could work locally. Cole, along with Mike Frey and Kellie Alberts, began reaching out to area producers and community members for donations.
“Donations can be monetary or beef,” Cole explained. “We received our first animal donation from a local producer earlier this year.”
Under the program, donated beef is processed at The Meathouse in Andover, which is a USDA-
certified facility that also works with other schools. The school covers the cost of processing, which takes about two weeks from start to finish.
“We talked with our head cook, Nikki Bertsch, about what kind of beef would work best for the kitchen,” Cole said. “She requested 10-pound tubes of ground beef, and that’s what we’re getting—100 percent ground beef with the leanness we request.”
The school’s first animal yielded about 530 pounds of hamburger. Cole estimates that the district will go through 2,000 to 2,500 pounds of ground beef each year, meaning four or five animals will be needed annually to keep the program running.
“Our hope is that donations will continue, and if needed, the school can purchase a local animal using meal funds,” Cole said. “As a parent, it’s pretty special knowing that beef raised and processed right here is being served to our kids.”
For Bertsch, who oversees Langford’s food service program, the benefits go beyond freshness.
“I really like knowing where the beef comes from,” she said. “This is our first year doing it, and it gives us more flexibility with menu planning. We don’t have to order as far ahead, and we know the animal was processed just 14 miles away.”
The local meat has been used in familiar student favorites such as tacos, tater tot casserole, spaghetti bake and chili. Bertsch even put up a sign in the cafeteria to let students know when they were eating locally donated beef.
“We wanted to thank the farmer and show the kids where their food is coming from,” she said. “Knowing that makes a difference.”
The program has also encouraged the school to look at other local food opportunities. In recent years, produce grown by the school’s FFA program—including lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers—has been served in the lunchroom.
Storley said he is proud of the community effort behind the project.
“I’m very appreciative of everyone who helped, from the school board to our kitchen staff,” he said. “There’s really not a lot more red tape than ordering other food. It’s not about saving money; the cost is comparable. We’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Storley said community support has been strong, with more producers already expressing interest in donating animals. Another beef is scheduled to be processed soon.
“Prices are high right now, and for people to still step up and donate an animal for our kids—it means the world,” he said. “Without their generosity, this project wouldn’t have been possible.”
As the program grows, Cole hopes it will also become an educational tool for students.
“Long term, we’d like to make this part of our agricultural education,” he said. “There’s so much more to ag than just driving a tractor. Kids can learn about processing, marketing and all the steps that go into getting food to the table.”
For now, the focus is on keeping the momentum going and continuing to serve up beef that’s truly local.
Those interested in donating beef or contributing financially to the program can contact the Langford Area School District office for more information. n By Bridget Shileny –Marshall County Journal
Students enjoy lunch in the Langford Area School lunchroom, where the district is now serving locally raised beef as part of a new farm-to-school initiative. The program connects area producers with the school kitchen to provide fresh, high-quality meat for student meals while supporting local agriculture. The program is new this year.
Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
Doug Durante, Executive Director, Clean Fuels Development Coalition
There was a great country music song in the 1980s by a guy named Johnny Lee titled “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” I feel at times that could be a soundtrack for ethanol as the industry slogs its way through the mud of politics and big oil looking for love in the form of increased demand. In recent years, it has been Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and recently ethanol as a marine fuel getting attention. Both face significant challenges and at least for now may be the wrong places to look as compared to the world’s largest gasoline market right in front of us.
For starters, the push for alternatives to petroleum in both aviation and marine use markets are in large part based on reducing carbon and greenhouse gases. As I wrote about last month, during the Biden administration, reducing carbon was everything. Regulations and policy essentially dictated massive changes in our fuels and automobiles. With the Trump administration completely reversing course, beginning with their new determination that GHGs does not represent a health risk, we are witnessing the fallout from carbon-based business decisions. The auto industry is absolutely reeling, with new reports every day about layoffs and plant closures as the zero emission dreams of EVs face reality. Billions of dollars in clean energy projects have been scrapped across the country. The 45Z tax credits have yet to be finalized and only have a few years of life to begin with before expiring.
The aviation industry is on record stating subsidies and incentives are critical to SAF, and we have learned over the years the dangers of relying on subsidies that expire. As soon as the International Maritime Organization proposed carbon reducing regulations, the Trump administration threatened tariffs and other punitive measures on countries that enforced these measures. Even when carbon reduction was all the rage, Sustainable Aviation Fuels
and Marine Fuels combined only represent roughly 6 percent of global GHG emissions.
Furthermore, these potential new ethanol markets like marine and aviation face stiff challenges from other technologies and fuels both from an economic and performance standpoint. In contrast, we know that ethanol stands alone as a proven additive to gasoline providing clean octane to the 270 million light-duty vehicles on the road today. E15 is a great start but to maximize that opportunity we need to be pushing for much greater blend volumes. We see in real time how 15 percent blends are reducing gas prices, an E30 blend would be twice as nice.
Lastly, and certainly not to be forgotten, is the role of ethanol in protecting public health, which despite what EPA says, is still their mission. Ethanol is and can continue to replace the carcinogenic aromatics refiners use for octane and reduce the toxic particulates that are directly tied to the family of benzene compounds. The late C. Boyden Gray was White House Counsel to President George Bush and one of the architects of the Clean Air Act. We worked closely with him on fuel provisions of that legislation and on more than one occasion when asked why he supported ethanol, Boyden would simply say, “because it saves lives!”
Again, E5 is a great step forward but with just one point of octane it falls short as a real game changer for replacing aromatics. The truly higher blends like E30 double up everything and can be utilized immediately in cars on the road today. The Department of Energy used E20 and even E30 in their testing of E15 and found no problems. The recent Nebraska demonstration of E30 is confirming that legacy vehicles can safely and efficiently use 30 percent blends. Brazil just last month formed an exploratory committee to look at blends of 35-40 percent and
keep in mind there are millions non-FFVs in use there. We need to get in the game and make sure we are not selling ethanol short by limiting ourselves to E15 which, at least in terms of RVP relief, we would be by supporting current legislation. Bills in both the House and Senate must be fixed by applying the RVP waiver to all blends.
With the refiners constantly undermining the RFS and attacking ethanol, and now API reneging on their support of E15, why are we pulling our punches? Are we afraid the petroleum industry will be less helpful? The powerful grassroots voice of the ag and ethanol industries should demand the enforcement of clean octane requirements that EPA has ignored for decades. EPA and oil insist on labeling pumps with 10 percent ethanol, corn growers should launch a national labeling campaign to warn consumers that the gas they are pumping contains up to 25 percent carcinogens right next to it.
Our internal studies at CFDC make the case that if refiners basically outsourced their octane to ethanol it would dramatically free up refining capacity and allow them to process more products out of the oil barrel while capturing the margins; a win-win for everyone. While we haven’t heard much about the Trump Domestic Energy Council since they first announced it, ethanol can wrap itself in the flag and work with domestic refiners and oil interests instead of constantly battling with them.
Aviation and marine use should continue to be explored but spending a lot of time and money on them at this time when the internal combustion engine and gas-powered cars are now back in charge seems off target. So, I refer back to Johnny Lee and his warning about looking in the wrong places – instead let’s seize this path of least resistance and go for truly higher blends. n
Union Farmer
South Dakota Rancher Shares Impact of National Guard Involvement
Or en Lesmeister is a Parade rancher, a husband to Tracy and a dad to Colten, Colby and Chelsy. He’s a small business owner, former South Dakota State Representative and a member of the South Dakota Beef Industry Board and South Dakota Farmers Union Board of Directors.
In his early 20s, Lesmeister enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard. He said the experience and training he received as a young adult serving as a combat engineer with the 211th Engineer Company out of Lemmon and Mobridge prepared him for leadership and service roles later in life.
“Serving in the Army National Guard taught me not only how to be a leader, but how to be involved,” Lesmeister explained. “You learn leadership isn’t just giving orders, it is about working as a team. It is realizing other’s strengths and acknowledging that even the weakest link can be the strongest link in certain situations.”
Lesmeister shares more about what he learned through his years of service in the Q&A below.
Question: Why did you enlist?
Lesmeister: Growing up in the era when I did, with veterans of Vietnam and World War II, we grew up playing soldier. Joining the military was on my mind. Then, I came out of college newly married and trying to find my
way in the world and pay off college and the GI Bill looked like a good option. It was the ’80s and things were tough in farming and ranching.
Question: Did you deploy?
Lesmeister: We were at Fort Carson in Colorado, ready to deploy during Desert Storm.
All our equipment was shipped to the Middle East, and then the war ended.
Question: What is the biggest life lesson you learned through service?
Lesmeister: The Army has a slogan: “Adapt and overcome.” I learned that even when I think I can’t do something, I probably can. We were on a training and a person got hurt and needed to be life flighted out. It was late in the evening, and we were in an area that was difficult to access. I was responsible for helping land a chopper. It was something I’d never done, but I had trained for. That’s when the training kicked in.
It was very dark and a very confined area. We built a circle of lights for a landing pad. They were able to land, and we got the individual loaded up and everything worked out.
Question: After your experience serving in the Army National Guard, would you encourage other young people to enlist?
Lesmeister: Yes, absolutely. I met people I would have never met otherwise. I had experiences I would never have had. I was able to pay off my college debt. And the experiences I had serving as a leader have helped make me who I am. Knowing what I know now, I would do it all over again. n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Union Farmer
From the President.... New safety net needed in the Farm Bill
In just a few weeks during our 110th State Convention, members will discuss ideas to strengthen the Farm Bill – and pass an updated bill. A few years ago, members voted on policy to make Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET) part of the next Farm Bill. The idea was developed by Salem farmer, Craig Blindert.
The concept of IMSET has been studied by two well respected Agriculture University Agriculture Economists at NDSU and Texas A&M. Both have concluded that the safety net in today’s Farm Bill isn’t working as intended for our nation’s family farmers and ranchers and IMSET is a better alternative.
With the challenges every farm and ranch family face today, there is a need for the safety net to be flexible and voluntary and renewable on an annual basis while also addressing the need for soil health on each farm or ranch. We also need it to provide opportunities to rebuild today’s animal numbers, some of which are at record lows like we see today in the nation’s cattle business.
Learn more by visiting www.sdfu.org or scanning the QR code at the bottom of this column.
Since the 2024 State Convention, Craig and I have been meeting with other producer groups and commodity organizations to discuss IMSET and to get their opinion and build a coalition of support.
What we have learned through these meetings is it doesn’t matter what state you live in or what commodity you raise, the current Farm Bill safety net does not work for family farmers and ranchers. One thing we know, everyone wants a better safety net for their operation and for national security. SDFU and NFU will continue to work for a better tomorrow.
IMSET is one of many examples that emphasize the impact of grassroots policy. Craig had a good idea. He brought it to Farmers Union. During a State Convention Policy Meeting, members thought it was a good idea and voted to support it. We are doing our due diligence – and agriculture economists agree with Farmers Union – IMSET is an answer to fix the failed safety net in today’s Farm Bill.
It’s solutions like IMSET that get me excited for 2025 State Convention Policy Meeting. Farmers and ranchers are good at coming up with solutions that may be a bit out of the box. We are resourceful because we must be. Thinking about it, farmers and ranchers were recycling and adding value long before the terms were popular.
Taking care of our neighbors also matters to family farmers and ranchers.
When congress and the president passed and signed the BBB in July they cut billions of dollars to the food nutrition portion of the current Farm
Doug Sombke, SDFU President
Bill. Creating a deep shortfall to our nation’s most vulnerable citizens daily food aid.
Food assistance organizations and the seven Native American Reservations saw drastic cuts to things like providing a daily meal to children and would no longer be provided without private and community assistance.
SDFU over the past few years has provided 35,000 pounds of pork protein to Feeding South Dakota. This year it was even more essential. Yet more is needed.
I encourage anyone with the means to help to do so in this extreme time of need especially as we move into the holiday season. South Dakota Farmers Union stepped up joining Team Buche Cares ask to help meet food assistant needs recently cut by congress and the president in the BBB on the Reservations. Over the next five years we will do everything possible to offset these federal cuts to feed children and their family’s needs.
During the recent federal government shutdown SNAP recipients were without assistance. I asked Farmers Union Enterprise and Farmers Union Industries to help out, and they did without hesitation donating 10,000 pounds of pork loins and pallets of Anthem Oats to Team Buche Cares for Native American Reservations’ SNAP recipients.
You may already know this, but it is worth repeating. South Dakota has the three poorest counties in the nation with unemployment rate of 87.5%, the highest in the nation. And they all include three of our Native American Reservations.
It troubles me when I see grain elevators in South Dakota so full they are turning away taking any more grain and just miles away children and families are short of food for their daily needs.
As South Dakotans we can and we should do better.
At South Dakota farmers Union We don’t just talk the talk, Farmers Union members walk the walk.
We don’t just say we support the next generation. We put our words into action, providing the next generation with farm safety and leadership education and breeding stock to help build their herds.
Thank you for being part of this grassroots organization that makes a difference. I look forward to discussing solutions with you during State Convention!
Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union
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
Member Services Coordinator Cavour Direct Line 605-554-3025
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 Tricia Quade, Rapid City
Quade grew up in Rapid City and today, when she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Tricia Quade spent more than 20 years working in manufacturing sales before she made a career change and became an insurance agent. She says the work she does is rewarding.
“Helping people is what I love about working in insurance sales,” Quade said. “I love sitting down at the table with them and learning about their family, what they like to do. I love being there for them and helping them out in good times and the bad times too.”
Quade joined the Farmers Union Insurance team recently, and compared to other companies she has represented, she values the fact that with Farmers Union she can offer her clients more.
“I love having all the options. If something does not work for one client, I can look for a different product.” n
“Helping people is what I love about working in insurance sales. I love sitting down at the table with them and learning about their family, what they like to do. I love being there for them and helping them out in good times and the bad times too.”
– Tricia Quade
Continued from Page 12
pay every invoice, he paid every invoice on time. That’s doing the right thing. That’s the integrity I grew up with.”
And even though his great-grandpa was able to overcome adversity, Buche understands not everyone has the resources or support to overcome circumstances that impact their food security.
“Not everyone is capable of pulling themselves up by their bootstraps,” Buche said. “I have learned that poverty is not a choice.”
The fourth generation to take over the family grocery business, Buche is a strong advocate for independent, community grocery stores. He is an active member of the National Grocers Association Legislative Committee.
“Rural communities need their grocery stores. They are the backbone of the community. My dad always preached that if you lose your school, you lose the bank and you lose the grocery store, the town is going to die.”
The core values of Team Buche Cares align with the grassroots policy of South Dakota Farmers Union, explained Doug Sombke, a fourth-generation Brown County farmer and President of SDFU.
“To me as a farmer, helping feed hungry
people is the most natural thing. Feeding people is what we do as farmers and ranchers,” Sombke said. “Because our members are farmers and ranchers, we have a real passion for feeding hungry kids and families.”
To learn more about Team Buche Cares, visit https://teambuchecares.org/donate/ n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Hear RF Buche’s concerns over South Dakotans’ loss of SNAP benefits by scanning this QR code.
As an eighth-grader, Brixey is interested in genetics and livestock composition because he is an FFA livestock judge. Brixey and his team qualified to compete in the state FFA livestock judging competition in 2025.
“Through livestock judging, I get to improve my terminology knowledge and learn about different ways to better my herd.”
In addition to meat goats, Brixey also raises sheep and helps his dad, James, and mom, Julia, care for the cattle they raise and feed in a feedlot.
“I have learned a lot of patience working with livestock,” Brixey said.
After high school, Brixey plans to become a veterinarian.
For more than a century, South Dakota Farmers Union has invested in youth leadership, personal development and farm safety educational programming. Hundreds of South Dakota youth attend day and week-long camps during the summer months and thousands receive farm safety education year-round thanks to the organization’s interactive Farm Safety Trailer. To learn more, visit www.sdfu.org n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Herd Builder Continued from Page 13
Team Buche
Thank You
Dear S.D. Farmers Union,
Thank you very much for sponsoring my FFA jacket. I am excited to have my own jacket to wear to my competition this year. I really appreciate your generosity.
Thanks again, Callie Mollman ***
Karla & the S.D. Farmers Union Team
Thank you for all you did in support of the S.D. State Fair! We had a great run, with amazing weather, good crowds and successful America 250 celebrations. From the bull riding to S.D. Farmers Union Day and everything in between, Thank you. It’s a highlight of mine to be invited to be on Bill Zortman’s show during the fair at your trailer on 3rd St. We appreciate your sponsorship and the large part you play in making it all a success, we are proud to call S.D. Farmers Union a premier partner!
Thanks again- Candi Briley S.D. State Fair
FARMERS UNION SIGNS
Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. The cost per sign is $10 or free with a fiveyear or greater membership to Farmers Union.
To get yours today, call 605-352-6761 or email sdfu@sdfu.org.
COOK’S CORNER
Dear Farmers Union,
Thank you for participating in the Doland School Farm Safety Day. We were able to reach nearly 150 students to improve their safety on the farm and ranch. Without your contribution, events like this wouldn’t be possible.
Sincerely,
Lindsey Haven
Doland
Ag Day Committee ***
Karla,
I wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks to you and the South Dakota Farmers Union for your incredible donation of 35,000 pounds of ham. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many! We truly appreciate your commitment to supporting communities and helping fight hunger. Please know how grateful we are for your partnership!
ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF THE FARMERS UNION CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK
Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Call 605-352-6761 or email sdfu@sdfu.org to place your order today!
Cheeseburger Chowder
Brown the ground beef in a large kettle. Add in the celery and onion. Cook until tender. Blend, then add flour, salt, milk and bouillon. Add the cheese and stir until melted. 1
