Mission Statement: North Dakota Farmers Union, guided by the principles of cooperation, legislation and education, is an organization committed to the prosperity of family farms, ranches and rural communities.
UNION FARMER www.ndfu.org
In this issue
SPECIAL INSERT: Voting application
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It’s NDFU Youth Week!
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Opposing measure
31.
President’s message
May 2014 – Volume 61 • Number 5
CROP HAIL INSURANCE
You Can Control the Unknown If you’ve ever been hit with hail, you know the value of Crop Hail Insurance – especially if you didn’t have it! Crop Hail Insurance is the one thing you can do for your farming operation that will take the edge off the unknown. Your Farmers Union Insurance agent can help you determine how much you will need to recover your investment. For more information, e-mail us at: info@fumic.com
North Dakota Union Farmer
The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. Annual subscription is $30 with NDFU membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.
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EDITOR: Anne Denholm 800-366-8331 • www.ndfu.org adenholm@ndfu.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU, PO Box 2136, Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 35,077 • USPS 016-211
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Ellen Linderman Treasurer: Terry Borstad James Kerzman; Wes Niederman Jr.; Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen; Ronda Throener
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Governor proclaims “Youth Week”
Governor Jack Dalrymple has proclaimed May 4-10, 2014, as Farmers Union Youth Week, citing North Dakota Farmers Union’s dedication to cooperative education and community leadership. “The youth of our state are North Dakota’s most valuable resource,” and “enhancing leadership abilities in our young people will help build visionary leaders for North Dakota’s future,” wrote Dalrymple in a signed proclamation. “Educating young people on cooperative business is important to growing our state’s agricultural industry and overall economy.” NDFU recently unveiled “Soarin’ with Farmers Union Camp” as the theme for its 2014 camping program. Youth in grades 10 -12 are invited to help promote camp this year by going into schools and talking about camp to younger children. Participants can access materials and earn a prize for their public speaking role. More than 1,000 youth attend Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Farmers Union camps annually. Camps are divided into junior (grades 3-6) and senior (grades 7-12) age groups and early registration is advised. Each camp features traditional activities like swimming, campfires, theme nights and sports, while teaching an interactive curriculum that builds teamwork and leadership skills. Attendees also learn about cooperatives by organizing and operating their own camp canteen as a cooperative business. The camp theme was selected by members of the NDFU State Youth Advisory Council (SYAC). Each council member serves as a liaison for the organization’s youth program and helps define issues of importance to youth. This year’s peer-elected leaders include Nicollette Bitz of Napoleon, Karly Held of Egeland, Sierra Jundt of Rugby, Nick Stevens of Valley City, Nick Watne of Jamestown and Lexie Weber of New Rockford. In addition to SYAC members, specially trained camp counselors
will facilitate activities and supervise campers at two separate sites this summer, near Elgin and Dazey. For the first time, too, senior youth will have the opportunity to experience Farmers Union Camp on wheels, aboard the organization’s new 56-passenger motor coach. “Rolling Camp” is scheduled for Aug. 6-9 and will feature all the fun of camp but on the road. Nights will be spent at hotels along the way and meals will be offered at restaurants. Campers will learn by visiting and touring sites related to the senior youth camp project on renewable energy. Participants will learn about coal, water and wind power on their four-day journey. Rolling Camp will start and end in Bismarck. Space is limited. Farmers Union’s youth program also includes county level day classes. For more information on Farmers Union’s youth program or summer camp registration, go to www.ndfu.org and click on “youth and camps.” s
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ndfu camp
summer st aff hired
The 2014 North Dakota Farmers Union summer staff are on board and attended initial training on April 25-26. The staff used the weekend to get acquainted and learn their responsibilities and roles. The summer staff spent time planning camp projects, theme nights and goals for this year’s activities. Last year, around 1,000 youth in grades 3-12 attended a Farmers Union summer camp. For more information, go to the NDFU website at ndfu.org. This year’s camp staff includes:
Counselors Maddie Bopp, Oakes Lucas Brown, Carrington Forrest Carlson, Glenburn Mason Farber, Brookings Kyle Knutson, Kathryn Adam Liesener, Ray Mikaela Long, Berlin Lauren McMillan, Wimbledon Shelby Rudland, Jamestown Cassidy Weber, New Rockford Senior Directors Dallon Bitz, Dickey Alyssa Steiner, Dickinson
Junior Directors Rochelle Bitz, Napoleon Justin Undem, Leal Nathan Willer, Jamestown
Caretaker Morgan Schwartzenberger, Napoleon Cook Marie Klein, Elgin
Assistant Cooks Cole Musland, Jamestown Kayla Seidler, New Leipzig s
Don’t wait til the last minute ... register today!
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Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
syac help plan camp activities BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
One of the advantages of being elected to the State Youth Advisory Committee (SYAC) is the opportunity to go to two senior camps free of charge. It’s a chance for each council member to participate in the camping program they help organize. This year’s elected leaders include Nicolette Bitz, Karly Held, Sierra Jundt, Nick Stevens, Nick Watne and Lexie Weber. Each council member serves as a liaison for the NDFU youth program and helps define issues that impact youth today. They were elected by their peers last summer. The group meets three times during the year and helps plan the upcoming summer camp projects. According to New Rockford native Lexie Weber, camp is a time for friends. She said, “My
favorite thing about camp is the relationships I have made with people. I have made many of my friends that I will have the rest of my life.” Sierra Jundt of Rugby agreed and added, “I like the fact that everyone can be themselves at camp. We all work together really good as a group.” For SYAC member Karly Held of Egeland, camp is a chance to relax. “What I like most about camp are the people I meet, learning new things, playing in tournaments and relaxing at the lake. It’s like my second family.” Nick Stevens grew up on a family farm south of Valley City. He commented, “Camp is great to get away for a while. I like just taking a break from everything and meeting a bunch of friends. I love everything
about camp!” As a Napoleon resident, Nicollette Bitz goes to camp because it always teaches her something. “Camp gives me new opportunities and experiences. It’s great to become so close with people across the state and it’s cool to go to a camp planned by high school students and run by a lot of college students.” Nick Watne of Jamestown concluded, “The thing I like most about camp is seeing your friends and getting to spend the whole week with them. The greatest thing about North Dakota Farmers Union is knowing you have a second family and a bunch of great friends.” s
2014 State Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) members include, back row, left to right: Nick Watne, Jamestown; Sierra Jundt, Rugby; Nick Stevens, Valley City; front row, left to right: Nicollette Bitz, Napoleon; Lexie Weber, New Rockford; and Karly Held, Egeland. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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A bumper crop of stories BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
A new book has just been released that tells the story of 30 innovators in agriculture from North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana. On Golden Plain was unveiled on April 14 at the North Dakota Farmers Union office in Jamestown. Author Les Kletke and producer John Vasichek were on hand for a book signing event with six of the book’s contributors including Roger Johnson. In the book, Johnson tells his story of getting involved with Farmers Union from his earliest days when babysitters were unheard of and he went to meetings with his parents. He later went to Farmers Union camps and now serves as president of National Farmers Union in Washington, D.C. The book features not only the history of the individuals but also gives their view of the future of the industry that is North Dakota’s largest economic contributor. On Golden Plain took two years to write as Kletke and Vasichek crisscrossed three states, interviewing influencers in the industry from policy makers
NFU President Roger Johnson was in Jamestown to sign copies of On Golden Plain.
to those in production agriculture. A letter from President Jimmy Carter commending his secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland is included in the book. On Golden Plain will be available later this month and Kletke and Vasichek are preparing a presentation on the project for the speaking circuit this fall. s
Scholarship available to students with physical disabilities The North Dakota Community Foundation is encouraging students from a North Dakota farm that have a physical disability to apply for a scholarship from the Gerald & Edith Wallace fund. “This particular scholarship is very specific,” said Kevin Dvorak, President and CEO of the North Dakota Community Foundation, which manages over 100 scholarship funds across the state. “Gerald and Edith wanted to ensure that students with a physical disability from a farm family had the opportunity to further their education. We know that the pool of eligible applicants is limited so we want to be sure that students who meet the criteria are aware of 6
the scholarship and certainly encourage them to apply.” Wallace was one of those North Dakotans who, although he had left the state many years ago, never forgot his roots in North Dakota. In 1967, Wallace returned for a reunion in Bowbells when he and his wife met a local man who was confined to a wheelchair. The Wallaces felt badly that even though their friend was brilliant, he didn’t have the opportunity to continue his education beyond high school. Over the years, they discussed establishing a scholarship fund to help young people with disabilities continue their education. The Fund was established in 1993 by Wallace shortly after his wife’s death. Eligible students must be
from a North Dakota farm family and have a physical disability. Application forms can be found at http://www.ndcf.net/Scholarships/ WallaceApplication.asp. Priority application deadline is June 15. Applications received after this date will be considered based on available funds. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $10,000 and multiple scholarships are available every year. The award amount is based on the student’s need and number of qualifying applications. For more information, please go to www.ndcf.net or call the North Dakota Community Foundation at 701-222-8349. s
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Remembering Charlie
Farmers Union Insurance recently helped sponsor the third annual 5K/10K walk/run in Mandan for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). The event was held on Sunday, April 27, to educate the community on the dangers of underage drinking, drunk driving, drug abuse and teen violence. The following story illustrates how destructive decisions can impact families. This excerpt was reprinted with permission from North Dakota Living magazine. BY CARMEN DEVNEY
In October 2011, an intoxicated young man got behind the wheel of a car with four friends. Driving fast and reckless, he lost control and hit a tree. One young man was severely injured, and three others died that night. They were loved — and are still missed — by family, friends, community members, and maybe even you. Debby Boehm, a member of Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative, lost one of her sons that night. Her oldest son, Lee, lost his baby brother. Charlie Boehm had recently turned 21. Cautious by nature, he wouldn’t do things unless he felt it was safe. That included drinking too much. Debby says her son was very conscientious. “He would go to work early so he wouldn’t have to rush,” she says. Charlie’s tentative nature most likely developed after losing one of his older brothers, Lance, to suicide when Charlie was 8 years old. “A family can never prepare for an event like suicide, and it devastated — and continues to devastate — us all to this day. Charlie’s age at the time was such that we made sure that he was supported emotionally, and in turn he was the healing spirit for us to work through this family tragedy,” Debby reflects. The years progressed and the family slowly began to heal from losing Lance. Celebrating Charlie’s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Charlie Boehm lost his life in a car accident in 2011. His mother, Debby, organized the “Above the Influence” walk/run in Mandan to educate people about how destructive decisions can impact lives. Farmers Union Insurance helped sponsor the event.
life milestones and successes were a big part of that healing. “Never in a million years could I have fathomed that I would lose another son — our healing spirit.” On that fateful night, Charlie debated staying home. When a friend called around 10 p.m., he decided to go out. He later ran into another friend he hadn’t seen in a long time, and the man was adamant that Charlie join his group of friends. Charlie made two uncharacteristic mistakes that night. He didn’t take the car keys from his friend and call a cab. And when they all left together, he left with them. Charlie would not live to regret those decisions. Since his passing, Debby has received countless phone calls and letters that reveal how her son touched the lives of others. “Charlie enjoyed going to the shooting range in Mandan. We received a call from someone about how polite and courteous he was with fellow shooters, and how he always left the site clean,” she relays. “We also heard how he helped a friend late one night after work. Apparently he could see she was upset and wouldn’t let her drive away until he knew she felt better. His friends always
knew they could call Charlie and he would be there, and help in whatever way was needed.” Debby says she and Lee miss Charlie every day. “A couple of friends thought doing a memory walk would be healing for me, as well as for Charlie’s family and friends. They also suggested it might help bring awareness to young people in how one decision can change a person’s life and affect so many people,” Debby says. Connecting with the Mandan High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) chapter, Debby worked with advisers to create an “Above the Influence” 5K/10K walk and run. This was the third annual event to be held in memory of Charlie. “It is so important that we are aware of how poor decisions can devastate lives. Drinking and driving is a very dangerous thing that can result in serious injury or death. So is reading or texting, or doing anything else distracting while behind the wheel. If I can help one family not go through what my family is living, I would feel like I had accomplished something,” Debby concludes. s
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THE
AROUND STATE
Springtime in North Dakota brings out the natural beauty of the land. This photo was taken south of Jamestown.
The Sargent County 4-H council celebrated National Ag Day by serving a meal to the public. NDFU made a donation to the event.
Geese check out the Terry Borstad farm as they waddle by farm equipment.
Here’s a rare type of watering hole– the decorative bird bath! It’s spring and the cows and calves are enjoying a little sunshine! 8
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
NDFU President Mark Watne and NDSU specialist Dwight Aakre led a farm bill discussion in Minot and Jamestown. Both sessions were attended by more than 100 farmers and ranchers.
This young deer seems right at home in a feedlot near Adrian.
On March 13, Ransom and Sargent County Farmers Union sponsored an appreciation dinner at the Stake Out restaurant in Lisbon. The county organization thanked the Dakota Plains Cooperative board and staff for their support throughout the year.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Farmers Union Insurance sponsored a Fargo Force night to raise money for Bike2Believe. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Spring day on the plains.
Walsh County sponsored a young producers’ event in April.
It was all about “Hops and Brats” in Cass County during their special event on April 17. Over 50 people attended the activities.
A Shop Talk was held at the Mark and Laura Dease farm in Munich.
NDFU’s Dale Enerson gave a presentation recently in Devils Lake. 9
Land purchase by Audubon Society goes unnoticed for years
Supreme Court ruling bars enforcement of Corporate Farming Law in the state BY KRISTI CARLSON AND PAM MUSLAND, NDFU
The North Dakota Supreme Court handed down a ruling on April 8 that allows the National Audubon Society (NAS) to retain 263 acres of farm and ranch land that was purchased 25 years ago in violation of the state’s Corporate Farming Law. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem filed a lawsuit on behalf of the state of North Dakota against NAS in July 2009, after the violation came to light in a suit involving Crosslands, Inc., another nonprofit that had purchased ag land in violation of the statute. Under North Dakota’s Corporate Farming Law, non-family farm corporations are restricted from owning farm or ranch land and from engaging in the business of farming or agriculture. This policy serves to preserve agricultural land for use by family farmers. The law does allow for certain exceptions that let nonprofit organizations acquire farmland for the purpose of conserving natural areas and habitats. First, the nonprofit must have been incorporated in the state before 1985 (or before 1987 for nonprofits created or authorized under Garrison Diversion). Second, if the nonprofit plans to purchase the land, it must present a purchase plan at a public hearing before the Natural Areas Acquisition Advisory Committee (NAAAC), of which North Dakota Farmers Union is a member. That committee then gives a recommendation to the governor who has final “yea” or “nay” authority. Third, the nonprofit must maintain the land for conservation purposes; make payments in lieu of taxes; control noxious weeds and insects; and if it allows hunting, must open the land to public hunting. The nonprofit must also divest itself of the land within five years of failing to meet these requirements. If a nonprofit receives land by will or gift, but 10
does not meet these exceptions, it must divest itself of the land within 10 years. The court case showed that NAS was not registered in the state to do business until 1989, after the 1985 cutoff date, and acquired the land without going through the NAAAC process. The land that was purchased is adjacent to an existing Audubon sanctuary in Stutsman County – the Edward M. Brigham Alkali Lake Sanctuary. It has since been developed to improve avian habitat through land management and wetland enhancement and restoration. NAS has paid taxes on the land and portions of the acreage have been leased for haying or enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.
RULING
In the case, NAS argued that the Corporate Farming Law violates the U.S. Constitution and that the state was barred from enforcing the law against them because the state knew there was a violation, but took too long to bring the case. That delay in commencing action harms NAS, they argued, because of the changes in conditions during the delay (known as the doctrine of laches), which were improvements made to the land. The district court agreed with the laches defense as did the
supreme court, stating in their ruling, “The 20-year delay in the suit and seriousness of prejudice caused by divestment are too great to disregard. In this case alone, it is speculative there will be any resulting harm to the public interest of preserving the availability of rural agricultural land for use by family farmers.” To NAS’ constitutional challenge, the district court disagreed that the Corporate Farming Law is a violation of the Constitution; an issue the supreme court did not have to address because laches prevented the state from enforcing the law.
DISSENTING VOICE
In a dissenting opinion by Justice Dale Sandstrom, he wrote that NAS “cannot rely on its ongoing and longtime violation of the Corporate Farming Law to justify its continuing violation.” He said compliance with the law is a continuing obligation and, therefore, the laches defense does not apply. Furthermore, Sandstrom reminded the court that it has in the past recognized the potential danger in allowing businesses to claim ignorance of the law. NDFU President Mark Watne adds his perspective to the case on page 31.s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Being Community Stewards Pierce County
The Pierce County Farmers Union board hosted a Community Stewards event for the Rugby Fire Department on March 17 at the Memorial Hall in Rugby. The board served hamburgers and salad to more than 30 volunteer firemen as a thank you for their hard work, dedication, and service to the community. Pierce County Farmers Union applied for the $500 Community Stewards grant through North Dakota Farmers Union. As part of the grant’s criteria, the board was to host an event for a local non-profit or volunteer organization. s Jim Teigen presented a Community Stewards check to a Rugby Fire Department representative during a special event held March 17.
Adams County
Adams County Farmers Union President DeJon Bakken presented Chris Schauer, volunteer squad leader with West River Ambulance squad, with a Community Stewards donation.The West River Ambulance services a 2,500 square mile around Hettinger. Adams County Farmers Union hosted a special event to show their appreciation for their services on Feb. 24. s
Ward County
At right, Ward County Farmers Union presented $500 from the NDFU Community Stewards program for an ATV training and certification in Kenmare. The MidDakota Chapter of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids sponsored the safety instruction class. Twenty-three youth and 22 parents attended. The donation covers the expense for almost seven helmets. s
Burleigh County Burleigh County Farmers Union donated $500 to the Wing Theatre and held a special event to raise money to help update equipment. Nearly 200 people attended. s
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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Learning new ways to market BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
North Dakota Farmers Union hosted crop meetings on March 27 and 28 in Kenmare and Valley City to help producers improve their marketing skills. Local insurance agents helped sponsor each community workshop. Bret Oelke and Bill Craig, University of Minnesota Extension educators, shared the “ins and outs” of common marketing tools including forward contracting, cash sales, futures and options. According to Oelke, there are many factors that impact the decisions that farmers and producers make to improve competitiveness. He said, “We have to know the accurate cost of production and how changing land cost can affect that volume. Producers need to right size their operations to optimize the use of labor and machinery to allow you to be more competitive.” In an unpublished Farm Credit Services study, individual projections from 300 borrowers were
Crop marketing meetings were held in Kenmare and Valley City.
Bill Craig, right, discussed marketing strategies with area producers after the formal presentation.
compared to their actual cash flows over a four-year period. On average, the borrowers overestimated cash receipts by 15 percent and underestimated cash expenditures by 17 percent. Many farmers have the ability to buy land, and due to the fear of changing tax laws, more land than normal has been sold in recent years. Escalating prices have also brought more land to market. According to Craig, every farmer has a different idea of what an adequate or acceptable return to risk might be but when land costs increase, the cost of production increases. Optimizing farm size to equipment and labor supply should be a goal. “Knowing how your yields compare to the average in each area that you farm is important,” said Craig. “You want to optimize expenses by using all of the resources at your disposal and becoming an excellent marketer to improve your net revenue.” The meetings were sponsored by NDFU and hosted by local FUI agents. s
Action Steps
1. Optimize your operation to your machinery and labor. 2. Understand that as technology improves, you need to grow to stay the same. Farmers Union Insurance agents Kirk Olson and Tyler Van Bruggen helped sponsor the Valley City marketing meeting.
3. Know how your yields compare to the average in each area that you farm. 4. You may have to learn to think and act differently about your business. Continue to network and learn from others. 5. Deal with challenges. 6. Understand your competition. 7. Make well thought-out decisions on growth and stress test those decisions. 8. Be positive and creative.
Farmers Union Insurance representatives Dale Weber and Dennie Stratton helped host the two meetings along with local agents. 12
9. Spend your time and energy on what you can control or influence. 10. Plan, implement, review and adjust your plans. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Crop predictions for North Dakota BY NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
Projected crop budgets generally show some return to labor and management for 2014, although the price of most crops declined significantly in 2013 and are not expected to improve, according to Andy Swenson, North Dakota State University Extension Service farm management specialist. A reduction in total costs per acre provides a slight cushion to the impact of lower crop prices. “The overall decline in costs was accomplished because of a 20 to 25 percent decrease in nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer prices and lower fuel prices,” Swenson says. “Crop insurance premiums should be lower because of a drop in the crop prices used to determine revenue guarantees. Also, seed prices are generally flat. However, the overall decrease in total costs is modest at around 4 percent for corn, wheat and other small grains, and canola because other costs have increased.” For example, the price of glyphosate herbicide is up significantly from last year, and machinery and repair costs are going steadily higher. Also, land costs were higher in most regions relative to those in the 2013 budgets, which did not fully capture the sharp increase that occurred. Projected per-acre returns to labor and management for producing spring wheat and corn are generally positive but paltry. The range is from minus $13 to a positive $18 for corn and minus $8 to a positive $37 for spring wheat across nine regions of the state. Swenson says, “It is important to note that the projections do not account for variability in yields and prices. However, producers in the northwestern region know that there is more risk with corn yields and drying costs, and producers in the southeastern region know that there is more price risk because of spring wheat quality discounts.” Soybeans project solid per-acre returns to labor and management Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
by averaging $63 outside of the western regions, while peaking at $84 in the southeastern region. Soybean labor and management returns are $21 and $28 in the southwestern and northwestern regions, respectively. However, those regions also have the greatest yield risk. Soybean plantings will increase in 2014. Dry beans also look strong, with per-acre returns to labor and management averaging more than $100. Dry beans have the largest per-acre advantage in net return, compared with soybeans. Canola returns to labor and management range from $45 per acre in the northeastern region, which contains the largest canola-producing counties of the state, to minus $25 in the southeastern region. Based on budgets prepared for
lentils in the western and northcentral regions, projected lentil returns to labor and management should be about $30 per acre. Oats and millet are the only two crops that show very negative returns in all regions. Because of the volatility and downward trend in prices, Swenson believes that producers should be more aggressive than normal in forward-pricing crops that provide acceptable profit. “The budget estimates for returns to labor and management do not take into consideration price and yield variability or risk,” Swenson says. “A perfect appleto-apple comparison of crops is not achieved in the report because different levels of labor, management and risk exist among crops.” s
Employees recognized for years of service
Farmers Union employees were recognized recently for their tenure at North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) and Farmers Union Insurance (FUI). Pictured are (front row, left to right): Kevin Ressler - FUI, 25 years.; Lani Olson - FUI, 35 years; Mindy Mennis - FUI, 10 years; Kurt Walch - FUI, 5 years; (middle row, left to right) Sue Corwin - NDFU, 25 years; Kathy Wiest - FUI, 25 years; Liza Wolff - FUI, 5 years; Mark Watne - NDFU, 15 years; (back row, left to right) Dave Murphy - FUI, 5 years; Cindy Bloms - FUI, 35 years; Dale Enerson - NDFU, 10 years; Danny Schneider - FUI, 5 years; and Pam Burkhardt - FUI, 5 years. Not pictured is Terri Moran - FUI, 25 years. 13
New food co-ops set goals to open store fronts in Bismarck and Fargo BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
Demars has concentrated her efforts in Bismarck while Kirsch Kaye Kirsch and Heidi Demars focuses on Fargo and the Red are two women who share a River Valley. love for their community and a Demars explained, “I moved passion for change. They live in to Bismarck and found there two different cities but are working was not a centralized location to for the same goal: to open a local purchase natural products like there food cooperative that will sell fresh, was through the Amazing Grains locally-sourced foods, along with Cooperative in Grand Forks. I was specialty items, to consumers. really involved in the local foods movement there and wanted to start something in Bismarck, too.” After networking with others, Demars got the ball rolling and soon found a core group of about 20 people to organize the concept. After completing a feasibility study, the newly-formed committee rallied together and started fundraising. “We picked out our name of Bisman Community Food Cooperative” and elected a Last fall, the Fargo co-op sponsored the film premiere “Food board. Putting for Change,” a movie that explores the current resurgence of together a food food cooperatives in the United States. The special event was well attended and started discussions about what Prairie Roots co-op takes a lot Food Co-op could bring to the community. 14
of time and commitment. There’s a lot of financing and investors needed before we can even think about opening a storefront. We have to get consumers together and have people join the co-op before going forward. That’s the stage we are in right now.” A food co-op is a memberowned, member-controlled grocery store that operates for the mutual benefit of all members according to common principles established for cooperatives. Demars added, “We’re structured as a co-op, which means that our members are the owners of our grocery store and we are accountable to them. A food coop provides community members with access to natural food and in turn, local producers gain broader access to the local market.” So far, the Bisman Community Food Cooperative has 460 members invested and is gaining an average of 33 members a month. In Fargo, Kirsch works as the marketing and membership director for Prairie Roots Food Cooperative. Her efforts began in 2010 when people started organizing and raising money for a feasibility study and grant writing. In 2011, Prairie Roots was formed and a membership drive kicked off in 2012. “We hope to have nearly 670 members by July. Our goal is to open a full-line grocery store with a permanent store front. We launched an online marketplace last summer and we now have over 250 products from about 15 Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Co-op member Gail Nelson joined the campaign to promote the Prairie Roots.
local producers. It’s kind of nice to offer our membership something tangible while we raise money to open the actual storefront,” Kirsch commented. “The main philosophy for the Fargo co-op is simple,” said Kirsch. “It goes well with my philosophy on equitable access to food and social justice. We want to know where our food comes from and what we are eating. We want to bring consumers together with producers. We want to go beyond building just a grocery store and become a true food hub. In North Dakota, we have a relatively short growing season so there’s a lot we can do in the off season to truly educate people. We can learn to can, store and grow food that builds a healthy community. It’s important that we are memberowned, too.” Once financing is in place, Prairie Roots Cooperative can sign a lease and proceed with opening a store front. It is projected that by summer 2015, the dream will become a reality. Membership is not required to shop at the co-op. However, member investment is critical to the co-op’s chances of getting off the ground. Only members will receive dividends and member-only prices. “Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for all your natural, organic and local food and product needs. It’s a grocery store by the people, for the people,” Kirsch ended. s
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Each month, the Bisman Community Food Co-op features local members to share their story to hlep inspire others to join. Beth Kaylor writes a food blog and joined with her husband, Kent, and their son, Ben.
The Bisman Food Co-op held an annual meeting to discuss their future goals.
The Concordia College Knutson Campus Center was transformed to a local food shopping bazaar during Thanksiving in 2013. Local food and products from area producers were featured and Prairie Roots Food Cooperative sponsored a booth to solicit new membership. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CO-OPS, CONTACT: IN FARGO: www.prairie-roots.coop IN BISMARCK: www.bismanfoodcoop.com 15
VOTER IDENTIFICATION:
What you need to know before you vote Since statehood, North Dakota has enjoyed relatively open voter identification laws. The state has long been proud of its status as the only state that did not have voter registration, and identification was as easy as showing your driver’s license and a utility bill that confirmed your address. If these tools were unavailable to you, a poll worker could “attest” to your identity by signing an affidavit. Recently, the state was named number one in election performance, by an independent nonprofit called the Pew Charitable Trust, for three consecutive elections. According to Pew, North Dakota performs above the national average on 11 of the 12 measured indicators, including voter turnout (61.08%). The state improved its residual vote rate – the discrepancy between the number of ballots cast and the number of votes counted for an office, which indicates machine malfunction or voter confusion — from 1.6 percent in 2008 to 0.9 percent in 2012. North Dakota saw declines in the percentage of problems with voting by mail, including a reduction of those rejected due to problems, from 0.12 percent in 2008 to 0.11 percent in 2012. The only indicator where North Dakota fell was voting wait time, which increased from 2008 to 2012. During the 2013 Legislative Session, HB 1332 was passed. The new law puts into place the requirement that voters must show identification that includes name, address and date of birth. The new law removes the ability of voters to confirm their address by bringing a utility bill with their new address. Furthermore, voters no longer have the ability to attest their identity at the polling place by having a polling worker confirm their identity by signing an affidavit. Acceptable identification includes a driver’s license, but make sure your current address is on your license or on file with the Department of Transportation. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you do have other options. Acceptable forms of identification at the polling place
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include a non-driver’s identification card, a tribal government issued identification card, a student identification certificate (provided by a North Dakota college or university), and a long-term care identification certificate (provided by the North Dakota facility that a citizen resides in). To obtain a North Dakota non-driver’s identification card, you must visit one of the driver’s license sites. All applications for an identification card must include a Social Security number, so be sure to bring your original birth certificate or passport with you. VOTING TIMELINE • If your address isn’t up to date on your driver’s license: You will need to either obtain a new driver’s license or update your address online with the NDDOT no later than 30 days before an election. You can update it online at apps.nd.gov/dot/dlts/dlos/ addressDriverSearch.htm • If you don’t have a driver’s license: You will need to obtain a North Dakota non-driver’s identification license from your local driver’s license site. A birth certificate, passport, or some form of identification that lists your Social Security number will need to be provided. • If you don’t have a birth certificate or a passport: You will need to visit the Division of Vital Records at the Department of Health at the ND State Capitol, or order from their website. While obtaining your birth certificate from the Capitol takes only minutes, ordering one could take up to two weeks. A passport will take much longer.
• If you are voting by mail/ absentee: You can apply for an absentee ballot in person at your county auditor’s office or online. Fill out your application as soon as possible. Ballots will be available 40 days before the election, but remember that, if you applied by mail, every county’s mail delivery is different. Once you receive the ballot, remember to postmark it at least by Election Day. PROPER IDENTIFICATION You must have an acceptable form of ID at polling places such as a valid North Dakota: • Driver’s license • Non-driver’s identification card (be sure to have your birth certificate!) • Tribal government issued identification card • Student identification certificate (provided by ND college or university) • Long-term care identification certificate (provided by ND facility) VOTING ABSENTEE Voters can still vote by absentee ballot, and is the only way you can vote without showing proper identification. Although technically you would need acceptable identification to apply for a ballot, it is allowable for someone with acceptable identification to attest for you (an “attester”) with this method of voting. The voter simply fills out the ballot application, and has another North Dakota qualified voter attest that the applicant is also a qualified voter by signing the application and listing their phone number and driver/ non-driver identification number. You can pick up a ballot at your county auditor within 40 days of the election, or apply by mail for an absentee ballot at any time and the county will mail you a ballot when they are available. You must return or postmark them by Election Day. Contact your county auditor with any questions about your local area. The application is inserted in this month’s Union Farmer, or go online at vote.nd.gov. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Social media training in Tioga and Ray
BY MEGAN BERGER, NDFU
In today’s age of technology, news travels as fast as the click of a button. Today’s youth have access to social media sites at their fingertips. That is why Williams County Farmers Union felt it was important to bring in a speaker to talk to students about social media. On April 3, Scott Wild of Wild Inspire Inc., traveled to the Ray and Tioga schools to speak with grades 7-12 about social media. Alvina Skogen, Williams County youth director, introduced Wild to the students and explained that he had an important message to share. Wild explained and gave examples of how, with the touch of
a button, information and pictures that you put on the Internet can go across the country and world. He talked to the students about how the information that they put on social media today, can affect their ability to get a job in the future. He explained that if the information they are posting presents them in a negative light, it could cause a potential employer to pass them over for a job. Wild encouraged students that if they were posting negative information on Facebook and Twitter, that they should stop. “It is never too late to make a change in the information that you are putting out there,” said Wild. s
Scott Wild, of Wild Inspire Inc, presented information on social media to grades 7-12 at the Ray school.”
Travel in style with new bus and more destinations in 2015
Spring is here and plans for the 2015 NDFU tours are underway. Due to popular demand, another trip to southern Florida has been scheduled for Jan. 4-21. Stops will include Miami, Key West, Tampa and a four-day Bahama cruise. NDFU Transportation Specialist Jeff Willer explained, “This trip went very well in 2014 and due to the long standby list, we are offering it Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
again in 2015.” Willer also announced that a new trip to the South Pacific will be offered as well. This trip includes destinations in Australia and New Zealand from Feb.10-24. For this trip, participants must sign up through Susanne at Jamestown Travel at 701-251-2222. Members can access information online at www.ndfu.
org. Just click on “Tours and Excursions” at the top of the web page to print and view all the tour information. NDFU can also mail out information on all tours and excursions. Willer said, “Feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have on these or any of our tours. You can reach the transportation department at 701-952-9111 or 701-952-0108.” s
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More on the conservation measure BY MARK WATNE, NDFU, AND JON GODFREAD, GREATER NORTH DAKOTA CHAMBER
North Dakotans for Common Sense Conservation is a broadbased coalition of more than 25 industry, agriculture, business and government organizations that have joined forces to oppose the Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks Amendment, which would spend too much money with too little flexibility. All the coalition members support smart, responsible conservation. But this measure that creates a new massive conservation fund is fundamentally flawed. It would commit five percent of North Dakota’s oil extraction tax to a new fund with no clear idea of how it would be spent. Five percent would be between $300 and $400 million a biennium, or $3 million a week. That’s an estimated $4.8 billion over the 25-year life of the amendment. Some may wonder where our estimates come from, particularly when proponents of the measure estimate only about $75 million per biennium compared to our $300 to $400 million per biennium. We don’t know how they’ve determined their estimates, but ours are based in grounded analysis. North Dakota’s oil production is just shy of one million barrels per day and it’s growing rapidly due to better technology and increased efficiency. Our projections for this fund are based on estimates that production will reach 1.2 million barrels per day by 2015, growing to a peak of 1.8 million barrels a day by 2021, and tapering off to 1.2 million barrels by the time the fund reaches the end of its 25year lifespan in 2039. And, more importantly, our projections are based on the price of oil averaging
In Summary:
The North Dakotans for Common Sense Conservation Coalition is committed to responsible conservation and stewardship of our land and wildlife. We support commonsense conservation that develops and enhances our heritage. 18
around $100 a barrel for the life of the fund. This is a conservative estimate considering we’ve seen the price of oil spike to $130 a barrel, and higher, in recent history. The measure requires that 75 percent of the fund must be spent each biennium, no matter what. The money diverted to this fund would otherwise be spent on schools, education, infrastructure, property tax relief, water issues, health and human services – the list goes on. One of the amendment’s most alarming aspects is that there’s no language explaining how the money will be spent other than that it will be spent on “conservation” and can be used to acquire land. Conservation groups would be able to acquire land and take it out of production agriculture, restrict public access or close it to hunters and fishermen The proposed amendment may sound reasonable at first, but it creates a number of troubling issues in its radical approach to conservation including: • it creates a lack of flexibility regarding the use of state funds; • it creates a biased advisory board;
– whatever they wished. North Dakotans need to consider the consequences of signing onto a 25-year government mandate to spend billions of dollars. We aren’t able to predict what our funding needs will be in 10 years, much less 25. There are too many red flags and uncertainties raised by this measure to allow it to be enshrined in our state’s constitution. Help keep it off the ballot by refusing to sign the petition and encouraging everyone you know to do the same. Do the right thing and decline to sign. To learn more about North Dakotans for Common Sense Conservation, visit www. NDCommonSenseConservation. com. s
• it mandates $4.8 billion in conservation spending over the next 25 years; • it does not provide clear details about how the money will be spent; and • it would be the first-ever spending measure enshrined in our state constitution. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Dairy policy shifts in new farm bill BY J.W. SCHROEDER, NDSU EXTENSION SERVICE
of dairy policy analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and John Newton, a dairy economist with the University of Illinois. This online decision tool will help producers work through difference scenarios. The tool will be available at http://www. dairymarkets.org. The new farm bill also includes a dairy product donation program, which allows the government to purchase surplus cheese and other dairy products and donate them to charity to stimulate the market when prices are depressed. So 2014 is going to be an interesting year for dairy, as well as all of agriculture. Educational efforts are being planned and will be announced as details become available. s
The passage of the farm bill marks the largest shift in U.S. dairy policy in the last 70 years. The legislation represents a radical departure from dairy price supports and reliance on government. Most notably, dairy price supports and supply management are gone and the milk income loss contracts (MILC) program will end on Aug. 31. In their place, the national and local prices) to U.S. Department of Agriculture determine what the margins actually will provide one-size-fits-all dairy insure, says Brian Gould, a dairy margin insurance for all producers, economist with the University of regardless of the size of their Wisconsin. In addition, the margin operation. Or dairy farmers can insurance calculation is based on a purchase more personalized whole-herd ration, covering milking livestock gross margin (LGM-Dairy) cows, dry cows and replacements. insurance for as long as LGM An application is being developed subsidies last. But producers can’t by Mark Stephenson, director sign up for both of them. Lots of unanswered questions remain. For the portion that pertains to dairy farms, the provision that farmers can participate in the new margin insurance program or LGMDid you know that farmers and ranchers receive only 15.8* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend on food at home and away from home? Dairy already is complicated According to USDA, off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing because some producers account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States. might have LGM-Dairy Bacon Top Sirloin Steak Bread Fresh Carrots Beer contracts that cover September 1 Pound 1 Pound 1 Pound 5 Pounds 6-Pack Cans and October. If a margin insurance program starts Sept. 1, what does that mean when margin insurance is available? Although this insurance Retail: $6.06 Retail: $7.99 Retail: $2.19 Retail: $4.39 Retail: $5.99 likely will not be needed this Farmer: $1.03 Farmer: $2.37 Farmer: $0.16 Farmer: $1.54*** Farmer: $0.06 year because of the higher Cereal Tomatoes Eggs Flour Boneless Ham milk prices, the USDA’s Farm 18 Ounce Box 1 Pound 1 Dozen 5 Pounds Price per Pound Service Agency announced March 31 that the MILC program will be extended through Sept. 1 as the details of the new farm bill are Retail: $4.69 Retail: $3.59 Retail: $2.89 Retail: $2.39 Retail: $4.09 being worked out. Federal Farmer: $0.07 Farmer: $0.54*** Farmer: $1.18 Farmer: $0.82 Farmer: $1.03 FSA Administrator Juan Lettuce Milk Potato Chips Fresh Potatoes Soda Garcia announced last week Lays Classic, 10.5 oz 1 Head (2 Pounds) 1 Gallon, Fat Free Russet, 5 Pounds Two Liter Bottle that contracts for eligible producers enrolled in MILC automatically will be extended until the termination date of the program and margin insurance Retail: $4.29 Retail: $4.60 Retail: $1.49 Retail: $2.19 Retail: $4.79 becomes available. Farmer: $2.18 Farmer: $0.46** Farmer: $0.08 Farmer: $0.94*** Farmer: $0.24** Looking ahead, dairy Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2014. Retail based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted. farmers will have to calculate *Figure according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service **Reflects February 2014 price. their basis for milk and feed ***Reflects March 2013 price. www.nfu.org March 28, 2014 (the difference between
Farmer’s Share of Retail Food Dollar
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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NFU program inspires couple BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
Spring is here and for Mark and Mindy Heinz of Rolette, it means wrapping up their year with the Farmers Union Enterprise (FUE) Couples Program. Through FUE, one couple is selected from North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota to embark on a year-long leadership program. The participating couple receives hands-on training on issues important to National Farmers Union such as advocacy leadership, communication and community involvement. The Heinz’s spent 2013-14 in a whirlwind of activities. Mindy explained, “We attended the North Dakota Farmers Union state convention with the other FUE delegates, as well as the national convention in Santa Fe. We will be traveling to Wisconsin this summer and to Washington, D.C., this fall.” Along with attending conventions, the couple was also invited to leadership training sessions. “Our training focused on preparing us to be effective leaders in our communities,” said Mindy. “We were able to hear Farmers Union President Roger Johnson and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack speak, too.” The two have been leaders in their community for many years. Mark has been involved with Farmers Union since he was young. He served on the county board for 10 years in various capacities including county president. Mindy is currently serving as the county
From left, Mark and Mindy Heinz and FUE program coordinator Harley Danielson attended the state convention along with numerous other events during the year.
youth director. They farm on Mark’s grandfather’s homestead where he grew up. Together, the couple raises small grains, canola and soybeans. They have four children: Shelby, Drew, Brody and Carter. “One of the best things about this program has been meeting and spending time with the FUE couples from our neighboring states,” Mindy added. “It was interesting to find out how much we all have in common and a real benefit to be able to learn from each one of them. Many of the joys, as well as the struggles of farming, seem to be universal.” Mindy commented, “One of the additional perks of our time as an FUE couple was being able to spend time with our FUE coordinator, Harley Danielson, and his wife, Irene. They are both outstanding leadership role models. We learned so much from both of them.” FUE Program Coordinator Harley Danielson said, “The FUE
Couples’ Leadership Program was developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union. As participants, many relationships have been built not only with other members but also local, state, and national leaders of Farmers Union.” Many of the past participants have become more involved with their state and local organizations. “We have been so impressed with the quality of the individuals who have completed the program and I think, Farmers Union and each of their respective communities and states, will benefit from these young couples,” Danielson added. s
North Dakota FUE couples 2014-15 Tyler and Shannon Stafslien, Ryder 2013-14 Mark and Mindy Heinz, Rolette 2012-13 Robin and Shelly Ziesch, Pettibone 2011-12 Trent and Dawn Martin, Beulah 2010-11 Christoff and Kelli Just, Berlin 2009-10 Ryan and Lisa Aufforth, Bowbells 2008-09 Chuck and Laurie Volk, Rugby
Farmers Union Enterprise couples and their families met in Montana last June for training and a social gathering. A retreat is planned this year as well. 20
2007-08 Kevin and Ronda Throener, Cogswell Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Burleigh County Family Fun Night 2014 Burleigh County hosted a Family Fun Night in Lincoln, N.D. on March 17. Representatives from the Bisman Community Food Cooperative gave a presentation about their efforts in the community. Participants played Minute-to-Win-It games and door prizes were awarded to lucky winners. The event was well attended with people of all ages.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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Carlson’s work with WFO recognized REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE NATIONAL JOURNAL BY JERRY HAGSTROM
Do farmers from 50 developed and developing countries have enough in common to form one farm organization that can influence the United Nations and other international institutions? Given some of the fights among farming interests in the World Trade Organization over subsidies and tariffs, the answer would appear to be no. But Robert Carlson, a former North Dakota Farmers Union president, concluded in 2010 that such an organization was needed to get the world’s attention on the farmer’s view of climate change and other issues. He convinced the National Farmers Union; COPACOGECA, the largest European farm and co-op organization; Ja Zenchu, the lead Japanese farm group; and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture to provide initial financing to establish the World Farmers’ Organization in Rome, where the U.N. food agencies are located. The first farm groups and co-ops to join were from the developed countries, but Carlson, who was elected the first president, and other organizers reached out to Latin America, Africa, and Asia. WFO now has a membership of 70 farm groups and co-ops from 50 countries, including Cambodia and
Robert Carlson delivered his farewell speech at the WFO general assembly in Argentina.
Zambia, and an annual budget of more than $1 million. The fruits of Carlson’s efforts were on display when more than 300 farm leaders from all over the world came to Buenos Aires for the World Farmers’ Organization’s fourth general assembly. “We have to speak for ourselves,” Carlson said in his farewell speech as president. There are too many other groups that don’t know much about agriculture but want to influence policy, he added. Big, industrial-scale farmers and small farmers from poor countries have shown at WFO’s meeting that they have more in common than expected, Carlson said in an interview.
From left, Sue and Robert Carlson along with Norwegian delegates Kristin Ianssen and Hildegunn Gjengedal, at La Rural, Predio Ferial de Buenos Aires.
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The assembly was held at La Rural, the headquarters of the Sociedad Rural Argentina, which represents some of the largest farmers and ranchers in the world. “Farmers from these very large estates in Argentina mix and visit with small holders, asking, ‘How are your animals?’ ” Carlson noted. “They get along very cordially. There is a bond there.” And, he added, they also talk about the problems producers of primary agricultural products such as grain and meat face in getting their governments and international organizations to pay attention to their views. WFO’s first objective — to get a stronger farm voice on climate change in the negotiations over the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change — has proven elusive. The United Nations has declined to establish a working group on agriculture, Carlson said, because “civil-society groups, particularly the big environmental groups, don’t want agriculture to be included. They view us as a big polluter.” That is wrong, Carlson said, because agriculture is one of the first industries to feel the impact of climate change and can also be one of the industries that can help reduce carbon emissions. Carlson has also pushed for farm representation on the U.N. Committee on Global Food Security, which makes recommendations on food security and nutrition policy, but so far has been turned down even though the committee has representatives of U.N. agencies, civil society, international agricultural research institutions, global financial institutions, and the private sector. Carlson acknowledged he is frustrated in dealing with the United Nations. “Things grind on and on,” he said. “And it’s frustrating that some activist groups can get the ear of the U.N. more easily.” WFO won’t give up its campaign to get farmer seats Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Robert Carlson participated in a panel discussion on climate change at La Rural, Predio Ferial de Buenos Aires.
at the U.N. table, Carlson said. “I don’t think it will be speedy but it will be inexorable if we continue to press,” he told the assembly. WFO’s biggest accomplishments, he said, have come from working with other international institutions and on its own. Carlson is particularly proud that WFO managed to come up with a position on international trade that almost all its member organizations could support even though they range from Argentine and Australian free-market-oriented farm groups to protectionist countries that import a lot of food, such as Japan and Norway. The key, he said, was a section that says it is the right of any country to adopt policies to secure its own food supply, but that those countries should not export into the world market. WTO leaders, who have struggled with agriculture issues for years, were so impressed with the display of unity that they invited the farmers to come to Geneva to present their policy.
Carlson is also proud that the WFO is working with the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law to develop a model law for the contracts that farmers reach with buyers to provide certain products such as poultry. WFO has taken no position on genetic modification of seeds. “We have very opposing views on GMOs,” Carlson said. “The debate is still more emotional than it is scientific. I don’t mind disagreement about GMOs but we should learn about GMOs before we engage in the debate.” One disappointment to Carlson has been that the American Farm Bureau Federation, the largest U.S. farm group, has so far declined to join WFO. National Farmers Union members are Democratic-leaning and Farm Bureau members are Republican-leaning, but Carlson said he would welcome Farm Bureau in the WFO. “I miss the Farm Bureau,” Carlson said. A Farm Bureau
spokesman said Farm Bureau’s international activities are focused on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations. Carlson noted that in some countries WFO has multiple members who represent different ideologies. WFO would also welcome U.S. commodity groups but only as associate members, Carlson said, because full memberships belong only to general farm groups and farmer-led cooperatives. Carlson did not run for reelection, and the assembly elected Peter Kendall, the former president of the National Farmers Union in the United Kingdom, as its new president. Carlson sees a bright future for WFO because he sees more commonality among farmers in developed and developing countries in the coming years. “All the members we have are farmers who want to be more successful,” he said. “I have never met a farmer who wants to remain a subsistence farmer. They all want to improve their lot, to get health care and education for their kids.” But the most important reason for more unity among farmers in the future, he said, is that the increasing demand for food as developing countries get richer is reducing the fear of competition. “The trade wars that pitted farmers against farmers were in the era of big agricultural surpluses,” Carlson said. “All our studies show we are going to need a lot more food to feed the world.” s
Leaders attend general assembly
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson, along with a delegation of Farmers Union leaders from across the country, attended the World Farmers Organisation (WFO) general assembly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 25-29. The general assembly focused on a number of timely issues, including women and beginning farmers, climate change, and contract agriculture production. Notably, the assembly agreed to forward a resolution on renewable energy, which was introduced by Johnson, to the WFO board of directors and asked that the board develop a process for consideration of that resolution at the next general assembly, to be held in 2015 in Milan, Italy. NDFU President Mark Watne was part of the Farmers Union delegation along with Susan Carlson, a NDFU member and WFO Women’s Committee facilitator. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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Go Ahead,
Indulge!
Chocolate’s good for you! BY FOUNDING FARMERS RESTAURANT
It’s always lovely to walk into one of the Farm restaurants and experience the wonderful aromas of desserts being freshly prepared in the pastry studio – it’s an instant mood lifter. Well, our faces and moods were recently bolstered a bit more by the findings of a study performed by the University of California, San Diego Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, which suggests that those who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who did not. In fact, the study’s researchers believed that the results were so positive because chocolate (especially dark chocolate) is a heart-healthy snack choice, rich in antioxidants and as a result, beneficial for metabolic function, reducing inflammation, and for balancing the hormones that help facilitate weight control. Another interesting note: those who registered the lower Body Mass Index (BMI) reading did not necessarily have a better overall diet or engage in extreme physical activity, but they simply consumed chocolate more frequently than those with a higher BMI. The belief here is that since most chocolates are rich in fiber, a little can go a long way to the well-being of one’s overall body functioning and system support. In short: chocolate can leave you satisfied, contribute
positive benefits to overall health, and there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging, as long as you don’t overindulge – you’ll enjoy the good result. So, add a few new chocolate recipes (for food and beverages) to your home cooking menus, and minimize the guilt-factor by introducing dark (containing approx 70% cacao, or cocoa, is optimal) and/or organic chocolates into your favorite recipes that call for chocolate. Think of the benefits (and enjoyment) of a homemade chocolate layer cake, brownies, cookies, cream pie, scratch made sauces/ syrups, milkshakes, and egg creams! Smiles are sure to follow. s
Haven’t been to Founding Farmers? Now you can try some of the amazing recipes in your own kitchen!
Only $20
for NDFU members.
Call Eunice at 800-366-8331 ext. 127 to order your cookbook today! 24
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
From farm to still
New gin unveiled at Founding Farmers BY JESSICA SIDMAN, WASHINGTON CITY PAPER
There’s hardly a food or drink item that restaurants don’t attempt to make in-house these days. So why not distill their own booze too? The team behind Founding Farmers and Farmers Fishers Bakers has been doing just that with the help of Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville, Va. In 2009, Farmers Restaurant Group released its own rye whiskey, and now, their own gin, too.The line of spirits has been termed “FROM FARM TO STILL™” Farmers Beverage Director Jon Arroyo and Copper Fox’s Rick Wasmund spent the past two years working together on a gin specifically for the restaurants’ cocktails. The two met when the original Founding Farmers was still under construction. Wasmund walked in with an “Indiana Jones outfit,” Arroyo says, and asked him if he wanted to try his whiskey. “That instantly created some camaraderie right there,” Arroyo says. “I had a feeling that there was something special about this distiller.” The whisky is made with smoked apple and cherry woods and malted barley grown by a farmer just down the road from the distillery. After collaborating on Founding Farmers Rye, Arroyo and Wasmund moved on to their next product: The Farm Gin. Among the botanicals used in the spirit: juniper, cardamom, anise, coriander, lime peel, orange peel, rosemary, lemon basil, lemongrass, mint, nutmeg, ginger, and angelica. Some of the herbs – including rosemary, basil, and mint – are grown on Wasmund’s farm land around the distillery. But Arroyo says what’s unique about The Farm Gin is that it’s single malt (meaning it’s made from a single grain) and that Wasmund malts his own grain. “It’s very bold, pungent,” Arroyo says, particularly on the nose. But the most important thing, Arroyo says, was creating a spirit that would make for good martinis and gin and tonics. For the latter, he’s creating his Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
own tonic — probably with chipotle or habanero flavors — to pair specifically with the gin. A seasonal gin punch is also in the works. The Farm Gin became available at Founding Farmers D.C. location and Farmers Fishers Bakers on Oct. 22. Now that Farmers Restaurant Group has its own whiskey and gin, what’s next? “If there’s something else out there that I would really like to work on in the near future,” Arroyo says, “I would probably tell you that it’s rum.” s
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Sign-up begins for disaster programs
Sign-up for U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster programs for livestock, forage, nursery trees, honeybees and farm-raised fish reauthorized by the 2014 farm bill began on April 15. The livestock and forage programs will also cover losses that occurred since the expiration of the 2012 farm bill, such as those resulting from the devastating blizzard that swept the upper Midwest in October 2013. For more information, contact your local Farm Service Agency office.
Senate committee extends tax provisions
The Senate Finance Committee recently approved legislation, known as the EXPIRE Act, to extend a series of expired and expiring tax provisions. The bill maintains the $500,000 maximum deduction for farm machinery and allows for bonus depreciation for new machinery. The legislation also extends tax credits for biodiesel and cellulosic biofuels production and energy efficiency improvements through Dec. 31, 2015. The bill does not address tax loopholes that allow major corporations to avoid paying income tax.
EPA releases waters of the U.S. proposal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a proposed rule to clarify Clean Water Act permitting requirements for family farmers and ranchers. The proposal is intended to provide certainty for farmers in the wake of multiple Supreme Court decisions that confused the question of what waters are covered by the law. 26
The proposal maintains existing agricultural exemptions, adds new exemptions, and states that farmers voluntarily enacting certain conservation programs on their farms through USDA conservation programs will be exempt from permitting requirements as well. EPA is soliciting feedback from farmers, ranchers and organizations on its proposal, and NFU will be submitting comments to the agency. .
International Year of Family Farming
In April, NFU celebrated family farming and renewable energy. Check out our blog, with guest contributions from the 25’ x ’25 Alliance, Growth Energy and Minnesota Farmers Union, at www.nfu.org/ blog. In May, we will be highlighting family farming and rural America.
Bill introduced to block GMO labeling
Reps. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan. and G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C. recently introduced legislation that would block state-led efforts to label food products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and porhibits mandatory labeling of GMOs. The bill, named for the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act,” requires the Food and Drug Administration to label GMOs only if it determines the genetically modified trait presents any risk to health or safety. Farmers Union has always supported consumers’ right to know what is in their food, if they so choose. Surveys have consistently shown that consumers want more information about their food, not less, and the prevalence of stateled efforts to label GMOs only corroborates these findings.
NFU opposes the PompeoButterfield legislation based on member-driven policy that supports conspicuous, mandatory labeling throughout the processing chain to include all ingredients, additives and processes, such as genetically altered or engineered food products. NFU policy also supports the authority of lower levels of government and opposes preemption by federal standards.
Johnson testifies before STB on rail access NFU President Roger Johnson testified before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) at a public hearing on service problems in the U.S. rail network. South Dakota Farmers Union member DuWayne Bosse also testified, and Montana Farmers Union and North Dakota Farmers Union submitted written testimony to the STB. The upper Midwest in particular has experienced a significant rail car shortage for transportation of agricultural commodities, due largely to a rapidly growing energy sector and the prioritization of oil, coal and container shipments over grain. This shortage has led to costly delays and penalties for late shipments that grain elevators then pass on to farmers. The cost of shipping delays amounts to approximately 40¢ to $1.00 per bushel of wheat, which translates to a loss of $9,600 per average farm, at minimum. Johnson listed three actions for the STB to take to address these problems: holding railroads responsible for losses due to delayed delivery of rail cars; requiring rail companies to guarantee a certain portion of shipments are dedicated to agricultural products; and ensuring there is increased future investment to compensate for the increased demand. s
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS Classified ad space is free and available to NDFU members. Ads will run one time only. Ads must be mailed, e-mailed or faxed. NO ADS WILL BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. Include your name, address, phone number and mail to: NDFU Classifieds PO Box 2136 • Jamestown ND 58402-2136 e-mail: bthoms@ndfu.org Fax: 701-252-6584 • 701-952-0102 Deadline is the 15th of every month. Contact us to repeat your ad.
FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE IH 7200 press drills, new Eagle beaks, self transport, always shedded, reasonable. 664-2292, C. E. Redmond, Tioga. FOR SALE JD 9450 grain drill, 30’, 7” spacing, on Kuhn transport w/rear steering. 572-5559, Jerry Selby, Williston. FOR SALE Melroe Spra-coupe, Model 115, 1,000 hrs., 165 gal. tank, 50’ booms; Flexi-coil packer, 8’ wide, made in Canada, good condition; Melroe 16’ plow, heavy duty with reset mechanism. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott. FOR SALE IHC 50T baler; Schulte RS hyd. rock picker; F10 Farmhand w/weigh all Snoco bale loader; h.d. Russell Reliance 10’ grader; 10’ h.d. V packer; 5 bottom packer w/hitch; 8 steel grain bins w/steel floor, 1,000-12,400 bu.; Peterson dual rims, 18.4-34 to 232.1-30; 11’ wide push-all hay basket for DuAl loader; push-off hay basket for DuAl loader; Versatile 8”x50’ pto. auger; Feretl 6”x36’ electric auger. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE JD 980 C Shank 38.5 cultivator, 3 bar harrow: Elmers 12’ 22” bean cutter, front and rear mount: Sund bean pickup, universal header, 22’; Pickett 22’ bean pickup; H&S 12’ 22” single shank cultivator, rolling shields; Alloway 12’ 22” single shank, rolling shields, cutaways; Alloway 12’ 22” triple shank, cutaways, shields; Elmers 36 row band sprayer, 500 gal. tank; 520-1310, Harvey Puppe, Hensel. FOR SALE JD 350 mower, 9’ sickle bar, good guards and extra new knife with unit, $1,500. 754-2379 or 202-5803, Christ J. Leier, Napoleon. FOR SALE JD 930 Flex header, 30’, $3,000; Heston 6550 header, 21’, double swath, $700; Melroe 115 Spra-coupe, $1,500; Allis Chalmers corn chopper, plus 2 for parts, w/pickup attachment, $500; Gandy 5816 chemical applicator, $200; Shaver post driver, $400; Outback lite bar, $100. 5701173, Mick Eberle, Williston. FOR SALE 2 sets of 201 Melroe disk drills, good condition, some new parts to go with them, all for $600; Melroe 215 Spra-coupe w/ electric booms, good condition, $5,000. 528-4222 evenings, Alvin Haugen, Alamo. FOR SALE 4040 JD, 260 loader, 4,200 hrs., A/C. 8242156, Jim Kerzman, Mott. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
FOR SALE Super B Model AS-600 continuous batch grain dryer, single phase, propane, excellent condition, many updates, $5,000. 438-2461, James Hvinden, Maddock.
FOR SALE JD 1957 620 gas tractor, completely gone over, good tires, new paint, 3 pt. hitch, wide front end, runs good; Int. 9’ mower, hyd. lift; both always shedded and in good condtion. 663-0961, Clarence Morris, Mandan. FOR SALE JD 924 header with batt reel and lifters for downed crop, work great, $2,000 obo; 1,000 gal. NH3 tanks, $3,000 ea. 7646410, Casey Lund, Killdeer. FOR SALE 2011 JD 9430, 1,400 hrs., 800 metrics, $200,000; JD 980 cultivator 44 1/2’ wide, 3 bar harrow, single point depth control, $12,500; JD 2010 72” belly mower, $5,900; JD 4640, 8,800 hrs., 3 pt., $21,000. 5493420, Shane or Shana Heck, Cavalier. FOR SALE Sprayer boom, 20’ w/folding breakaway wings, plumbed w/TeeJet dripless nozzle bodies on 20” spacing, new, never used, for UTV or small 3 pt. sprayer, $200; Summers Super Packer harrow, 70’ wide, 5 bar front rank with 3/8” spring teeth and 3 bar spring pressure back rank with 7/16” springs, $3,000. benjidick@hotmail.com, 680-2101, Benji Dick, Englevale. FOR SALE Austin Western maintainer, Ser. # M-34355054, 4 cyl. Detroit, 4 whl. dr., front & rear steer, $3,500; 6 - 14 IH plow, $750; Gandy granular app., $500; 60’ Coil packer, $1,200; sunflower pans for 25’ IH header, $400, or offers. 739-3955, Albert Wood, Devils Lake. FOR SALE 14’ Vibra Shank digger; tires - 13x26 and 11.25x24; tractor driven circular saw; parts for Case (DC, SC, VAC) and Minneapolis Moline (U, R); antique Briggs and Stratton engine; radiator and other parts for 1962 Rambler. 845-4303 after 10 a.m., Henrik Voldal, Valley City. FOR SALE Wilrich 45’ cultivator w/3 bar Summers harrow, 5 rank spacing, $5,000; 41’ Wilrich 3400 Series cultivator w/double Spring sharks and Wilrich packers, was air seeder unit, $8,000; 9 bottom 18” IHC hinge frame 800 series plow, $5,000; 8 row & 12 row hyd. folding Alloway 30” row crop cultivators, $800 & $1,500; 12 row 30” front fold 7200 JD planter w/dry fert., reconditioned 1,000 acres ago, $14,000; 60’ Summers pickup sprayer, mid-mount electric lift booms, foam marker, 350 gal. tank, Honda motor, nice, $1,500; 8 row, 810 head with 12” Bonco pans on 2 whl. Vulcan trailer, $2,500 for both; 1980 Big O, 6’x24’ gooseneck. 350-0238, Edwin Gilderhus, Oberon. FOR SALE 2007 Summers Ultimate NT 90’ pull-type sprayer, 1,500 gal. tank, triple nozzle bodies on 20” spacing, 450 Raven controller, 3 boom shutoff w/HD touchdown wheels, 14.9 x 46 tires, low acres, like new; 40’ Summers Super coulter, 3 bar 104 harrow, smooth blades on front, 13 wave blades on rear. 840-1382, Dean Carpenter, Nome.
FOR SALE H-106 Haybuster rockpicker, $5,500; Melroe Gysler 37’ chisel plow with mounted harrow, $1,000; Concord hyd. soil probe, $750; Hesston heavy duty harrow, $500; Melroe 50’ harrow, $500; Concord 40’ air seeder, $8,000; Lark 28’ low rack trailer, $1,500; 1978 Versatile windrower, Model 400, $1,500; 1976 Chevy tandem truck w/21’ Rieten aluminum box, Shur-Lok roll tarp in good condition, $12,000; complete straw spreader for 8820 JD combine, $250; 1957 Dodge gas truck w/hose reels, $1,000; 30’ 3 pt. anhydrous applicator, $500; 45’ pull-type anhydrous applicator, $500; 4 wheel windrower transport for self-propelled windrower, $250; factory made hitch to go on toolbar, $100; Valmar 160 granular applicator with cover crop seed roller, $500; 28’ Glenco cultivator w/ new shovels, $500; 18’ Glenco cultivator, $400; 30’ bat reel for NH combine, never used, $600; 750 gal. fert tank on trailer w/ ground drive pump & hyd. drive agitating pump, $1,000; 45’ rod weeder to mount on tool bar w/3 hyd. motors, $750; never used 9’ mower bar-guards & sickle, will fit 350 or 450 JD, $500; JD 930 cutting platform w/Koehn trailer, $5,500; JD 8 row, 36”, 3 pt. row crop cultivator, $800; 5 – 5’, 3 bar Melroe harrow sections, never used and stored inside, $50 ea.; Melroe harrow pony cart, $250; Vac-UVator, $1,500; 7-16 double R Melroe plow with Reiten packer, $1,000; JD pull-type subsoiler, $250; 53’ x 8” GT pto drive grain auger, $500; 67’ x 8” Feterl pto drive grain auger, $600; 20’ 100 Series JD cutting platform with pickup reel on trailer, $1,000; 200 series JD pickup head with McCoy Wren pickup on trailer, $1,000; 1962 JD 4010 diesel tractor (needs work), $4,000; 1952 IHC Super M, ps with 325 DuAl loader and heat houser, $3,500; 3 – grain cleaners from $500-$2,000; Fargo pickup sprayer, 50’ booms, 200 gal. tank, $400; 19’ Oliver disc, Model 242, $600; hay basket with push-off for 325 Dual loader, $150; Honey-Bee loader, $2,000; HP Viking electric hammer mill, $250; Anthony truck box hoist for 2 ton truck, $250; Swartz truck box hoist for 2 ton truck, $250; set of 6 JD front end wts. w/ bracket to fit 30 or 40 Series, $750; front fuel tank from 4520 JD tractor or front fuel tank to mount over front end wts. of 4630 JD tractor, $100 ea.; Berkeley pto. irrigation pump with hand primer, 900’ 4” aluminum pipe w/sprinklers & 30’, 6” suction pipe, $3,000; drill boots with discs, $10 ea.; 230 Cummins engine, $1,500; 238 Mack engine, $1,500; truck frame trailer, $250; trailer house frame trailer, $500; 2 - 8.25x20 truck tires on 5 hole bud wheels, used little, $100 ea. 845-3594, Donald Jorissen, Valley City. FOR SALE 2 - 18.4-30 6 ply tires, good shape, $300 ea.; 2 - 18.4-26 6 ply tires, good shape, $300; 1993 Vermeer K baler, good shape, shedded, $2,500; Westfiled drill fill, $500; Kirchman 14’ Victory blade, $500. 4835063, Richard Dvorak, Dickinson. FOR SALE New and used stockade panels, $10-$15 ea.; working calf cradle, 1/2 price of new. 225-3435 or 260-0015, Arthur Wolfe, Dickinson. 27
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
FOR SALE Gravity box with heavy duty trailer; hay feeders - 6 two bale feeders, 10 round 1 bale feeder; electric feed grinder, 5 hp. automatic; u-posts, 5 1/2’. 734-6703, Robert Anderson, Wilton.
FOR SALE Haybuster 106 High Lift rockpicker, $5,000 obo.; Westfield grain auger, excellent shape, $500 obo. 845-3684, Perry Roorda, Valley City. FOR SALE Set of hay gathering wheels, complete w/ springs, to fit 535 JD round baler. 2463469, Randy Hochstetler, Rolette. FOR SALE Hay feeders - 6 two bale feeders, 10 round 1 bale feeder; electric feed grinder, 5 hp. automatic; u-posts, 5 1/2’; hay for sale. 734-6703, Robert Anderson, Wilton. FOR SALE 2 - 8’ JD 9350 press drills, fertilizer boxes, 6” spacing, 2 gang factory hitch, steel press wheels, rock kickers, hydraulic cylinders and hoses, like new tires, always shedded, good condition. 838-5014, Don Eliason, Minot. FOR SALE Dakon 8 row cultivator; Cole 8 row planter; NH TR70, TR85 combines and headers. 228-3834, Bruce Knudson, Bottineau. FOR SALE 1979 855 Versatile tractor, 8,759 hrs.; 1959 Ford F600, 2 ton grain truck, engine bad, 13’ wood box; 6 row Sund edible bean pickup on a JD 15’ platform; JD Model H, Series 47, wood box, ground drive, manure spreader; 1958 HD 820 diesel tractor, good condition, 1,597 hrs., always shedded. 945-2379, Donna Vadnie, Mayville. FOR SALE 2 – Sioux 18’ dia., 3,300 bu. steel bins, $400 ea. obo. 228-3507 or 871-1293, Mark Solberg, Bottineau. FOR SALE Haybuster Model L106 rock picker; Melroe 903 7 bottom 16” plow; Neco Model 51 rotary grain cleaner; 6”x16’ hyd. drill fill auger; Shaver HD8 hyd. post driver; all items kept inside. 362-7769, Ronald Hensen, Glenburn. FOR SALE Gear box drive from Westfield auger, secondary drive for jump auger w/reverser, $400; garbage compactor for 1 ton truck, 6 yd. garbage compactor; 4 - 30 lb. suitcase wts; 240 bu. feed wagon, 2 hoppers, 2 augers, hyd. drive, w/wo heavy trailer; 400 amp Airco welder, 3 ph. electric, welds steel or aluminum, $300 of new tips and cones, rolls wire, on heavy cart, $1,200: 9’ NH sickle mower, 3 pt., Model 456, new drive box, 2 new sickles, new U-joints; 4-30# suitcase wts. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown. FOR SALE 2588 2008 Case IH combine plus headers; 2388 Case IH combine, hyd. reverser, new tires; 1984 GMC 3/4 ton utility truck, V8, fiberglass body, $1,100; Summers pickup sprayer, mid-mount booms, flat tank, stored inside, 350 gal., $950. 366-4588 or 228-6571, Greg Sletto, Willow City. FOR SALE International #770, 6x16” plow, field ready. 748-5540, Gene Grosz, Hazen.
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FOR SALE Bale elevator, Case pull-type on wheels, pto 540, 25’, good for loading out in fields, $50; NH Stackliner #1000, 56 bale capacity, pto. 540, working order, $500; 4” auger with electric motor, 15’, $100; brand new pickup front tow hitch, collapsible, $200; calf supplies - new tube feeder, $15; used tube feeder, $6; 2 qt. calf bottles and hangers, $5; sucker pails, 2-4 nipple pails, $5$10, can switch nipples to accommodate goats or sheep; small calf feeder, open on both sides, steel, top cover, no sides, $200, could be used in barn or feedlot; 24” tool box w/calving supplies - 2 OB chains, 2 handles, 1 lrg. syringe, 1 sm. syringe, needles, 2 taggers, 2 reg button taggers, 1 pkg. fly tags, 4 bags of 2 tags-calf & cow, 5 bags Clostrix, $150;18 - 16’ wire cattle panels, all to go, $200; Degelman rock picker, reel type, 4 batt, ground drive, have motor to make hyd., $3,100; rock box to fit 1070 Case but will fit other, $150; semi fuel tanks, aluminum and hangers, 75 gal. & 100 gal., $250; pickup box camper, 8’, over cab sleeper, 2 side jacks & hold downs, newer mattress and some dishes, $600; auger for a gravity box, hyd. drive, winch, homemade design, $50; DYT 4000 Craftsman Kohler Twin V lawn mower, 25 hp., hydro., 48” deck, serviced & ready for this year, foot control, $750; DYT 4000 Craftsman Kohler Twin V lawn mower, hydro., fender control, 48” deck, serviced & ready for mowing, $750; grass catcher to fit mower, 3 compartment, $100. 543-3843, Doug Hannestad, Hatton.
FOR SALE 2003 JD 567 baler, net wrap & twine, 1,000 pto., $12,500; 1977 Int. Transtar tandem, twin screw diff., 24’ Omaha box, 11-22.5 rubber big tires on steering axle, Detroit motor, $10,000; 2009 Honda Big Red ATV, with tilt box, new starter, red, $5,000; 1994 350 Honda 4 whl. ATV, needs parts in rear end, good engine, $200, red. 983-4445, John Flemmer, Golden Valley. FOR SALE 2 - 800-32 Goodyear tires, 1 new, 1 one like new on JD rims, $6,000 obo; 3201580, David Mutschler, Wimbledon. FOR SALE Wil-Rich 34’ field cultivator w/3 bar harrows, walking tandems on main frame and wings, good condition. 884-2446, Terry Strobel, Denhoff. FOR SALE 18.4x38 axle type duals with all attaching hardware to fit 4430 JD tractor; 1,600 gal. water tank w/gas engine and hoses. 3627724, Dennis Wolseth, Glenburn. FOR SALE Steel 9’ canola roller; 8 row IH 500 planter; IH 133 8 row shank cultivator; 15’ hardwood stock rack, red, factory made; 60 - 5’ steel T posts; front weight bracket and 4 wts. for 7100 and 7200 series Case IH tractor. 542-3369, Ken Schaan, Rugby. WANTED 12’ thru 16’ steel truck box with steel floor, in good condition, no rust, with or without hoist. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown. WANTED 60’-70’ Degelman, Gates or Morris heavy duty harrows, in good condition; 20’-24’ gooseneck stock trailer, in good condition. 528-4222 evenings, Alvin Haugen, Alamo.
WANTED IH tractors – 806,1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 1466; JD – 5010, 4620, 6030; Minneapolis Moline – 1350, 1355; Olivers; running or not. 628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley. WANTED 10’ section 9350 JD drill, in good condition; fertilizer doors for 9350 30’ drill. 945-2379, Donna Vadnie, Mayville. WANTED Haybine in good condition. 748-2123, Ken Riedememann, Hazen. WANTED 12’ -16’ steel truck box with steel floor, in good condition, no rust, with or without hoist. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown. WANTED 38” rear tractor tire, in good condition. 840-8981, Rod Fernow, Fingal. WANTED Pto drawbar type sickle mower. 3627724, Dennis Wolseth, Glenburn.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 2002 Hitchhiker camper, 31.5’, 5th wheel, 3 slides, electric awning, 2 recliners, excellent condition, shedded, $16,000. 226-6953 or 422-3490, Renei Jochim, Selfridge. FOR SALE Horse collars & related items; 45 used utility poles, 35’-50’ long; used tires - 6 Bridgestone tires 245-75-R16; 4 - 22560-R16 M&S; 4 used Firestone P26570-R16 M&S; 3 Michelin P225-60-R16 M&S; 4 Hercules Ultra 215-70-R15; 2 Co-op Ready Grip G78-15 MS studded, less than 2,000 mi. on Ford wheels; 2 Firestone L78-15 studded; 2 P25-75 R15 Cooper Weathermaster studded, less than 2,000 mi.; 2 P125-75 R15 Goodyear studded on Ford wheels; 2 P215-75 R15 Sears Snow Handlers; small cement mixer. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE 6500 watt generator, 16 horse Vanguard, Briggs & Stratton twin OHV engine, Chicago electric gas engine, key start & pulley, recepticals – 4 - 15 amp, 120V, 1 - 25 amp, 240V, 1 - 25 amp, 120/240V, 8 hrs. run time, always shedded, very good condition, original manual and paperwork; 1992 31’ Avion 5th wheel w/14’ slideout, AC, new double door fridge, new toilet, main awning, washer/dryer connections, cassette radio, 2 TVs (1 new flat screen), VCR, microwave, 4 burner range ad oven, all original paperwork on trailer and appliances, new tires, not a man camp trailer, many extras, $11,200. 701-6286949, 314-640-1884, 314-799-6949, Rose LaRocco Ryan, Stanley. FOR SALE 2004 Playmor Sportster toy hauler, 28’, bumper hitch, garage is separate from living quarters, 1 large bed above garage, bunk beds, couch makes into bed, table makes into bed, stove, microwave, fridge, bathroom and awning. 426-5598, Robert Koeller, Bismarck. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS FOR SALE Approx. 75 used car & pickup tires, some rims, tractor inner tubes, must take all, only $100. 256-2406, Richard Hamann, Langdon. FOR SALE 4’ antique oak church pew w/padded cushion, excellent condition, $350; 1 room school house-themed decoration for each month of the year, about 100 yrs. old. 438-2461, James Hvinden, Maddock. FOR SALE Solid Ash wood flooring, 2 1/4” x 3/4”, prefinished, 219 sq. ft., new in boxes, $2/sq. ft., pictures available. benjidick@ hotmail.com, 680-2101, Benji Dick, Englevale. FOR SALE New FS All Traction 23o radial, 12 ply 30.5x32 tire, mounted on rim for 14802388 or grain cart, $1,500; 14.9x24 tire, 70% on JD rim for 9600, $300; 4 GY radial DT 800, 320x90x46 on setup rims to fit 38” hubs on 8440 or similar JD, had used for full type sprayer, $3,000; 100 new-14” 50o chisel plow sweeps, Case part #133768A1, fit most newer chisel plows, $11 ea.; JD planter plates, 100’s of plastic & steel, make offer. 350-0238, Edwin Gilderhus, Oberon. FOR SALE Harness Line Spreader; Center Heart Drop; Dump Rake. 226-3412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck. FOR SALE Collection of old records (1950s - 1980s), includes 5,800 record albums and 400 7” 45’s, includes movie/broadway soundtracks, big band, rock, country, pop, children’s, Motown, etc., $8,800 for all. 572-5903, Howard Isakson, Williston. FOR SALE 12’ hard wood stock rack, red, factory made, like new; Worksaver 3 pt. fence post digger, 3 augers; 2 cream separators, electric #518 and #S16 with crank, both with complete attachments. 597-3730, larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields. FOR SALE Toys – Steiger “Cougar”, 8” L, 5”H, no box; 1/16 1957 Chevy panel delivery “Cooper Tires” in box; 1/16 Fordson tractor Model F in box; 1/6 Farmall A Collectors Edition in box; 1/16 Degelman rockpicker, Silver Anniversary Model, belt buckle included, in box; 3 pc. doll size ice cream table, 14” H, 10” dia., 2 chairs; Hamilton typeset drawer; old spinning wheel; Watt bowl #96, Kindred FUO Co.; girl’s Roadmaster Skyrider Deluxe bike, 1950s. 524-1395, Peder & Carole, Mikkelson, Aneta. FOR SALE 80 gal. LP tank in good condition. 2700184, Harold Severson, Lakota. FOR SALE Homemade 6’x8’ horse drawn sled; Homco Model AE1803, 4 hp. rider mower; oil, grease & anitfreeze cans - Co-op, Farmers Union, Texico, Pure; 4 new garage doors, 10’x8’ white metal doors; horse drawn potato hiller. 945-2379, Donna Vadnie, Mayville. FOR SALE Dairy cleaning supplies, some barn cleaner parts, stall dividers, water cups, etc. 679-2135, Terry Kohler, Benedict. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
FOR SALE Many rolls of good used barb wire; 50 gal. gas service tank w/pump; various sizes of animal traps; double door pickup tool box; 425 gal. water bubble; 7’ snow bucket. 597-3052, Lyla Schreiner, Flasher. FOR SALE Car/truck used tires - 4 P215/75R15 Road Runner white side walls with less than 1,000 mi., from an antique pickup, stored inside, $50 ea. 709-0199, prairiepauls@ gmail.com, Don Paul, Edgeley. FOR SALE 370 old vintage travel decals, all decals are new, still in paper packets, they are old ones you soak in water & slid on the glass or bumper, pictures and quantity can be e-mailed upon request, all for $370. 3020037, Roger Westby, New Rockford. FOR SALE 2009 Keystone Raptor toyhauler, 3712ts, sleeps 12, 3 slide outs, 12’ toyhauler bay, nice clean, smoke free unit. 659-0705, Jessica Clemens, Wimbledon. FOR SALE 24’ Yacht Club pontoon trailer w/brakes, like new, $2,150; 2008 Jayco trailer, 32’ Jay flight camper trailer w/2 power slide outs, rear bedroom (King), electric awning, sleeps six, shower enclosure, very nice, $16,500. 366-4588 or 228-6571, Greg Sletto, Willow City. FOR SALE New tires – 8 Titan 20.8x38x8ply bias@$900 ea.; 12 Titan 18.4x38x8 ply bias@$750 ea.; 4 GY Dura Torque 18.4x38x8 ply bias@$690 ea.; 2 Titan 30.5x32,12 or 16 ply, buy 1 or 2; 8 GY Dyna Torque 480/80R42 radials@$1280 ea.; 2 GY Ultra Torque 520/85R42 radials @$1400.ea.; 2 Michelin Agri-Bib 520/85R42 radials@$1260 ea.; 2 FS 520/85R42 radials; 2 BKT 16.9x24x8ply bias@$490 ea.; 4 Titan HD 12x16.5x10ply skid steer w/rim guard@$175 ea. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley. FOR SALE 3 pt. hitch complete, to fit 4430 or 4440 John Deere (after market). 862-3450, Bob Andes, Parshall. WANTED Prairie dog hunters to come and hunt on my land, make reservations now. 597-3730 or larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields. WANTED Crocks, jugs with store advertising; old metal advertising signs, gas pumps, metal oil cans, advertising clocks or thermometers; road signs, traps, knives, shell boxes, guns, pop or old medicine bottles; highway road signs; 1 lb. coffee tin cans; ND pottery, carnival glass; ND books - 50 Years in the Saddle. 258-0420 or 220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. WANTED Garden tiller to mount on New Holland 19 1/2 hp. garden tractor with good tires; garden tiller or just tines for 212 JD garden tractor tiller. 273-4663 or 269-0788, Reinhold Gruebele, Pettibone. WANTED L-shaped 100 gal service tank. 862-3450, Bob Andes, Parshall. WANTED 5 string banjo; used horse equipment: spurs, saddles, leather halters, bits, headstalls. 840-8981, Rod Fernow, Fingal.
WANTED Anyone who purchased a German Shepherd puppy from Bulzomi’s Kennel. 584-2719, Sharon Rafteseth, Elgin. WANTED Complete windmills that work or parts. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.
VEHICLES FOR SALE 1999 GMC Jimmy, Envoy package, 4 WD, 4.3L, good shape, loaded, every option available, 140,000 mi., will text pics, $3,600 obo, has marked title. 371-2126, Tom Roach, Casselton. FOR SALE 1994 Ford 150 pickup, 5 spd. trans., low miles, never used in winter, always shedded, excellent condition, with Eldorado 8’ slide-in camper, heater, stove, water tank, kitchen sink with new pump, and ice box, would sell as unit or split, $4,500.MISCELLANEOUS 846-7254, Elvin Lorenz, Dodge. FOR SALE 1988 Pontiac 6000, 4 dr., many repairs, original owner, low miles, $2,000 obo; 2 hoods for a ‘63 Chevy Impala, $100 ea., both for $150. 320-0885, Jane E. Nissen, Fargo.
FOR SALE 1979 Chevy 4x4 HD, 4 whl. dr., runs but needs a clutch $850. 528-4222 evenings, Alvin Haugen, Alamo. FOR SALE 1986 Southwind motorhome, 75,000 mi., 454 Chev., excellent shape, sleeps 7, twin A/C and furnaces, full bath. 680-1464, Neil Carpenter, Lisbon. FOR SALE 2004 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew cab, short box pickup, chrome grill guard, rollup box cover, always garaged, 1 owner, 46,000 mi., $15,000. 438-2571, James Hvinden (ask for Curtis), Maddock. FOR SALE 110’ boom truck, 2 buckets, 1974 Ford, gas, tandem axle, approx. 85,000 mi., offers taken; 1984 55’ Ford boom truck, offers. 653-5230, Wes Miller, Carrington. FOR SALE 1998 Chevy Malibu, 2.4L, 170,000 mi., engine trouble; 2004 Chevy Silverado, 2500 HD, 6.6L Duramax, 137,500 mi., work truck package. 661-0551, Mike Krueger, Garrison. FOR SALE 2011 Chevy 2500 Silverado LT, 4 dr, short box, Duramax, dark green, 25,000 mi., $47,000; 2000 King of the Road, 34’, 5th whl. camper, 3 slides, $18,000; 1984 19’ Glastron open bow boat, 140 hp. Mercruiser, good condition, $6,000. 7705749, Bradley Peterson, Williston. FOR SALE 2004 Chevy Suburban, 143,400 mi., front & rear A/C, sunroof, DVD player, seat warmers, seats 8, no rust or dents. 5375368, Warnie Cargo, Towner. FOR SALE 1981 Buick Century, auto on floor, bucket seats, air, factory installed V8, 4.3 liter motor, mint cond.; 1951 straight eight Buick. 597-3730 or larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields. 29
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS VEHICLES FOR SALE 1967 & 1970 Chevy 2 ton C60 trucks, both have 366 cu. in. motors, 5 sp. trans., 2 sp. axles, power steering, very good, 9.00x20 tires, 16’ steel 400 bu. boxes with Agri-Cover roll tarps and double post hoist, less than 15,000 mi. on overhaul, nice older trucks, always shedded, $5,000 ea. 350-0238, Edwin Gilderhus, Oberon. FOR SALE 1985 C70 dump truck, 10 spd., 366 big block, 14’x8’ box w/hoist, runs good, body, interior and tires in good condition, $7,500. 722-3597, Emil Berdahl, Douglas. FOR SALE 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible, low mileage, V6 engine. 758-2277, Rodney Officer, Ryder. FOR SALE 1980 El Camino, gold & cream, 305 engine with factory 4 barrel, 350 turbo transmission, good condition, 60,000 actual mi., things fixed or replaced: shocks, springs, front end alignment and new tires, new water pump & heater core, $5,800, must see. 628-6949 or 314-6401884, Mike Ryan, Stanley. FOR SALE 1964 Pontiac Catalina, 4 dr., older restoration, looks nice, fun cruiser, 389 ci., auto, $6,000; 1921 Oldsmobile Opera Coupe, Ford drive line, restored, parade/ show ready, $12,500. 252-8013, Neil Baker, Jamestown. FOR SALE 1985 Plymouth Reliant, 81K actual mi., 2 new tires, $900. 366-4588 or 228-6571, Greg Sletto, Willow City.
FOR SALE 1970 Chevy truck, 13’ steel box with tarp, 350 motor, good tires, $4,000 obo. 3376810 or 529-4881, Paul Kastner, Douglas.
FOR SALE 1945 Chevy 1 1/2 ton truck, runs and drives good, $1,500; 1987 Ford Ranger pickup - front clip with V6 motor, radiator, 5 spd., OD trans., no box or rear end, 8’ long all metal topper fully enclosed side doors, vertical rear doors, white in color, $1,200; new windshield and new left front fender for a 93-97 Dodge Intrepid, $125 each; 4 wheels for 2007 Jeep Liberty, 255-75R16; Austin Western front axle w/tires and wheels from road grader. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown. FOR SALE 2008 Ford Focus SES, silver, 70,000 mi., $9,500 obo. 252-8366, George Barnes, Jamestown. FOR SALE 2001 Ram 1500, 4x4 SC, V8, clean, 158,000 mi., extra set of tires & rims, box liner, $6,500 obo. 756-7287 or text 8223211, Mike Oclair, Mohall.
LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Miniature horses – 9 brood mares and 3 stallions. 947-2590, Charles Lewis, New Rockford. FOR SALE Yearling & 2 yr. old Registered Black Angus bulls. 228-3834, Mountain View Angus, Bruce Knudson, Bottineau. WANTED Buying draft horses. 226-3412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Beautiful, well kept, 2 story, century old home in Ashley, original wood work, 4 bdrms. w/large closets, Birdseye maple floors throughout, 1 1/2 bath., dual heating system - fuel oil and electric, 2 stall attached garage, 12’x20’ garden shed, situated on a large corner lot, surrounded by an awesome cast iron fence, can e-mail pics. 288-3167, Joddy & Tami Meidinger, Ashley.
FEED AND SEED FOR SALE Elgin, Barlow, Prosper HRSW; Innovation barley; Frontier, Alma chickpeas; NuTech corn, soybeans - early discount still available; salt tolerant alfalfa and grass seed; Radiant, Decade, Broadview HRWW; full line of cover crops. 529-4421 or finkenseeds@gmail.com, Bob Finken, Douglas. FOR SALE 100 round bales, Prairie & Broom grass Mix, 1,200 lb. bales, $30 ea., located by Norwich. 240-8545, Lee Keller, Minot. FOR SALE Northstar canola seed and Sygenta brand seed available. 549-3420, Shane Heck, Cavalier. FOR SALE Small square bales of hay. 679-2135, Terry Kohler, Benedict. WANTED Hulless or naked forage oats seed. 2283834, Bruce Knudson, Bottineau.
County Calendar Foster – July 2 • Oil field tour McIntosh – June 17-18 • Oil field tour McLean – July 27 • County picnic • Turtle Lake City Park Ward – May 6 • Board meeting • Pizza Ranch • 6:30 p.m.
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Watch for more information on the fall conference, Sept. 17-18, in Jamestown!
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Message from
the President BY NDFU PRESIDENT MARK WATNE
When nonprofits skirt the Corporate Farming Law The recent decision by the N.D. Supreme Court to allow a nonprofit to retain agricultural land that was purchased in violation of our Corporate Farming Law is an eye opener. (See story on page 10). For decades, we have relied on the Corporate Farming Law to protect ag land for future generations of family farmers and ranchers, especially against the interests of investor-owned corporate farms. The law has served us well. It has withstood multiple challenges since the voters of North Dakota enacted it in 1932. In fact, without that very law, the Stenehjem v. National Audubon Society case wouldn’t exist because there would be no statute to challenge farmland purchases by non-farm interests. And try as opponents might, the district court in this case ruled that the Corporate Farming Law is not unconstitutional. While I don’t agree with the court’s ruling that the passage of time somehow justifies the illegal taking of farmland, and I believe it sets a dangerous precedence, I do think it points to a bigger issue: our complacency as farmers and ranchers. We need to do due
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
diligence in our own backyard. We must pay attention to land purchases and make sure they are following the letter of the law. Nonprofits can own farmland in North Dakota for the purpose of conserving natural areas and habitats. But there is a process in place to approve the purchase that includes the Natural Areas Acquisition Advisory Committee (NAAAC). After a public hearing, the committee gives a “yes” or “no” recommendation to the governor, who makes the final decision. Members of the NAAAC include the state agriculture commissioner, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, state forester, director of the Game and Fish Department, the chairman of the county commission of any county affected by the acquisition, and the presidents of North Dakota Farmers Union, North Dakota Farm Bureau, and North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. The Audubon case came to light as the result of an investigation involving another lawsuit where a nonprofit organization, Crosslands, Inc., purchased ag land in violation of the law. They applied
retroactively for NAAAC approval, which the governor denied. Crosslands decided to keep the land anyway, so the state took them to court for a second time and won. These cases are not isolated. Other illegal purchases have occurred. Each has the potential to weaken a public policy that has defined the core of who we are in North Dakota when it comes to agriculture – family farmers and ranchers. Another current issue to be aware of in this regard is the Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks Amendment, if it reaches the ballot box. Proponents are telling the ag community not to fear the measure because the NAAAC process and the Corporate Farming Law makes it difficult for nonprofits to own land in North Dakota. That argument is only true if nonprofits abide by the law. The amendment will allow nonprofits to tap into millions of dollars for their special interests. So let’s make sure nonprofits aren’t skirting the Corporate Farming Law, and we maintain the law's integrity. s
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Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
Join us on the Southern Florida Tour January 4-21, 2015
Travelers will be sightseeing in Miami, Everglade National Park and Key West, along with the Holocaust Memorial, Little Havana, Port of Miami, Hemingway House, Shipwreck Museum, Little White House, the Theater by the Sea, Plant City, a fruit winery and more. Go to www.ndfu.org for details or call 800-366-8331 ext 108, Susan or ext 111, Jeff
Contact your local agent or go online: www.fumic.com
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402