arm bankruptcies are up 95 percent across the nation. China isn’t buying U.S. soybeans due to the current Trade War, and there is still no Farm Bill. Family farmers and ranchers had a lot to discuss with policymakers when they traveled from South Dakota to D.C. for the 2025 National Farmers Union (NFU) annual Fly-In Sept. 8-10.
The Nemec family farm in Hyde County. Nick and Mary Jo (center) are pictured here with sons-in-law, Dan Powell (left) and Derek McCloud (right), and grandchildren: Addie Powell, Kate McCloud and Corbin Powell.
t 67, Nick Nemec says for as long as he can remember, he wanted to be a farmer.
“When I was little, my aunt was getting married and she asked me to be the ring bearer. I refused the job because I was not going to be a ring bearer, I was going to be a farmer,” Nick shared.
Growing up on his family’s Hyde County farm, Nick got plenty of practice farming. “Even today, I can go out to any of my dad’s fields and tell you where the bad rocks are and which fence posts I helped replace. I am intimately connected with my family’s land.”
Union Farmer
Barn and bought 24 bred heifers,” Nick said. “This is how I got my foot in the door.”
was only 5. That’s when I decided it was time to move home.”
The military helped the fifth-generation farmer achieve his dream career.
After high school, Nick attended West Point and then the University of South Dakota. He graduated with a degree in mathematics and served as an officer in the Marine Corps for three years.
“While I was in the Marine Corps, I saved as much money as I could. When I got out, I took what I’d saved and went to the Ft. Pierre Sale
A few years later, in 1988, Nick and his wife, Mary Jo (Zilverberg), bought their first 800 acres of farmground. It was a Farmers Home Administration (FHA) foreclosure property.
“FHA wanted to get the farmland back into the hands of young farmers,” Nick said, explaining that instead of putting the land up for auction, FHA prepared to sell it for the appraised price. Any farmers interested in purchasing the land needed to fill out an application and a committee would select the applicant they would sell the land to.
“It turned out I was the ideal candidate,” Nick said. “The application asked: my age, was I married, did I have kids and are you a veteran of the U.S. Military. I was able to check all the boxes.”
Mary Jo was eager to raise their children on the farm because it’s where she grew up. “Kids have room to roam on the farm and learn many life skills,” Mary Jo said.
She explained that becoming a mom made her value her rural roots. “After nursing school, I moved to Minneapolis. I had gotten married, and divorced, so I was raising Suzanne on my own. One day the school bus left without Suzanne and she ended up standing in below zero weather, on a street corner in Minneapolis, for an hour. She
Like Nick, home for Mary Jo is Hyde County. In fact, she and Nick grew up just 10 miles apart. They were members of the same 4-H club and attended neighboring country schools – Nick attended Loomis School and Mary Jo attended Valley School. They are both graduates of Highmore High School.
“Our schools were close enough they would host holiday parties together. One year we were even Valentine’s Day King and Queen, so we passed out the Valentines together,” Mary Jo recalled.
The Nemec family (back row left to right): Ana Nemec, Andee Caron, Derek and Suzanne McCloud, Kate, Avery and Mya McCloud, Corbin, Dan and Erin Powell, Brigette, McCabe and Justin Downes, (center front): Kimber Downes, Nick and Mary Jo Nemec, Coralie Downes and Addie Powell.
They reconnected after many years when Mary Jo happened to run into Nick at a neighbor’s farm sale. “Nick proposed to me on our first date,” Mary Jo said.
Suzanne works as a USPS clerk and Erin as a registered nurse for Avera.
Union Farmer
Shortly after they married in 1986, Mary Jo asked Nick if they could join Farmers Union and a lifetime membership was purchased.
“Growing up my parents were active in Farmers Union and I was involved in Farmers Union youth camps. I served as a member of the Junior Advisory Council 1974-1975 and I got to travel to D.C. with Farmers Union,” Mary Jo said. “Being a farm girl from a small, rural school, Farmers Union expanded my horizons. I wanted our kids to have the same opportunities.”
Their daughters, Ana, Erin and Brigette, were actively involved in Farmers Union youth programming. All three were elected to the SDFU Junior Advisory Council and achieved their Torchbearer Award, the highest youth achievement in Farmers Union. Erin was employed for two years as summer staff to the education program. Mary Jo has also volunteered, serving as a camp coordinator, and is a past District VII state board director.
Mary Jo was able to stay home on the farm until her daughters were all in school. In 2000 she returned to her nursing career and began taking classes to elevate her degree and career opportunities. In 2012, she received her master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner.
“Our health insurance premiums were out of this world,” Mary Jo explained. “I knew I needed to get back into a career where I could get our family health insurance.”
Supporting the next generation
Today, her daughters, Suzanne and Erin, also have careers off the farm for similar reasons.
“Health insurance is one reason, and the other reason is as a farmer, just getting established, it is difficult to have enough steady income to cover household expenses,” explained Erin’s husband, Dan Powell.
Three years ago, Erin asked her dad if Dan could join him and her brother-in-law, Derek McCloud, on the farm. Nick said “yes.”
“We want to pass the farm on to the next generation, and our sons-in-law are the next generation,” Nick said.
He explained that although all three men farm/ranch on their own, Nick and Mary Jo have been able to help them get started by sharing equipment, leasing livestock on shares, leasing crop acres, and helping them with housing in the same manner his own father did.
Determined to create an environment where the next generation will thrive, Nick made a conscious decision to take a step back and hand over control of certain aspects of the farm when his sons-in-law asked for his help to get started.
“I had seen so many farms where the old man could not let go and they needed to retain complete control,” Nick shared. “Guys in their 60s, who had been on the farm their entire life would have to do whatever the 80-year-old told them to do. I did not want to be that guy.”
Ten years have passed since Nick asked Derek if he would like to farm with him.
“I made a deal with Derek. I would rent him the cows on shares until he was able to buy the herd from us. I would rent pastures to him and he would have complete management control of the cow herd,” Nick explained. “I would be happy to answer questions, but if he did not ask, I would shut up.”
Derek was 39 when he talked with Nick, but ranching full time had been on Derek’s mind since he was 16. In fact, he loved ranching so much that he moved from Colman to Highmore so that he could live and work on his Grandpa Speed’s farm.
Pipestone Systems, a hog confinement system management organization and the couple resided in Madison.
When their youngest child was on the way, they decided they wanted to live closer to grandparents.
“Without Nick and Mary Jo’s help, I would not be farming,” Derek said.
Today, Derek and Suzanne have expanded their cow/calf operation and now own it as well as purchasing their own acres. As he looks ahead, Derek said he is focused on improving his herd genetics, specifically he is working to increase feed efficiency. “I have bought most of my cattle from Montana or Wyoming, and their feed efficiency is better than other cows. I think it is because they have so much less grass and the cows had to adapt.”
Like Derek, Dan’s first career was off the farm. He worked in grain merchandising for CHS Cooperative. He enjoyed working with farmers. But each promotion took him further and further away from the members.
“I was in charge of all grain accounting for South Dakota, North Dakota and parts of Minnesota, so I spent my days leading conference calls, and then I would go home
When high school sweethearts Derek and Suzanne married, she wanted to experience life outside of Highmore. So, Derek’s first career was as a maintenance supervisor for Nemec Family Continued on Page 17
S.D. Farmers Share Impact of Soybean Market Crisis with D.C. Policymakers
“With all the seriousness and challenges we face, let’s keep in mind the blessings – family, community, neighbors – these are the reasons we are here and why it is so important to speak with one voice,” said Rob Larew, NFU President, in his welcome address at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Lance Perrion’s wife and three young daughters are the reason he made the trip just six days ahead of harvest. “We are not headed in a good direction because there is no follow through with policy to help the U.S. build a long-term plan,” explained the third-generation Ipswich corn and soybean farmer. “The current policy is not working. There is consolidation at every level of industry, and the Trade War is crippling our markets.
Going into soybean harvest, we are looking at 25 percent under breakeven to start.”
The Trade War’s impact on soybean markets topped the list of concerns Perrion and other farmers shared with policymakers during their Hill visits.
Although South Dakota’s leaders were sympathetic to the plight of farmers this soybean harvest, when family farmers and ranchers met with John Thune, Mike Rounds and Dusty Johnson, they did not receive any answers.
When Aberdeen farmer Kirk Schaunaman asked Thune what message the farmers and ranchers present should take back to their friends and neighbors in South Dakota, Thune said, “The situation is dire… I am a long-term skeptic of tariffs because we are an ag state and we depend on export markets. So, tariffs are risky business. The
president is convinced tariffs will raise so much revenue for the country. My question is, at what cost? And to who?”
Rounds expressed similar thoughts. “They are going to use us as a negotiating tool with trade tariffs.”
Rounds added that it is not just family farmers who are expressing concerns. “Bankers and ag retailers – an army of people are making a loud noise behind the scenes telling decision-makers you need help.”
When it comes to aid for agriculture producers, not having a current Farm Bill also concerned many attending the Fly-In.
“From my perspective as a producer, my optimism wanes every year that goes by without a Farm Bill,” said Rob Lee, a De Smet farmer who serves as a Next Generation Farmer on the National Farmers Union Board of Directors.
Getting mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) into the next Farm Bill presented a glimmer of hope and opportunity members advocated for during their time in D.C.
The idea was well received by Rounds, Thune and Johnson.
“If MCOOL was part of the Farm Bill, it would promote actual homeraised, USA beef,” explained Casey Duvall, an Ipswich cow/calf producer.
This is the first year Duvall and his wife, Brittney, attended the Fly-In. “We are here because my husband and I are concerned about the interest rates and the volatility in the cattle market,” Brittney said.
Many believe anti-trust issues among the big four packers have an impact on the cattle markets. During the Fly-In, many South Dakota producers met with Department of Justice (DOJ) administrators and staff to receive an update on the ongoing investigation into the packers.
“We had a really great meeting with the assistant attorney general of the DOJ Antitrust Division,” explained Parade rancher Oren Lesmeister. “It was pretty enlightening to hear that they’re moving forward on the investigation. They know that they’re on a timeline of now down to threeand-a-half years to get something done with monopolization.”
Right to Repair was also a topic farmers and ranchers brought up to leaders during the DOJ meeting.
Fifth-generation Reliance rancher Buster Reis is eager to have laws changed to allow machinery owners access to diagnostic technology that would allow them to repair their own equipment. Currently only certified technicians have this access.
“This winter, right before a storm, we were trying to get feeding done and the tractor we use to pull the feed wagon would not run due to an error. So, we had to waste nearly a day getting a technician to hook it up to a code reader. If we had been able to do this ourselves, it would have taken no time at all, and we would not have wasted time ahead of a storm that we did not have to waste.”
It’s real-life stories like Reis’ that make an impact, explained Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “Policymakers need to hear from us about how the decisions they make impact us. Without our personal stories, they have no idea what is happening on the farm or ranch.”
This year, more than 30 South Dakota family farmers and ranchers were able to share their stories because South Dakota Farmers Union sponsored them to attend the D.C. Fly-In. Members who attended were: Doug Sombke, SDFU President and Brown County farmer; Jeff Kippley, National Farmers Union Vice President & SDFU Vice President, Aberdeen farmer; Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director; Rocky Forman, SDFU Membership Coordinator; Oren Lesmeister, Parade; Lance Perrion, Ipswich; Haleigh Reis-Elwood, Oacoma; Keeleigh Reis-Elwood, Oacoma; Brenda Reis, Oacoma; David Reis, Oacoma; Larry Birgen, Beresford; Casey Duvall, Ipswich; Brittney Duvall, Ipswich; Robert Lee, De Smet; Darcie Lee, De Scan this QR Code to
Continued on Page 23
Dusty Johnson
Mike Rounds
Buster Reis, Larry Birgen and Swade Reis
South Dakota youth serving on the National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council are Madi Raymond, Patrick Olson and Brandon Toennies.
Meet the Harding County Ranchers Participating in the 2025 Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership Program
As a 20-something Tasha (Krempges) started working on a family friend’s Harding County ranch, and once the Salem town kid got a taste for ranch work, she made a decision.
“I would never go back to being a city girl.”
Fourth-generation Reva rancher Brock Besler helped her keep the promise she made to herself. The two met during a spring cattle branding. And within three years they decided to build their life together on Brock’s ranch.
Today the couple have three children: Lucille, 8; Wesley, 6; and Arlen, 2.
“It is so beautiful to see our kids follow Brock in his work around the ranch,” said Tasha, who works off the ranch part-time as a registered nurse. “His work ethic and dedication to everything he does is really beautiful. Growing up on a ranch is what I want for our children. And if it is what they want in the future, I hope they are able to follow in his footsteps.”
Advocating for a future where their children are able to live and work on their family’s ranch is the reason the Beslers joined the 2025 Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership (FUEL) Program.
Sponsored by Farmers Union Enterprises, the organization which oversees Farmers Union Industries, FUEL is designed to strengthen young producers’ leadership and communication skills. FUEL seminars are held throughout the year.
“I feel like as ranchers and farmers, we can sometimes sit back and let things happen to us. We don’t really tell our story. We let others tell
our story for us, so in many cases, the truth is not out there. So, we end up spending a lot of time trying to correct the story being told for us,” Brock explained.
“Re-educating people is difficult. So, we need to be out there telling our story for ourselves.”
The Beslers are among a FUEL class of family farmers and ranchers from North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. They attended their second FUEL seminar a few days ahead of the National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In. Held in D.C., this seminar focused on developing advocacy skills.
“I believe we all have room for growth in communication education,” Tasha said. “The workshops focused on how we could have effective, purposeful and meaningful communication.”
During the Fly-In, Tasha and Brock said they called on the skills they had just been taught when they met with congressional leaders and staff.
In addition to the personal and professional
leadership training they receive through FUEL, the Beslers also enjoy getting to learn from their classmates.
“It has been fun to meet other people from other states and learn about their different ag operations. It has been eye-opening,” Brock said. “I have always known there were a lot of specialty crops, but I did not know much about them. So, it has been fun to learn – someone in our group processes maple syrup.”
“Our FUEL group really shows the diversity of the American farmer and ranchers, and how we all work to come together to do this good thing that is feeding America and the world,” Tasha added.
Tasha and Brock got involved in Farmers Union and learned about FUEL through their long-time friends Jason and Kaeloni Latham.
In addition to encouraging the Beslers to apply to participate in the program, the Lathams even offered to help with childcare. Brock’s parents watched their children for them while they participated in the D.C. Fly-In. The couple say they appreciate what they learned and the opportunity to advocate.
“We are so grateful to Farmers Union for this opportunity,” Tasha said.
To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union supports family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Tasha & Brock Besler
Union Farmer
“This Fly-In is a good opportunity to follow up with policymakers. With the way everything is for farmers with the markets so low, many farmers are wondering where they will market their soybeans.”
Keeleigh Reis-Elwood, Oacoma Rancher
“I’m excited to be at this Fly-In because I have seen my grandparents come out for several years now, so I’m excited that I get to experience the Fly-In and watch the process of the policy leaders and learn about how they make their decisions, and ask questions.”
Brock and Tasha Besler, Reva Ranchers
“This Fly-In gave us an opportunity to be a voice for and advocate for all of the farmers and ranchers that are a part of Farmers Union and our nation.”
Lance and Lindsey Hinsvark, Gary Ranchers
“We came out to D.C. to work on legislation to get mandatory country-of-origin labeling passed. What makes sense to us, is cattle need to be born in the U.S., raised in the U.S. and processed in the U.S. to be called U.S. Beef.”
Swade Reis, Reliance Rancher
“It is my hope that the stories we shared with leaders and their staff are passed on to others and that they will make a difference for ranch families.”
“When we were at the USDA, there were several questions presented to them and for lack of a better word, they ignored them. We are here to talk to congressional leaders so that farmers will not be ignored. It’s a big deal in this country for our soybean farmers because these prices are way below the cost of production right now.”
Lorrie Hanson, John Deere Technician and Britton Farmer
Groton Farmer Chad Johnson with children, Porter and Brenna
David and Brenda Reis, Reliance Ranchers
“We covered the cost for our grandchildren to join us on this Fly-In because we want them to have this experience lobbying for family farmers and ranchers so that when they take over the family ranching operation and as leaders in Farmers Union, they can step right into the role of advocating.”
Haleigh Reis-Elwood, Oacoma Rancher
“It makes sense that in addition to lobbying South Dakota’s leaders, we also visit with leaders from other states because South Dakota leaders can’t accomplish what family farmers and ranchers need them to without getting buy-in from other leaders.”
Larry Birgen, Beresford Farmer
“I am here on the Fly-In to talk about the Farm Bill – a Farm Bill, which we haven’t had renewed in three years, also to talk about what tariffs are doing to our grain markets. I also made time for the Fly-In to represent other farmers in South Dakota who don’t have the time or the ability to be here. I’m a voice for them.”
Chris
and Jennifer Goldsmith, Lemmon Farmers Union Insurance Agents
“Many farm and ranch families in South Dakota rely on the Affordable Care Act for access to health insurance. It’s made a meaningful financial difference for our customers across the state, saving them thousands of dollars from traditional healthcare policies. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to communicate this impact to policymakers, with the hope that the ACA continues to be available as a coverage option.”
Gail and Brad Temple, Clark Farmers
“It was so exciting to see all the young producers out here in D.C. with us. It shows that our organization is growing and thriving and that the next generation of farmers are learning how to advocate for their business and their community.”
“During this Fly-In we got to see policy being discussed and the reasons behind why congressional leaders do what they do, and the opportunity to see really how challenging it is to get some of these things through all the way from start to finish so, that really gave a better understanding of what’s going on here.”
“We have such dire needs hitting us. The soybean market is a very scary situation. We’re not sure whether or not we’re going to be able to sell our soybean crop come fall. We need to take that message up to the Hill. We really need this Farm Bill 2.0 to get pushed through. We are still facing important issues such as country-of-origin labeling and need for higher ethanol blends. So having 30-plus farmers from South Dakota in D.C. was such a great help.”
“Because of Fly-In we have been able to talk with so many of our policymakers and we’ve been able to connect with them. They can be so far removed from agriculture in their states, so it has been a real privilege to be able to put faces with the problems that we have in our own farms and ranches.”
Jeff Kippley, Aberdeen Farmer & NFU & SDFU Vice President
Andrew Streff, Salem Farmer
Amber and Bryan Bunker, Reliance Ranchers
Union Farmer
Cooperative Hall of Fame Honors 2025 Inductees
With the induction of four key leaders into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame, the roster now includes 100 individuals who have given of their time, talent and treasure to build a strong cooperative community in South Dakota.
Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor that the cooperative community bestows on those who have made significant contributions to the state. Their leadership, integrity and personal commitment have served not only cooperatives, but also their local communities.
This year’s inductees are:
• Bruce Granquist, Milbank, S.D. –nominated by AGP, Inc., with support from LaBolt Farmers Grain Company and Grant-Roberts Rural Water System.
• Vince Hanson, Crooks, S.D. – nominated by Alliance Communication, with support from Crooks Mayor Butch Oseby
• Dick Johnson, Mesa, Ariz. – nominated by West River Electric Association, with support from Wall Mayor Mary Williams, and Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative
• Wallace “Wally” Knock, Willow Lake, S.D. – nominated by Agtegra Cooperative with support from Land O’Lakes, Inc., the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Dakotaland Feeds, and the S.D. ValueAdded Agriculture Development Center.
This marks the 41st year for the Hall of Fame. The S.D. Cooperative Hall of Fame program is sponsored by CHS, Inc., the S.D. Association of Cooperatives, S.D. Association of Telephone Cooperatives, S.D. Farmers Union and S.D. Rural Electric Association.
Get to Know 2025 Hall of Fame Recipients
Bruce Granquist, Milbank, S.D. – Bruce Granquist, a dedicated advocate for the cooperative system, has spent decades contributing to the growth and success of agricultural cooperatives and his community. Farming 3,500 acres near Milbank, S.D., alongside his wife, Janet, and son, Nathan, Bruce has cultivated not only crops but also a legacy of leadership and service.
Bruce served on the LaBolt Famers Grain Company board of directors for 28 years, including more than 20 years as chairman. Under his guidance, the cooperative expanded its footprint across South Dakota and Minnesota, adapting to the fast-paced need of producers with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. His vision and commitment have ensured the cooperative’s ability to thrive in an ever-changing agricultural environment.
In addition to his work at LaBolt Farmers Grain, Bruce served on the Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) board of directors for more than 20 years, holding roles such as secretary and treasurer. During his tenure, Bruce played a pivotal role in major projects, including the construction and expansion of soy processing facilities, vegetable
oil refining, biodiesel production and export capabilities at the Port of Grays Harbor. His leadership helped AGP achieve lasting impacts on U.S. agriculture, creating new markets and opportunities for cooperative members.
Beyond his cooperative contributions, Bruce has served as vice chairman of the Grant-Roberts Rural Water District for 29 years and recently became chairman. He has also held leadership roles in the S.D. Association of rural Water Systems, his local church council and various agricultural associations.
Bruce’s humility, sense of humor and unwavering dedication to service have inspired those around him. His commitment to advancing cooperatives, supporting his community and fostering future generations of leaders marks him as an elite cooperative leader.
Vince Hanson, Crooks, S.D. – Vince Hanson is a dedicated leader and visionary who has profoundly impacted the cooperative sector and his community. Born and raised in Crooks, S.D., Vince took on significant responsibilities at an early age, leaving college to manage his family farm after the unexpected passing of his father. As a third-generation farmer, Vince has worked alongside his son, Karl, to sustain and grow the family legacy.
In 1981, Vince joined the board of Baltic Cooperative Telephone, which later merged with Splitrock Telecom to form Alliance Communications Cooperative. Over his remarkable 44-year tenure, Vince played a pivotal role in transforming the cooperative from serving two communities with 1,970 phone customers
to nearly 16,000 customers across South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. Under his leadership, Alliance became one of the first cooperatives in the state to implement a 100 percent fiber-optic network, ensuring cutting-edge technology for its members.
Vince’s commitment to community development is evident through his involvement in initiatives like the Crooks New Hope Light Industrial Development, which fostered local business growth. He also supported programs such as Keep the Change and USDA Rural Development loans, benefitting community organizations and critical establishments.
Beyond his professional contributions, Vince is deeply involved in his church, farmrelated organizations and local committees. His integrity, kindness and mentorship have earned him respect from employees, customers and community members alike. Vince’s expertise as a licensed real estate agent has further supported Alliance in land development and infrastructure projects.
Vince embodies the cooperative principles of leadership, innovation and concern for the community. His decades-long service has left a lasting legacy, positioning Alliance Communications and the Crooks area for continued growth and success.
Dick Johnson, Mesa, Ariz. – Dick Johnson is a distinguished leader whose 26-year career at West River Electric Association, including 15 years as CEO, exemplifies the highest standards
2025 Co-Op Hall of Fame recipients (left to right): Bruce Granquist, Wally Knock, Dick Johnson and Vince Hanson.
CO-OP MONTH
of cooperative leadership and community service. His tenure was marked by exceptional statesmanship, innovation and a steadfast commitment to advancing the cooperative model in South Dakota.
Under Dick’s leadership, West River Electric experienced transformational growth, modernizing rural infrastructure, integrating advanced smart grid technology and pioneering renewable energy projects such as solar and battery storage systems. His forward-thinking vision positioned the cooperative as a leader in rural electrification and grid security, ensuring reliable service for thousands of members while fostering sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dick’s dedication to the cooperative community is evident in his mentorship of emerging leaders and his advocacy for cooperative principles at state and national levels. He cultivated a culture of collaboration and empowerment, inspiring others to engage in the broader cooperative mission. His influence extended to regional organizations such as Rushmore Electric and S.D. Rural Electric Association, where he championed strategic partnerships and innovative solutions to strengthen South Dakota’s cooperative network.
Dick’s commitment to service extended far beyond his career. In his hometown of Wall, S.D., he has been a pillar of civic engagement, serving as an EMT, church leader and active member of numerous boards, including the Wall Chamber and Black Hills Economic Development Board. He co-founded the Wall Toastmasters Club and established a healthcare scholarship for local
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students, leaving a lasting legacy of community development.
Dick Johnson’s career and community service reflect the cooperative values of selfhelp, democracy, and solidarity. His leadership has created lasting improvements for rural communities and inspired future generations to carry forward the cooperative spirit.
Wallace “Wally” Knock, Willow Lake, S.D. –Wallace “Wally” Knock is a distinguished leader in South Dakota’s agricultural and cooperative sectors, whose career spans over four decades of dedicated service. A diversified crop and livestock farmer from Willow Lake, S.D., Wally operates a family farm with his wife, Kathy, and their children.
Wally’s commitment to cooperatives began during the challenging 1980s farm crisis, where he recognized their essential role in supporting rural communities. He has been a member of Agtegra Cooperative for 45 years, serving on its board for more than 24 years, including more than a decade as board secretary. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Agtegra through mergers, capital reinvestments and strategic growth, solidifying its position as a leading farmer-owned cooperative in the
Farmer
Midwest.
Beyond Agtegra, Wally serves as South Dakota’s representative on the Land O’Lakes Board of Directors, advocating for innovation, sustainability and cooperative strength at the national level. His has also chaired the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives’ Animal Agriculture Subcommittee for over a decade, influencing federal policy and advancing livestock producers’ interests.
Wally’s contributions extend to his local community, where has served as chairman of the Willow Lake School Board for 18 years, Clark County Commissioner and a 4-H leader. His passion for rural development and mentorship has inspired future cooperative leaders and fostered economic opportunities in South Dakota.
Recognized as the 2024 NCFC Farmer Co-op Director of the Year, Wally exemplifies statesmanship, vision and unwavering commitment to agriculture and cooperatives. His legacy is one of thoughtful leadership, advocacy and dedication to ensuring the prospering of rural communities and the cooperative system for generations to come. n Courtesy of South Dakota Association of Cooperatives
Union Farmer COOP MONTH
Rural Communities Depend on Co-op Employees who Serve as First Responders
When fires or farm and traffic accidents occur in rural South Dakota, it is often volunteers who are the first to respond.
“When you have the low populations that we do in rural America, our communities don’t have the income to pay for first responders, so it is important for those of us who can volunteer, to volunteer – you know it takes a village mentality,” explained John Beaner, former Fire Chief for North Marshall Volunteer Fire Department in Britton.
A sales agronomist for Full Circle Ag Cooperative, Beaner is among more than 20 co-op employees who serve their communities as volunteer first responders.
“We depend on Full Circle employees who volunteer,” said Nate Dinger, current Fire Chief of North Marshall Volunteer Fire Department. As a cooperative member, Dinger said he is proud that Full Circle Ag Cooperative cultivates an employee culture where giving back to the community is not only accepted, but it is encouraged.
This aligns with the cooperative mission, explained Joe Gustafson, Full Circle Agronomy Manager.
“When you work for a co-op, you are part of a team of employees working for the farmers you serve. This team mindset translates outside of the cooperative and into the community as well,” Gustafson said. “Because as a cooperative we are member-owned, we feel like we face challenges together with our farmers. So, it is more like a partnership than a traditional retail relationship.”
Beaner added, “There are very few calls that I have gone on as a first responder that I don’t know at least one of the victims or their family members on at least a first-name basis. I always hope recognizing a familiar person helps take the edge off or provides some comfort when they are having such a horrible day.”
“We depend on Full Circle employees who volunteer.”
– Nate Dinger, Fire Chief of North Marshall Volunteer Fire Department.
Giving back to the community is the reason Full Circle Ag truck driver Todd Widener wanted to serve on the Langford Volunteer Fire Department. “The town of Langford welcomed me and my family to town with open arms when we moved here from the West Coast after the 2008 housing crash,” Widener said. “We lost everything we owned. I found work as a truck driver. We moved here with no money in the bank and a U-Haul. A local family sold us our home contract for deed. It was a blessing from God.”
Volunteer first responders like Widener, Beaner and Gustafson respond to much more than building and property fires. They are often the first on site to help after a farm accident or natural disaster.
In addition to the first responder training provided by the volunteer fire department, as cooperative employees they also receive extensive farm
storage and machinery safety training. Gustafson said this prepares them to assess most situations they encounter in their rural community.
“We are able to size up the scene and understand what is going on, this allows us to make quick decisions that can save lives,” Gustafson said.
In addition to many cooperative employees volunteering, the cooperative also loans equipment, like water tankers, when needed. Support from local employers like Full Circle Ag Cooperative is vital when emergencies happen, said Matt McCranie, a farmer and the Fire Chief of the Claremont Volunteer Fire Department.
“Full Circle Cooperative and other companies that allow the employees who are volunteer firefighters to stop what they are doing and respond to a call – whether it is EMS or a fire – in our small community this is huge because when there is an emergency, we need all hands on deck.” n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Full Circle Ag Cooperative employees Todd Widener & John Beaner are among more than 20 co-op employees who serve as volunteer first responders.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew made some time to visit with Brown County Fairgoers during his visit to South Dakota this summer.
Brown County Fair
4-H
member Kolten Gemar was selected to adopt the Farmers Union sow and piglets after the Brown County Fair.
Students Encouraged to Enter Ag Advocacy
Social Media Scholarship Contest
Students compete to win up to $15,000 in scholarship dollars during the Farming for the Future Social Media Scholarship Contest sponsored by
South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU).
Entry deadline is Oct. 19.
“There’s a lot of misconceptions out there when it comes to agriculture,” explained Samantha Bowman, SDFU Education Program Specialist. “This scholarship contest gives students the opportunity to debunk the misconceptions, educate individuals about agriculture and win scholarship dollars.”
South Dakota State University pre-veterinary student Hailey Kizer, of Howard agreed. As the 2024 first place winner, Kizer received $3,000 in scholarship dollars.
“I enjoyed this contest. For me, it was not just about earning scholarship dollars – which are important because vet school is extremely expensive – but it was really about the opportunity to share about agriculture,” said Kizer, who served as the 2023-2024 State FFA Reporter. “Agriculture is what I love. It has always been a part of my life and this is the reason I want to build my career in agriculture.”
Kizer was one of many high school and college students to compete in the 2024 Farming for the Future Ag Advocacy Scholarship Contest.
“Education is a foundational focus of Farmers Union as we work to support family farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” explained Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. “This ag advocacy scholarship contest educates consumers, while at the same time helping agriculture’s future leaders earn scholarships to help fund their education.”
Compete & Earn $100 weekly
Students enter the scholarship contest by Oct. 19 and then each week they complete agriculture advocacy social media challenges. Weekly challenge winners receive $100 each challenge and on Dec. 11 during the 2025 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention, the final winners will be announced.
Winners receive points and students with the highest points receive up to $3,000 in scholarships. Scholarship funds of $15,000 will be awarded. To compete, visit www.sdfu.org, click on Farming for the Future link under the Education tab. n
Farming for the Future Scholarship Invites Students to Advocate for Ag & Compete for College Cash
7-Week Challenge With Weekly Scholarship Prizes All Majors & Students Invited! High School Seniors, 2- and 4-year college, Graduate and PhD Students Invited to Apply Enter Contest by October 15
Visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Scholarships link under the Education Tab OR Scan this QR code to learn more.
$500 Scholarships! SDFU Foundation Scholarship
Deadline is Nov. 14, 2025
Who can apply? SDFU members who are seniors in high school or freshmen in college that have committed to attend a South Dakota post-secondary institution. $2,500 Agricultural Graduate School Scholarship
Deadline is Nov. 14, 2025
Who can apply? Full-time students pursuing a graduate degree in an accredited agriculture-related field (research, animal science, ag business, ag education, etc.) and who show a strong interest in working in South Dakota. More information? Visit www.sdfu.org/education/youthprograms/scholarships
Hailey Kizer
Union Farmer South Dakota State Fair 2025
Farmers Feed 1,000 State Fair Fairgoers for Only 52 Cents
Family farmers and ranchers fed 1,000 fairgoers lunch for only 52 cents each during the South Dakota Farmers Union Farmers Share Lunch at the South Dakota State Fair.
Why only 52 cents? It’s the farmers’ share for the meal’s ingredients.
“There is a big difference between what we all pay at the grocery store and the share the farmer receives for the food they raise,” explained Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union.
Understanding the economic challenges facing family farmers and ranchers as well as providing an opportunity for fairgoers to meet the families who do the work of our state’s No. 1 industry of agriculture are among the goals of the Farmers Share Lunch, explained Wessington Springs rancher Scott Kolousek.
“We as individual farmers and ranchers don’t have a lot of time to tell our story, but we know that if we don’t make time to tell our story, someone else will. This is the reason our family are Farmers Union members – this grassroots organization is run by farmers. It provides us with opportunities, like State Fair, where we can tell our story.”
– Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs cattle producer
“After a fairgoer learns how little we receive for the food we produce, they say it really opens their eyes,” Kolousek said. “When beef hits $8 a pound in the grocery store and buns are $3, we believe it is important that consumers understand those of us raising the cattle and the wheat are only receiving a fraction of the amount they spend at the grocery store.”
Megan and Derek Pedersen agreed. They are attending the State Fair from Lesterville. And when they learned that the 52 cents they paid for a pulled pork sandwich, chips and milk lunch was the farmers’ share for the ingredients, they were surprised.
“It sounds like a lot of hard work for nothing,” Derek said.
“Sounds like changes should be made because the processors/packagers seem to be making most of the profit, not the people who put in the blood, sweat and tears. This should somehow be reversed,” Megan said.
An opportunity to advocate for agriculture
South Dakota Farmers Union is the premier sponsor of the South Dakota State Fair. And in addition to the Farmers Share Lunch, the state’s largest agriculture organization said the event provides a great opportunity for family farmers and ranchers to share their story.
Kolousek is among a group of Farmers Union members who make time during State Fair to meet with fairgoers – handing out stickers and backpacks with farm-friendly messaging.
“We as individual farmers and ranchers don’t have a lot of time to tell our story, but we know that if we don’t make time to tell our story, someone else will,” Kolousek said. “This is the reason our family are Farmers Union members – this grassroots organization is run by farmers. It provides us with opportunities, like State Fair, where we can tell our story.”
All donations from the Farmers Share Lunch went to Make-A-Wish.
Farm Safety Quiz Bowl and More
In addition to the Farmers Share Lunch, South Dakota Farmers Union hosted the 2025 Farm Safety Quiz Bowl championships. FFA teams from Brandon Valley, Canton, Howard and Wessington Springs competed for cash and championship title. The Howard FFA Chapter won the title.
“It’s important all youth understand how to stay safe on farms and ranches because agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry – and the work involved can be dangerous,” explained Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a fourth-generation Brown County farmer.
The grassroots organization hosted a panel of legislative leaders, local officials and state tax experts for a forum focused on property tax. Fairgoers joined in the discussion during “Who Pays the Bill? South Dakota’s Property Tax Crossroads” forum.
To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union works to support family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org n
Fairgoers Megan and Derek Pedersen and their 6-week old son, Maverik, enjoy the Farmers Share Lunch.
Beresford farmer Larry Birgen (far right) was among a group of family farmers and ranchers who met with fairgoers, handing out farmerfriendly merch.
Union Farmer South Dakota State Fair 2025
Panelists Say No Easy Answers for Cutting Property Taxes
What to do about property taxes? This was the topic discussed by South Dakota state, county and township leaders during a panel discussion hosted by South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) on the Freedom Stage at the South Dakota State Fair.
When it comes to cutting property taxes, there are no easy answers explained Jim Terwilliger, Commissioner of the Bureau of Finance and Management. “There are only three ways to cut property tax in South Dakota – create a new revenue source, shift property tax burden from one class to another or cuts to local government. This is the reason this has been a long-standing conversation and there are no easy solutions to property taxes.”
Taxes in South Dakota are already low, Terwilliger explained. “We are consistently ranked lowest per capita local taxes in the nation.”
Panel moderator and SDFU Lobbyist Mitch Richter also explained to fairgoers listening in to the panel that in South Dakota, property taxes do not go into the state budget. Instead, they stay local and cover the costs associated with schools, safety, roads and other infrastructure.
“Property taxes pay for the things that are near and dear to our hearts,” Terwilliger said.
Panelist Kraig Steinhoff, Superintendent of the Huron School District, agreed, highlighting the fact that property taxes fund schools. “If schools are 80 percent of our local budgets, then we have to cut staff. We have to cut teachers. So, then we have to ask ourselves, what are the minimums we want to teach? I am a firm believer that we need to help kids find passions and we can do this with fine arts, FFA and other courses.”
Steinhoff and Terwilliger were among the panelists who also included Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President; Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County Commissioner; and Greg Jamison, State Representative, District 12.
Fairgoer Wayne Soren was sitting in the crowd listening to the panel
Tax Panel
Continued on Page 22
Front row: Doug Sombke, President of SDFU, and Jim Schmidt Lincoln County Commissioner. Back Row: Mitch Richter, SDFU Lobbyist; Greg Jamison, State Representative, District 12; Jim Terwilliger, Commissioner of the Bureau of Finance and Management; and Kraig Steinhoff, Superintendent, Huron School District.
oward FFA Chapter won the South Dakota Farmers Union Farm Safety Quiz Championships Aug. 30, during the South Dakota State Fair.
The members of the Farm Safety Quiz Bowl team received a cash prize and the 2025 Championship Title. Howard FFA Chapter team members are Mason Jacobson, Tom Connor, Lucas Feldhaus and Carson Hinker.
Other FFA chapters competing were Redfield FFA team – Brooklyn Rische, Karlie Brabant, Layla Hardie and Addy Rice; Canton FFA team – Conley Winquist, Damion Myburgh, Bayler Lems and Salvador Lopez; and Wessington Springs FFA team –Ella Kolousek, Chase Dunsmore, Rylan Fagerhaug and Logan Klein.
Farmers Union hosts the Farm Safety Quiz Bowl as a fun and engaging way for teens to learn about farm safety.
“It’s important all youth understand how to stay safe on farms and ranches because agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry – and the work involved can be dangerous,” explained Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a fourth-generation Brown County farmer.
Competing before a crowd of fairgoers during the Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Championships, teens compete by answering a diverse set of questions designed to challenge all aspects of farm safety knowledge – from how to safely share the roads with farm equipment, to safe handling of ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), to implementing appropri-
ate safety precautions when cleaning out a grain bin and how to stay safe when working livestock.
“The questions were really tough – I actually didn’t know the answers to some of them, and I have lived on a farm all my life,” said Ella Kolousek, the Wessington Springs FFA Chapter Reporter. “Learning about farm safety is a good idea because I can use the information to help me stay safe.”
FFA teams qualified for the championships in April during the 2025 South Dakota State FFA Convention held in Brookings.
“The Farm Safety Quiz Bowl allows FFA members to apply what they’ve learned through real-life experience on the farm. This hands-on learning style reinforces safety practices in an engaging and memorable way,” said Charlene Weber, Howard High School Agriculture Education Teacher and FFA Adviser. “As a teacher, I believe it’s incredibly important for students to learn about farm safety in a fun and interactive way, like a quiz bowl, rather than just through textbooks or YouTube videos. When students are actively involved, they retain the information better and are more likely to use it in real-world 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 thought more about farm safety because of this contest.”
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 held across the state and attended by more than 1,000 youth each summer.
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.”
Throughout the State Fair, thousands of youth engage with Farm Safety Trailer activities. For example, they 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, visit www.sdfu.org n By Lura Roti
Wessington Springs FFA Team: Ella Kolousek, Chase Dunsmore, Rylan Fagerhaug and Logan Klein.
Canton FFA Team: Conley Winquist, Damion Myburgh, Bayler Lems and Salvador Lopez.
Howard FFA Team: Mason Jacobson, Tom Connor, Lucas Feldhaus and Carson Hinker.
and spend four to five hours working,” Dan explained.
As a farmer, Dan’s work days did not get shorter, but he values the flexibility that comes with being his own boss. He also appreciates the fact that he has Nick and Derek close by if he has questions.
“I grew up around farming, because my dad worked for cooperatives, but I did not grow up on a farm, so I do look to them for advice,” Dan explained.
Full-time grandma
Mary Jo retired from her nursing career in 2024 and said today she enjoys being a fulltime grandma to their eight grandchildren: Mya, Avery, Kate, Corbin, Adalyn, Coralie, Kimber and McCabe.
“I am here if they are sick and need to stay home from school. I am here if they need a ride to swim lessons or to be picked up from the school bus,” Mary Jo said. “And occasionally I am still asked to do a parts run or help move machinery.”
Even though he is often busy with planting or harvest, Nick enjoys having two sets of grandchildren close by. “They live close enough that they just stop in, they don’t have to knock or ring the doorbell,” Nick explained. Grandson, Corbin, is an enthusiastic assistant especially when it comes to any task having to do with driving a tractor.
Because they both have more free time, they are able to travel and visit their off-farm daughters. Ana, who lives in Rapid City, is a communicable disease intervention specialist for the S.D. Department of Health. Brigette, a special education teacher, and her husband, Justin Downes, the superintendent for the Milbank School District, reside near Milbank with their children, Coralie, Kimber and McCabe.
Throughout the past year, Mary Jo spent extra time with daughter Brigette because 6-year-old Kimber was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma.
After a tough year, the family is grateful Kimber is now cancer free.
“People who have been given to, need to give back.” Mary Jo Nemec
While Nick and Mary Jo were building their farm and family together, they also made time to give back to their community and church.
The families are active cooperative members. “Nearly every service we use in our homes and on our farm is from a cooperative,” explained Nick, who serves on the board of the Dakota Energy Cooperative. “Cooperatives have been an instrumental part in building and modernizing our community.”
The telephone cooperative, Venture Communications, also provides them with internet and cable. Their electricity is from Dakota Energy Cooperative. They bank with
Farm Credit Services and get their water through Mid Dakota Rural Water Systems.
And each year, Nick and Mary Jo host a bipartisan pheasant hunt and chili fundraiser. The event started when Nick represented six rural counties in the South Dakota Legislature: Hyde, Potter, Faulk, Edmunds, Walworth and Campbell. “Kevin Woster and I started the hunt to encourage members of opposite political parties to work together. We wanted to show Democrats that Republicans did not have devil’s horns and show Republicans that Democrats did not have devil’s horns.”
Union Farmer
After the hunt, a hat is passed while the participants enjoy Mary Jo’s famous chili. The dollars raised go to help a local cause such as Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids or the local food bank.
Mary Jo shared that one year a larger fundraiser helped cover expenses related to building a handicap accessible addition to the family home of a disabled child.
“People who have been given to, need to give back,” Mary Jo said. n by Lura Roti for SDFU
TRI-STATE PRODUCER
Union Farmer
Life on South Dakota Farms & Ranches Brought to You By…
Enjoy these photos submitted by photographers across South Dakota as part of the 2025 Capturing Life on South Dakota’s Farms & Ranches photo contest. Want to submit your own photos? Contest ends Oct. 1. All photos need to be entered through the SDFU website, click on Photo Contest link under the News & Events tab. n
OFFICIAL CONVENTION NOTICE
To: All local and county unions of the South Dakota Farmers Union. Notice is hereby given that the 110th annual convention of the Farmers Union Educational and Cooperative Union of America, South Dakota Division will convene on December 10th, 2025, at the Crossroads Hotel & Convention Center in Huron, South Dakota at 11:00 a.m. (CT)
Directors from District II, IV and VIII, delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union Convention along with the State President and Vice President will be elected. Delegates will adopt a policy program. The Convention will remain in session until disposition has been made of all business.
The South Dakota Farmers Union bylaws provide: “Each chartered county union in good standing shall be entitled to one
delegate for ten dues-paying members or major fraction thereof. Each county president, if not an elected delegate, shall be a delegate ex-officio to district and state conventions and shall have one vote therein.”
“Credentials must be signed by the president and secretary of the county which such delegates represent and be received by the State Office no later than 5 working days prior to the state convention (Dec. 3, 2025), and registered at the venue no later than 8:30 a.m. (CT) on last day of the convention” The election will be held prior to the first refreshment break on December 11, 2025.
FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA (SOUTH DAKOTA DIVISION)
Doug Sombke, President
Karla Hofhenke, State Secretary-Treasurer
Patti Johnson
Breyten Johnson
Nikki Tuschen
Christina Hofer
Katie Maier
Katie Maier
Breyten Johnson
Leah Olerud
Christina Hofer
Daniel Hauck
Leah Olerud
Chipping Away at the Value Proposition of Biofuels
Doug Durante, Executive Director, Clean Fuels Development Coalition
The RFS, SAF, Tax Credits and smart farming programs are all predicated in part on reducing carbon. The Trump administration, with little pushback from Congress, has said never mind, we don’t value that anymore.
The “olden days” when “gasohol” was a movement to reduce our dependence on oil eventually morphed into more than that, namely an economic engine for agriculture and jobs as more plants were built. Then the environmental and health benefits began to be recognized, and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 created fuel standards that reflected those benefits.
Numerous energy bills over the years kept the momentum going but it was the environmental benefits that propelled ethanol to the next level when the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) cemented ethanol as a key component of the motor fuel pool. It is relevant to note that the RFS was an amendment to the Clean Air Act and explains why it is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) . Along the way we began to take notice of potential climate change and the role of greenhouse gases.
Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nox and other gaseous emissions trap heat and according to the overwhelming majority of scientists, create changes in our climate. These greenhouse gases are themselves pollutants and a health hazard. All the buzz over climate change for the past decade or more was focused on rising sea levels and catastrophic storms, with little or no referencing the fact that we might die from air pollution while we are fretting over the polar ice caps.
In 2007 the state of Massachusetts petitioned EPA to regulate GHGs and eventually the Supreme Court ruled that the agency must do so if it determined these pollutants endanger public health. EPA did make such a determination and identified the combustion of fossil fuels as a primary culprit and motor vehicles as the source. This gave birth to EPA essentially merging
with Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards to not just require higher mileage but also to regulate tailpipe CO2 emissions.
During the Obama years, and then again under the Biden administration, reducing carbon and CO2 became a focal point of everything. Government contracts were scored in part on the “carbon footprint.” Carbon credits became a valuable commodity, and the global economy recognized this currency. For ethanol producers and many farmers, they spent the past decade on a quest to get to “Net Zero” – the holy grail of carbon reduction. This entailed everything from reducing energy inputs to verification of low carbon farming practices and feedstocks. As noted, cars were now gauged on carbon emissions.
As usual ethanol had to overcome prejudice and ignorance to make its case as a low carbon fuel, but it did, and even California, long a nemesis of ethanol, blessed corn ethanol and we were off and running – until now.
Sandwiched between the two democratic administrations was Trump 1.0 that laid the groundwork for the drastic reversal of carbon reduction policies we are seeing now.
Rather than nibbling at the edges, the Trump administration is going for the knockout by directing EPA to rescind the finding that GHGs endanger public health. If they are successful – and there is little to stop them – it will kick the legs out from EPA’s authority to require reductions.
For the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to claim these pollutants are not a risk to public health is part of an administration-wide campaign to ignore and even discredit the very concept of global warming and climate change. They have worked to remove all references to it from government websites while cutting funding for climate mitigation projects.
From the get-go, the new EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said they were going to “put a dagger in the heart of
climate change” and stated the mission of EPA was to “lower the cost of buying a car, heating a home and running a business.” Really? The Environmental Protection Agency is supposed to protect the environment and public health.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright calls the effort to get to net zero impossible and programs to reduce carbon as “silly,” dismissing clean energy and calling for more fossil fuels. Every federal agency is turning its back on all efforts to reduce carbon.
It is sad to see that EPA has lost its way so badly. Ethanol worked hard to prove its mettle in the environmental arena and has proven to save lives by replacing billions of gallons of carcinogenic octane enhancers. By dismissing CO2 and carbon emissions, the administration is exposing the public to harmful pollutants, period. This further erodes ethanol’s value proposition at a time when it is positioned to provide the reductions EVs were supposed to deliver.
And don’t look to the Supreme Court to save the day. The 2007 ruling was that EPA must regulate GHGs but only if they determined it was a health hazard. Well, by proposing to reverse their previous finding, EPA has already made that decision.
Thankfully, California and a dozen other states still believe the U.S. needs to curb GHGs and carbon emissions and are continuing to embrace ethanol as a low carbon fuel.
Critics of ethanol argue that our current energy security makes the RFS and biofuel programs unnecessary. It is critical for corn ethanol to fight for our place on the menu of pollution control measures which is a key value proposition we cannot afford to lose. The resulting increase in demand for both ethanol and biodiesel would be an immediate boost to the rural economy, and the ag community needs to continue to promote high octane, low carbon pathways. California’s acceptance of E15 is a first step and moving to high octane E30 is the next. n
Union Farmer
Around the State with Farmers Union
Safety Trailer
Harding County Achievement Days
Jarrett, Joy, Jaydon, James Latham showing their animals at the Harding County 4-H Achievement Days
Tripp County Achievement Days
Elizabeth Wonnenberg and Lydia Wonnenberg showing their cattle at Tripp County Achievement Days
Mount Marty Game Day sponsorship 9-13-25
District 4 annual meeting Aug. 18, complete with a free chuckwagon supper!
Union Farmer
From the President.... It’s Here!
Harvest Season 2025
After months of waiting and praying for growing degree days… Harvest 2025 is here! And it’s looking like a record production year is very possible.
I know the Sombke family is not alone. Farmers across South Dakota and the Midwest are reaping record yields.
Very poor crop markets have ruined what could have been a perfect harvest. With the impact of the Trade War creating anxiety as we all try to pencil out how to make ends meet, I want to remind you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
And for nearly a decade, South Dakota Farmers Union has been working on a plan to put farmers in control of their markets: IMSET (Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool).
Developed by Craig Blindert, a Salem farmer and Farmers Union member, IMSET returns market control to farmers. Reviewed by university economists from Texas A&M and North Dakota State University, when put to the test by the experts, IMSET works.
It’s a bit complicated for me to fully explain in this one-page column, so we created a video – you can watch it by scanning the QR code on this page, or by visiting www.sdfu.org and click on the IMSET slider on the homepage.
IMSET was a solution we shared with policymakers during our D.C. Fly-In visits. And because the markets are hurting for all American farmers, it didn’t matter if the policymakers were from South Dakota, Iowa or Oregon, they were open to listening because they said they are seeking solutions.
IMSET is one of many solutions Farmers Union advocates on behalf of YOU our family farmers and ranchers. When we were in D.C., we continued to ask for truth in labeling
and MCOOL (mandatory country-of-origin labeling.)
Even though cattle markets are strong today, Farmers Union continues to advocate for fair markets for ALL producers because the tide will turn if we don’t. You don’t have to have been in the cattle business long to remember lean times…just eight years ago steers were selling for less than half of what they are today.
As many of you already know, our policy expands beyond factors that impact markets. Take a quick look at our policy book and you will see that access to childcare, healthcare and education funding can also be found inside. The reason? Since you establish the policy, the policy reflects the needs of your agriculture operation, your family and your rural community.
I look forward to meeting up with you to discuss Farmers Union policy during our 2025 State Convention on Dec. 10 and 11 in Huron.
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
Contact NFU National Farmers Union 20 F Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001
Rob Larew, President ~ Jeff Kippley, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org
Doug Sombke, SDFU President
Scan to watch a video explaining IMSET
Union Farmer
BGet to Know Brandon Teichroew, Yankton
randon Teichroew sold a pickup to a longtime customer just two days before he left his 14-year career at Lewis and Clark Ford to join the Farmers Union Insurance Agency in Yankton.
“The customer said, ‘sell me a truck and get ahold of me in a couple of days to sell me insurance for my truck.’ So, that’s what I did,” Teichroew said.
He explained that this was a great way to end one career he enjoyed and begin another. “It was fun to get that last car deal and know that I will continue to serve the people I enjoy working with in my new career.”
A self-proclaimed “people person,” building relationships with his customers so that they trust him to help them make crucial decisions is important to Teichroew.
“Insurance is something everyone needs, so I work to ensure that clients are not only able to manage their risk, but that I help provide them with enough information to give them peace of mind as well,” Teichroew explained.
Because he has lived in Yankton since 2000, it is likely he knows many of the Farmers Union Insurance clients he gets to serve. “During Riverboat Days in Yankton, my wife and I kept running into friends who had read the Farmers Union Insurance letter about me joining the
organization. It was amazing how many people we know are already customers.”
Teichroew and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, Remy, Trace and Tripp (deceased).
Family is the reason Teichroew made the decision to join Farmers Union Insurance. Daughter, Remy, and son, Trace, are athletes, and because car sales required him to work most weekends, he missed a lot of soccer and baseball games.
“When I told my son that unless there is a natural disaster I will have my Saturdays free, he said, ‘wait, you will be able to go to all my games!’ That is when I knew I was making the right decision.”. n
discussion and the Lake Preston farmer said he agreed with Steinhoff and Terwilliger – there are no easy answers when it comes to ways to lower property taxes. Soren said he was not impressed with the ideas panelists shared that came out of the Legislative Summer Study focused on reducing property taxes. These ideas included
• Cuts to township and county government
• Reducing owner-occupied property taxes by limiting the percentage taxes could increase in a specific time period
• Limiting how often a property is assessed.
“It seems the summer study was focused on solving problems in Lincoln, Minnehaha, Lawrence and Pennington counties. And because these counties are home to areas of high real estate, the proposed solutions will never benefit rural areas,” said Soren, who serves on the Spring Lake Township Board.
He added that another solution discussed by panelist Greg Jamison, to implement a county sales tax, also would not work in rural areas. “Rural areas don’t have the retail businesses or the population where a county tax would have any real impact,” Soren said. “And if you raise county taxes in our state’s urban communities, you negatively impact rural citizens because this is where we shop.”
Groton farmer Chad Johnson agreed with Soren. He said that most of the summer study’s proposed solutions would negatively impact rural communities where agriculture is the No. 1 economic driver.
“If you raise sales taxes to lower property taxes, it could have a negative impact on farmers and ranchers. We spend a lot on livestock and machinery and equipment repairs. If they try and lower property taxes for owner-
occupied homes in Lincoln County, they may need to remove some sales tax exemptions farmers that we use when we pay for equipment repairs, buy livestock feed and crop inputs,” Johnson said. “And nothing is getting any cheaper. So, if you try and cut funds to schools or roads, it will just mean cuts to education or no snow removal.”
Johnson shared that he has already experienced life without road maintenance. “In our township, there have been years when we have run out of money and it left it up to me and other farmers to remove snow on the roads – using our own equipment and fuel.”
Although Johnson did not hear any viable solutions from the panelists, he appreciated the opportunity to learn about what is on the minds of state and local leaders.
“The State Fair is a good place to have a discussion like this because you have citizens from all over the state gathered in one place,” explained Johnson.
Each year SDFU hosts experts at the State Fair for this reason, explained Sombke.
“As a grassroots organization, we are intentional about providing educational opportunities to our members and other rural citizens,” said Sombke, a fourth-generation Brown County farmer. “This is important because each year members decide the policy issues we need to lobby for or against in Pierre based on the potential impacts they will have on our family farms, ranches and rural communities.”
To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union works to support family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org n Tax Panel Continued from Page 14
Brandon Teichroew with his family.
Dear SDFU,
Thank You
Thank you for the scholarship money you awarded me for college. It will come in very handy for paying for school.
Thanks again,
Colton McNeil ***
Farmers Union,
Thank you for operating the courtesy carts on Saturday and for the awesome AG Expo! What an adventure! We appreciate all you do so much!
Rachel and BCF Board ***
SDFU,
Thank you for sponsoring the Clark County Prospect Show, without your sponsorship we wouldn’t be able to have the elite show that we do!
Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Call 605-352-6761 or email sdfu@sdfu.org to place your order today!
and Swade Reis, Reliance.
To hear video testimonials from family farmers and ranchers who participated in the D.C. Fly-In, visit the South Dakota Farmers Union Facebook page. To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union works to support family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org n by Lura Roti for SDFU
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 c. sour cream
½ tsp. garlic salt
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 pkg. (2 lb.) frozen hash brown potatoes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the soup, sour cream and garlic salt. Add potatoes and cheese. Mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake uncovered for 55 – 60 minutes.
FARMERS UNION SIGNS
Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. The cost per sign is $10 or free with a five-year or greater membership to Farmers Union.
To get yours today, call 605-352-6761 or email sdfu@sdfu.org.
Vicki Berg Linke, Woonsocket, S.D. Lifetime Member
