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
This farmstead is located east of Larimore. Member David Paukert took this photo and wrote this description, “It was unusual to see open water flowing in this branch of the Turtle River so late in the season. Most years, the river would be iced over and covered with banks of snow, hardly recognizable from its surroundings. That holiday season, nature provided me with a special gift.”
In this issue
3.
New president elected
14.
What’s cooking?
17.
Make-A-Wish
24.
Precision ag summit
December 2013 – Volume 60 Number 12
CUSTOMIZED AUTO COVERAGE
Your car insurance should be as individual as you are. The flexibility of Farmers Union Insurance allows you to customize a policy to fit your needs and your budget. For more information, contact an agent near you: info@fumic.com or go to www.fumic.com
TRUSTED LOCAL AGENTS North Dakota Union Farmer
The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown N.D. 58401. Annual subscription is $30 with NDFU membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.
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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EDITOR: Anne Denholm 800-366-8331 • www.ndfu.org adenholm@ndfu.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU PO Box 2136 Jamestown N.D. 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 36,050 • 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
New president elected to NDFU A new president has taken over the reins of North Dakota Farmers Union. Mark Watne of Jamestown was elected to the position by the membership during the state convention November 22-23. He takes over from Elwood “Woody” Barth who served NDFU since 2011. Upon the announcement, Watne commented, “I am truly honored to be in this position. It was a long campaign and I’m looking forward to working with the membership, staff and board to make NDFU the best farm organization in the state.” Watne is no stranger to NDFU. His background includes working at the state office as the staff executive director, agricultural strategist and development specialist for 15 years. He served
on the board of directors for six years beginning in 1990 including serving as state treasurer. Watne volunteered as a board chairman for the Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives at North Dakota State University and is currently a board
Delegates elected to the national convention DISTRICT 1 DELEGATES: Keith Smith Alex Bata ALTERNATES Beau Locken Aaron Nord DISTRICT 2 DELEGATES: Loren Johnson Tim Ostrem ALTERNATES Myron Blumhagen Mindy Heinz DISTRICT 3 DELEGATES: Devin Jacobson Lisa Aufforth Ben Ethen ALTERNATES Steven Keith Allie Sagness DISTRICT 4 DELEGATES Libby Gravning Dean Baar Jeri Bakken
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
ALTERNATES Dave Witte Kim Klose DISTRICT 5 DELEGATES: Jim Hansen Adam Vetter ALTERNATES Roger Branning LeAna Hug DISTRICT 6 DELEGATES: Nancy Buckeye Mike Huebner ALTERNATES Josh Heinrich Shelly Ziesch DISTRICT 7 DELEGATES: Ronda Throener Daniel Spiekermeier ALTERNATES Arlo Anderson Danielle Lentz
member for First Community Credit Union of Jamestown. He is a self-employed farmer in the Velva, N.D. area but resides in Jamestown with his wife, Michelle, and son, Nick. His other son, Eric, just graduated from the University of North Dakota and is employed at Cavendish Farms in Jamestown. Daughter Meghan is a medical student at the University of North Dakota. In other election news, Ronda Throener of Cogswell, N.D. was named to the Board of Directors representing District 7, replacing Ben Vig. Bob Kuylen was re-elected as the vice president. Other board members re-elected included Terry Borstad, District 1; Dennis Stromme, District 3; and Wes Niederman, District 5. A total of 734 people registered for the state convention and were welcomed by Enerbase General Manager Tony Bernhardt who gave some economic facts about the area, handed out gas saving coupons and encouraged everyone to support their local cooperatives. Annual reports from Farmers Union Mutual Insurance and North Dakota Farmers Union were reviewed as well as financial information and bylaws for the organization. The convention offered delegates and members the opportunity to debate issues confronting family farmers and determine 2014 policy for the organization. Youth leaders were recognized for years of service and a Founding Farmers restaurant chef gave a live cooking demonstration in an effort to promote a new cookbook. Other breakout sessions included information on precision agriculture presented by John Nowatzki and the state’s infrastructure with Darcy Rosendahl. Entertainment was provided by the Deuces Wild Dueling Piano show and Porta Party D.J. and photo booth.s 3
Special orders passed by delegates These special orders of business were passed at the North Dakota Farmers Union state convention:
COOL
North Dakota Farmers Union believes consumers have the right to know where their food and meat products come from in order to make informed buying decisions based on the value of those products. As a result, Country-ofOrigin Labeling (COOL) has been a long-standing pillar of Farmers Union policy. Our organization was instrumental in establishing mandatory COOL in the 2002 and 2008 farm bills. The 2013 House-passed farm bill contains a provision that seeks to undermine the COOL law. Recent WTO rulings show there is no reason for Congress to take action on the COOL law. The U.S. Trade Representative backs USDA’s new rule as compliant with WTO standards. With unlikely success in court and at the WTO, opposition groups are trying to scare members of Congress into changing the law to benefit their bottom lines. In response to a trade complaint filed in July 2012 by Canada and Mexico, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) needed to change its regulations for implementing COOL to ensure that accurate information is provided to consumers. To address the ruling, USDA issued a new rule that requires the addition of production steps – “born, raised, and slaughtered” – on labels for muscle cuts of meat. In July of this year, the following organizations filed a lawsuit in opposition to the new rule: American Association of Meat Processors, American Meat Institute, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Pork Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council, North American Meat Association, Southwest Meat Association and Mexico’s 4
National Confederation of Livestock Organizations. National Farmers Union, its member states, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, American Sheep Industry Association, and the Consumer Federation of America have intervened in the lawsuit to defend COOL. Meatpackers are opposed to the revised regulation because it prevents them from labeling co-mingled cuts of meat from different countries as “U.S. Beef.” They have greatly exaggerated the costs to comply with COOL and recently lost an injunction to block implementation of the rule. Therefore be it resolved, the members of North Dakota Farmers Union urge Congress to uphold COOL and USDA’s new rule revision that supports transparency in food labeling.
Farm Bill
The failure of Congress to pass a new five-year farm bill before the year’s end will leave farmers and ranchers without needed certainty for their operations’ viability. More broadly, the entire agricultural sector, including the rural businesses and lenders whose livelihoods are dependent upon farmers’ and livestock producers’ economic viability, also await the certainty of a five-year farm bill. Be it resolved, the membership of the North Dakota Farmers Union advocates for a five-year farm bill to be passed and signed into law before year’s end;
Be it further resolved, the membership of NDFU thanks Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven for their tireless work in pushing for a comprehensive farm bill. We are grateful Sen. Hoeven continues to advocate for the state’s family farmers as a member of the conference committee
Renewable Fuel Standard
Our long-standing support of biofuels is rooted in our recognition that biofuels benefit both commodity growers and livestock producers, provides energy security to our country, and reduces detrimental impacts on the environment. As such, we are disappointed in the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent proposal to reduce the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations, which equates to a reduction in usage of approximately 500 million bushels of corn feedstock. We are also disappointed at the significant misinformation about biofuels that is circulating by opponents of biofuels. We urge CHS and our affiliated cooperatives, as suppliers of ethanol products to the public, to continue to advocate for biofuels and provide comment on the EPA proposal. We also urge Congress to protect the integrity of the RFS and make no legislative changes.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Critical FSA Staffing Needs
We, the members of North Dakota Farmers Union, are very concerned about the critically low staffing levels in our county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. Due to budget cuts the last three years and a hiring freeze that has been in place the past two years, there are FSA offices with only one staff to handle the county workload and the FSA State Office has not been allowed to backfill those positions. In 2005, FSA had 400 staff in ND, today there are 284, a 29% reduction. This has a direct impact on producers – less staff means longer wait times at the county office, potential errors caused by increased workload per employee, delayed payments, increased responsibility for producers to double check their contracts, verify signatures, etc. A new farm bill will bring an increased workload and FSA does not currently have the staff necessary to operate the offices in an efficient and effective manner let alone implement a new farm bill. The oil boom in the northwest part of the state has also caused a hardship because FSA is not able to offer wages that are competitive in that locale. Therefore, North Dakota Farmers Union calls upon Congress to immediately provide funding to USDA for FSA to backfill vacant positions and offer locality pay adjustments for counties in northwestern North Dakota. Producers must have a strong local Farm Service Agency system in order to be informed about available opportunities and to be able to conduct their business in a timely and efficient manner.s
Go to www.ndfu.org to see more photos from the state convention! Just click on “PHOTOS” Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
National Farmers Union Director of Advocacy Communications, Brittany Jablonsky is originally from North Dakota. She presented information on NFU activities, legislative work and membership benefits.
Board member Ellen Linderman gave an update during the district caucuses.
Members like Myron Blumhagen had the opportunity to speak out about issues and helped shape the policy and action for the upcoming 2014 year. 5
New policy adopted
Delegates vote for food safety, conservation funding and immigration
NDFU members adopted new sections of policy into the 2014 Program of Policy & Action on food safety, conservation funding, and immigration. In part, they read: • We urge Congress and federal and state agencies to ensure that a food safety system will grow consumer confidence in the food supply, while not sacrificing family farm agriculture. • We strive for a balance of natural resources and production of food and fuel. That balance is a difficult one to strike, and that is why we are concerned how the word “conservation” is defined and who defines it. • Policies must provide a sensible path for those who are here illegally, are of good character, pay taxes, and are committed to becoming members of our society. Other new language adopted included: •We are opposed to exemptions to the oil extraction and production taxes.
Additionally, we oppose reductions in the rate of tax until the state replenishes and addresses unmet needs. • We support a damage compensation law that compensates farm operators and landowners when any drilling plans, pipeline, land disturbances or other resource development affects water, property, and other interests. • We support the state to develop a safe, efficient and organized pipeline gathering system. • NDFU opposes a mandatory national beef checkoff program and supports a voluntary optin program. NDFU opposes an increase of the state beef checkoff. • We support EPA regulation of coal ash as a non-hazardous waste, but strongly oppose the proposal that EPA regulate coal ash as a hazardous waste. • Mechanisms should be in place to protect producers against losses associated with pre-pay sales.
This year marked the 70th annual meeting for Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company. General Manager Mark Anderson presented the 2012 financial report and gave a brief update into the 2013 fiscal year. Anderson said, “We’re moving forward and we’re continuing to accomplish things here at Farmers Union. The year 2012 was an anomaly with 80% fewer winddriven storm claims than in a normal year and we continued to write a record amount of premiums with $48 million.” The company had a record net profit of $6.7 million and ended the year with an ending total surplus of $49.5 million. Anderson took time to thank the membership for
their support and recognized staff, the board of directors and all of the agents. “I can think of no other group of people with whom I would rather work, or from whom I could expect more, than the employees and agents of Farmers Union Insurance. I thank them for their expertise and their commitment to our policyholders, our partners in business and to our company,” he said. Many of the agents are very active in North Dakota and Anderson cited the many fundraising projects and events sponsored by Farmers Union Insurance. Anderson added, “We have continued to invest in North Dakota and our investment portfolio allows us to reach out
• To maintain the integrity of the [prevented plant crop insurance] program and avoid abuse, producers should make planting decisions based on agronomically sound and well-documented crop management practices. • Due to the increase in waterfowl, the waterfowl hunting season should not restrict any hunter from participating in the full season, including out-of-state hunters. • We oppose the federal government (Army Corps of Engineers) charging storage fees for North Dakota water. • We support adjusting the REC in lieu of property taxes to provide property tax relief equivalent to the tax relief that investor-owned utilities have received and may receive in the future. • North Dakota should standardize its 911 address system. • NDFU urges the state of North Dakota to stop imputing oil and gas tax money received by oil impacted schools.
70th annual meeting for FUMI
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to communities to help. We want to continue to build stronger communities and continue to uphold our vision and our values. We are an AM Best “A” Excellent rated company and we have great loyalty from our customers.” According to a recent survey, 60 percent of the customer base has been with the company for over 20 years. “While that’s excellent to see that kind of loyalty, we also recognize that we need to continue to market and reach younger audiences out there. We have a plan for that,” Anderson stated. A new web site was unveiled last month and Anderson encouraged everyone to use it at www.fumic.com.s
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Hagstrom speaks out on farm bill Jerry Hagstrom is a prizewinning agricultural journalist, book author and commentator. What many people don’t know is that he is a product of North Dakota and North Dakota Farmers Union. He grew up on a farm between Wilton, Regan and Bismarck. His father was a Farmers Union local president. He went to Farmers Union camp. Hagstrom pointed out, “When I started writing about agriculture, all the Farmers Union meetings my father had dragged me to, all the reporting I had done on the problems of cities and on politics, contributed to my ability to write about agriculture in its full context.” During his keynote address at convention, Hagstrom presented the following information: “Three years ago, I launched my own daily report on agriculture, The Hagstrom Report, and I am proud to say that both the National Farmers Union and the North Dakota Farmers Union are among my subscribers. Some of you may also see my work through the DTN satellite news service and in AgWeek. Here’s my take – There are several things that could finally cause Congress to enact a bill including the following: First, the need to do something Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
about the dairy program so milk prices won’t rise. Second, livestock disaster after the storms in South Dakota and North Dakota this year. There is no livestock disaster program at the present time, but the farm bill would re-establish it retroactively. Third, the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to lower the volumetric requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The lower corn prices present an argument that the farm safety net is needed more than ever. Fourth, members of Congress have to reach compromises on every bill. This farm bill has been a brutal battle, but it has taken place in a moment of luxury. The last few years have been the most prosperous in agriculture in the nation’s history. And even if the future is not quite as good as the past, the demand for food overseas continues to rise and a depression is not on the horizon. A few years ago I gave a dinner in Phoenix in honor of what would have been my parents’ 100th birthdays. There were 50 people present. When I thanked them for coming, I made the point that none of our grandparents or greatgrandparents could have imagined
that farmers could afford to spend the winter in Arizona or even travel there on vacation. There were people that night who said they had not thought about their good fortune. The farm bill process may be annoying, but the times are good and we should appreciate them.” s
Message from NFU president
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson joined the state convention on Friday and talked about the farm bill, importance of the fight for Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL) and the Renewable Fuel Standard. “These are issues NFU has been advocating for and we will continue to lead the way but we need your help and involvement,” Johnson declared. “We have long supported COOL and the consumer’s desire to know where their food comes from. We are committed to defending COOL. We are on the right side but it is going to be an expensive battle. We also have to continue to advocate issues like RFS and the farm bill, too.”s
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Scuse vows to do his part The United States Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary of Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse gave the keynote address at the 87th annual state convention in Minot. His remarks heralded the work of the USDA and championed the need for a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. He said, “This legislation might be called the farm bill but it’s much more than that. It’s also a food safety bill. It’s a research bill. It’s a nutrition bill. It’s a conservation bill. It’s a bill that will grow American exports and strengthen biobased product creation, both of which create jobs here at home. The Food, Farm and Jobs Bill is important to every American.” Scuse said that a new farm bill is absolutely critical for USDA to continue the historic investments made in rural communities and to provide a safety net for farmers and ranchers across the nation. Several weeks ago, Scuse visited South Dakota to meet with ranchers impacted by the Atlas Blizzard that killed tens of thousands of animals. He commented, “This is a real financial emergency. The destruction I saw was disturbing as to its effects on farm families. It just illustrates that every time any uncertainty strikes, whether it’s the marketplace or the weather, we are reminded of the need for a strong farm safety net through crop insurance and farm bill 8
disaster programs. Agriculture has a huge stake in getting a new, longterm farm bill.” In addition to supporting the farm bill, Scuse also talked about the budget and immigration. “These three priorities are things that Congress can get done. They’re bipartisan and they’ll grow the economy. They will lend long term certainty for Americans everywhere. The President believes that no political party has a monopoly on good ideas and he looks forward to working with Democrats and Republicans. Sometimes, both parties may seem far apart on many issues, but that shouldn’t stop us from making progress,” he said. “At USDA, we won’t let up in doing our part. We’ll continue to seek and carry out cost savings that make common sense. We’ll do all we can to deliver record results for agriculture and rural America.” Other speakers at convention
addressed the farm bill as well including Senators Hoeven and Heitkamp. Senator Heidi Heitkamp shared her hope for a farm bill and said, “The challenges in agriculture are many but the opportunities are unlimited. I’m hoping that by the end of the year, we will have a farm bill that works for North Dakota. When we work together, we can utilize our resources and we can find a way to get it done.” Senator Hoeven agreed. He said, “We have worked on this enough that we ought to be able to get the principals to agree on both sides. We need a good five year farm bill in place so that family farmers and ranchers can continue to do business and provide food for the world. Let’s send a message to every member of Congress from all farmers. Tell them to work together and let’s get this done,” Hoeven concluded. s
Senator Heidi Heitkamp talked about the farm bill.
Senator Hoeven urged members to send a message to Congress. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Take time to listen to farmers all over world BY ROBERT CARLSON, PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD FARMERS ORGANISATION
Policy makers’ as well as society’s awareness of the The cold and importance of the misty weather we are issue is critical to experiencing at the UN worldwide food security. climate talks in Warsaw The majority of our this year reminds me of constituency is made up the 2009 negotiations in of 1.4 billion smallholder Guest columnist farmers with less than Copenhagen. And just like Robert Carlson four years ago, the farmers two hectares of land. of the world have come to speak They earn less than $400 each with a single voice to negotiators, year. Over 500 million of them are calling for agriculture to play a more food insecure and yet, according important role in future climate to the UN Food and Agriculture change mitigation and adaptation Organisation, smallholders produce while also ensuring future food 80 percent of the food in developing security for us all. Sadly, our efforts countries. These farmers are the in Warsaw have proved just as futile most vulnerable to increasing as they were in Copenhagen and extreme weather events such as each year since. droughts and floods and also to Already by the middle of this changing temperatures and rainfall first week of talks, some negotiators patterns, which are worsened by had began expressing reluctance climate change. At the same time, to engage in further substantive we farmers also present a huge discussions on agriculture, a potential solution for fighting future decision which effectively delays climate change if only we can be any further progress on this supported in doing so. important issue for yet another year. Having a work program Why is it that farmers as diverse as on agriculture approved at the our members – from smallholder climate talks would allow scientific subsistence farmers to large scale and technical experts to do a farmers, those planting crops, comprehensive review of how raising trees, keeping livestock, agriculture can contribute to practicing aquaculture – can come future solutions, both in terms of together year after year and ask for adaptation and mitigation. This work a clear way forward for agriculture program would deliver the scientific in the climate change negotiations, basis we need to move forward on yet our leaders do not listen? We agriculture in the climate change farmers represent the majority of talks. It is needed before any the people in some of our countries, further discussions about including in some as much as 70 percent of agriculture in a future framework the population, so we demand that can take place. Consequently, our voice is heard and our concerns we strongly urge policy makers addressed. We will not give up to approve a science-based work on asking governments to include program on agriculture as their key farmers and our organizations in priority. Once acknowledged, the discussions on agriculture. way ahead to discussions will be We farmers suffer the direct better paved. impacts of climate change, and our To omit farmers from the table adaptive capacity is becoming more at the international climate talks, and more limited. And yet we still as has already happened here in have the responsibility for producing Warsaw, is an error that needs to food, feed and timber for the entire be remedied. We may be too late population. Whose interests is this in Warsaw to say we listened to meeting addressing if clear and farmers, but we must not let this specific demands from those who happen again. It is more than time feed the world are shunned? to act. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
GUEST COLUMN
A farm bill is crucial to all BY JASPER SCHNEIDER, USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT STATE DIRECTOR AND AARON KRAUTER, USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY
The farm bill is crucial to maintaining a strong agriculture sector and an abundant food supply that benefits all Americans. Over the past two years, producers have faced a multitude of disasters – from drought, to flooding, to blizzards. These events demonstrate how important the safety net is to keeping producers going strong. Under the 2008 farm bill, the Farm Service Agency was able to provide $759 million in disaster assistance to North Dakota’s producers. North Dakota farmers are not only feeding the country, but also the world. A new farm bill would allow USDA to continue export promotion efforts that have led to the best five-year period of agricultural trade in American history. The farm bill is also a job creation bill that would empower USDA to partner with our rural communities to expand and support new businesses. These investments to strengthen our infrastructure support our booming economy and private sector growth. What’s more, the new legislation would make important investments in nutrition programs that provide critical assistance to our most vulnerable North Dakotans including children, seniors, people with disabilities and returning veterans. It would enable USDA to continue our work with our producers and landowners to conserve the soil and water. It would also undertake new strategies to improve agricultural research and ensure a safe food supply. These efforts won’t happen without the passage of a new farm bill. The farm bill has stood as a model of bipartisan consensus for decades and it is high time for compromise to move a new farm bill forward. s 9
Words of wisdom from a queen BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
She has been crowned Miss Western Star but she has also earned royalty honors at North Dakota Farmers Union, too. Cally Musland was this year’s featured speaker during the Torchbearer Ceremony. Musland grew up in Jamestown and was always part of the Farmers Union family. She earned her Torchbearer Award in 2008. She attended camps, day classes and All-States camp. She also served as a Farmers Union camp counselor in the summer of 2009 before leaving for college in Providence, R.I. After graduating from Brown University in May 2013, Musland accepted her current position as the executive director of The Arc of Bismarck. Musland shared some of her memories of Farmers Union and gave her insight to the class of 2013. She began by saying, “Always remember who you are, where you come from, and the people who have helped you along the way.” In first grade, Musland began attending Stutsman County day classes with Velma Roeske who taught her the importance of hard work and public speaking. In third grade, she boarded the North Dakota Farmers Union bus with everyone’s favorite bus driver, Jeff Willer, to attend a National Farmers Union convention. In sixth grade, she was in Washington, D.C., with her mother for a NFU Fly-in. Musland remembered, “There are not a lot of memories I have that are so vivid in my mind as the morning of and days following September 11, 2001. When we made it back to the hotel, my mom immediately started rounding up Farmers Union members. She left me in the care of Phyllis and Duane Gronfur, who became like grandparents to me during the trip. This was the first time in my life that I questioned my safety. And this is also when I truly started to grasp what ‘Farmers Union family’ really meant. It was only because I was surrounded by my Farmers Union family that my fears began to ease, 10
In 2009 and 2013, Musland was named a Top Ten finalist in the Miss North Dakota Pageant. She is the reigning Miss Western Star, and will compete for the title of Miss North Dakota in June 2014.
and I believed them when they said that ‘everything would be okay.’ No matter where you go in life, or what has happened in your life, your Farmers Union family will always be there for you, I can promise you that.” She credits some of her own success back to Farmers Union and the skills she learned through the youth program. “We have been given such a great foundation of knowledge and values here in Farmers Union, for which we are privileged. As Farmers Union Torchbearers and as North Dakotans, we have a responsibility to be the best advocates for this state, its people, and this great organization. We have a responsibility to stay involved in Farmers Union.” She said, “Torchbearers can continue to stay involved by
buying Farmers Union Insurance, remaining lifelong Farmers Union members, being camp counselors or cooks or caretakers, or by filling gas at your local co-op or Cenex. Musland commented, “Even if you didn’t grow up on a farm, or don’t plan on farming, you can still support family farms. Buy fresh produce and products from local farmers’ markets, write letters to the editor or to your congressional delegation about the importance of the farm bill, and send your kids to Farmers Union camps and day classes someday. And while it will be sad to attend your last Farmers Union camp as a camper this summer, you have many years of Farmers Union fun to look forward to. The songs that you sing at camp will always stick with you, just like your Farmers Union memories.“s
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Front row, left to right: Jessica Siedschlag , Lexie Weber, Johanna Long, Shelby Rudland, Adriane Doe and Courtney Haugen. Middle row, left to right: Jonathan Rosencrans, David Undem, Ty Bauman, Forrest Carlson, Kelsey Smith, Caitlin Kratochvil, Paige Dolan, Karley Hansen, Rachel Herman, Ashley Boom and Reid Groninger. Third row, left to right: Nathan Harter, Katelyn Willer, Carson Sorby, Cody Oster, Adam Long, Nick Watne, Kohl Miller, Ryley Brown and Nick Stevens.
Lighting the torch for NDFU Forty youth from around the state earned the North Dakota Farmers Union Torchbearer Award this year. A special ceremony was held on Saturday, Nov. 23 to recognize their achievements. The Torchbearer Award is the highest honor that senior youth may achieve in Farmers Union. Youth must complete five consecutive years of senior youth work to be eligible for this award. A candle was presented to each Torchbearer as they crossed the stage. The Torchbearer Pledge was recited in unison, led by Nick Stevens, Nick Watne and Lexie Weber. Torchbearers by county: BARNES Carson Sorby Nicholas Stevens David Undem BENSON Kelsey Smith BOTTINEAU Philip Neubauer BURLEIGH Nathan Harter DICKEY Rachel Herman EDDY Lexie Weber
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Shelby Rudland and Courtney Haugen recite the Torchbearer Pledge during the ceremony.
EMMONS Jayden Aberle Laura Huber HETTINGER Jonathan Friedt LaMOURE Ashley Boom Shana Huber Adam Long Johanna Long Jessica Siedschlag LOGAN Kelsey Weigel McHENRY Cody Oster
McINTOSH Eric Ebel McLEAN Kohl Miller MERCER Ty Bauman MORTON Desirae Schafer MOUNTRAIL Jonathan Rosencrans RENVILLE Shelbi Bahl Ryley Brown STARK Adriane Doe Courtney Haugen STUTSMAN Shelby Rudland Nikolas Watne Katelyn Willer TRAILL Tatiana Berge Mariah Fossum WALSH Hayley Fingarson Caitlyn Kratochvil WARD Forrest Carlson Karley Hansen Reid Groninger WILLIAMS Paige Dolan Skylar Garman Haley Hodenfield s
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SYAC helps at convention It wasn’t all fun and games for members of the State Youth Advisory Council during the North Dakota Farmers Union state convention. All six members of the board participated in session, helped with youth activities and worked at various jobs during the two-day event. During convention, each members gave a brief speech to the membership. Here is an excerpt from each presentation:
Nicollette Bitz
I am 17 years old, a junior at Napoleon Public High School. There, I am involved in FFA, FCCLA, volleyball, piano, my church choir and youth group, and, last but not least, my local Farmer’s Union youth program. Farmer’s Union camp isn’t just a camp. It was a leadership workshop, a chance for me to grow as a person. And that’s exactly what I did. I learned to speak to others, to get my ideas across, and learned that people like you for being yourself. This is why Farmer’s Union is so important to me, and why I have such a love for this organization. Farmer’s Union Camp is a place where everyone is accepted, and encouraged to let their true self shine.
Karly Held
I live on a farm 10 miles northeast of Egeland with my parents Roger and Lisa. I am the youngest of three children. I am a junior at North Star Public School where I participate in volleyball, basketball, the musical, band and choir. The best day of my summer is the day I arrive at camp. Campers learn important life lessons at camp. Some important life lessons I have learned at camp include leadership and working together. Another thing I have learned through NDFU is that you meet amazing people who become lifelong friends. At the beginning of the week, you get on the bus as strangers and you get off the bus at the end of the week as family.
Sierra Jundt
I am the daughter of Dennis and Brenda Jundt. I am currently a junior at Rugby High School, and 12
SYAC members include front row, left to right: Nioollette Bitz and Lexie Weber. Back row, left to right: Sierra Jundt, Nick Stevens, Nick Watne and Karly Held.
am very active in the FFA. I live on a farm southeast of Rugby where you will probably find me outside with my animals. Camp not only is a vacation away from the family for five days, but also a home away from home. The summer after my 3rd grade year, I started attending North Dakota Farmers Union Camp. I had no idea back then that it would mean so much to me in the future. NDFU Camp has impacted my life more than I ever imagined it would! Over the years, I’ve gotten the opportunity to meet amazing people, learned leadership and cooperation skills through this amazing camp.
Nick Stevens
I grew up on a farm/ cattleranch south of Valley City in the Sheyenne Valley by the small town of Kathryn, N.D. Farmers Union has given me to opportunity to expand my horizons by getting me out of the small town life and traveling to places I probably would’ve never gotten the chance to go to. I personally think of Farmers Union as a family, not just an organization. It’s a home away from home if you will, and with this family, I have met lifelong friends. It has also given me the skill set to lead me through the rest of my life wherever life takes me.
Nick Watne
My name is Nick Watne. My parents are Mark and Michelle Watne. I come from a family with
a very strong involvement with Farmers Union so I guess you can say I am following tradition. We have a family farm in Velva, but we live in Jamestown, where I am a senior at Jamestown High School. I play tennis in the fall and hockey in the winter for the school. Through my years of involvement in NDFU I have learned how important cooperation is needed. Learning about the history of the organization made me realize that a group of people can achieve so much more than just one person. I have enjoyed the activities and fellowship of the Farmers Union family, and I hope that I can stay involved while I attend NDSU, where I will be focused on agricultural science with the intent to take over the farm.
Lexie Weber
My parents are Bradley and Jill Weber. I live on a farm in New Rockford, N.D. Farming and Farmers Union has been around me my entire life. North Dakota Farmers Union has dramatically molded me into the person that I am today. They have been my second family since I was very young. From attending day classes, county annual meetings and state conventions, these events have felt like a family reunion. Farmers Union camp has been my home away from home. Through Farmers Union I have made a huge network of absolutely amazing people. It has allowed me to voice my opinion and to stand up for what I believe. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Special luncheon honors volunteers On Saturday, Nov. 23, a special recognition luncheon was held at the state convention to honor all youth leaders and other committee volunteers. NDFU Education Director Jennifer Sundeen explained, “We wanted to recognize the leaders for their time, energy and exceptional service.” Awards were given to youth directors with one year experience up to 56 years of service. A special slide show on youth activities was projected. Be sure to watch for the January edition of the Union Farmer for a more in-depth story on youth volunteers. In addition to youth leaders, NDFU took the opportunity to
Mark Heinz and Mindi Norby are the Farmers Union Enterprise Couple for 2013-14. The program is coordinated by Harley Danielson, at far right.
recognize State Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) members, National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) members, Tomorrow’s Ag Generation (TAG) committee and the Enterprise Couples Program.
Bergman Scholarships awarded to youth
Katelyn Willer, Lexie Weber and Adam Long
Three students were named recipients of the $1,000 Bergman Scholarship to help offset the cost of their college education. The scholarships were awarded at the state convention to: Lexie Weber, daughter of Jill and the late Bradley Weber of New Rockford; Katelyn Willer, daughter of Jeff and Maria Willer of Jamestown; and Adam Long, son of Richard Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
and Susan Long of Berlin, N.D. The Bergman Scholarship was established by Alan Bergman, past president of North Dakota Farmers Union. Applicants must be current Torchbearers. The scholarship is awarded by a panel that evaluates each applicant’s responses to questions relating to Farmers Union, rural issues and personal leadership. s
Another thank you went out to the many people who assisted with the oil field bus tours. A short video played to illustrate those trips. NDFU wanted to thank the many people for the assistance and support for the Bakken Oil tours including the Capital Lodge crew camp at Tioga and specifically, the Sodexo company with Derek Guilbeau, Andrea Foster and Robert Plat, who provided great noon meals for the groups and did a great job of showing their facilities and discussing housing issues in the oil patch. NDFU Staff Dale Enerson added, “We also had great presentations by folks at the Stanley-Tioga Farmers Union Oil (now Pinnacle Co-op) telling how their cooperative is rapidly changing to meet the needs of the petroleum industry while maintaining good products and services for area farmers and ranchers. General manager Gary Koschmeder, Petroleum Manager Scott Zuger, and Operations Manager John Knox all have stepped on the bus and shared their experiences with our members.” Kevin Buxa, Grain Merchandiser and Logistics Manager at Dakota Quality Grain Cooperative in Ross took time of his busy schedule on nearly all of the trips to show and explain the new facilities to unload incoming trains of fracking sand and load propane and butane on outgoing trains. Lee McGinnity, who leads the crew on the Nabors 165 drilling rig working for Oasis Petroleum in the Ross area, also stepped on the bus at times to further describe the technology and operations used to horizontally drill modern wells. The NDFU Bakken Oil trips were a huge success with members, and a good share of the credit goes to our affiliated co-ops and these other fine companies for helping with the educational efforts.Thanks to all of them.” s 13
Cooking demonstration with Chef Joe featured recipes from new cookbook FROM FOUNDING FARMERS RESTAURANT
Fresh off the publication and book signing events for The Founding Farmers Cookbook: 100 Recipes for True Food & Drink from the restaurant owned by American family farmers, Founding Farmers and Farmers Restaurant group’s culinary leader, Chef Joe Goetze, made a special appearance on Friday, Nov. 22, to guide state convention attendees through a recipe preparation and demonstration live on stage. The seats were full for both break out sessions as Chef Joe displayed his culinary expertise. Farmers Restaurant Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Motruk Loy introduced Chef Joe, and offered an overview of the restaurants, the success stories that have made it the #1 booked restaurant in the entire country. The new cookbook was displayed for NDFU members to purchase. Chef Joe autographed cookbooks and treated all participants to bacon lollies, a recipe found in the cookbook. Motruk Loy said, “The cookbook can be purchased on our web site and through the NDFU office. Members get a discount so be sure to ask about that. It will make a great Christmas present.” According to Motruk Loy, it’s been six years since the opening of the first restaurant. She commented, “We envisioned the idea behind Founding Farmers, and in that time we’ve had the pleasure of serving more than two million guests – from politicians and celebrities
to locals and globetrotters – in our restaurants, and we’ve grown into a very successful restaurant group. All notable achievements! We’ve grown far beyond the four walls of our original flagship Pennsylvania Avenue/Foggy Bottom neighborhood dining room since the first Founding Farmers opened in 2008 in the heart of Washington, D.C. Our team has since opened a Montgomery County, Maryland outpost of Founding Farmers, and the sister concept, Farmers Fishers Bakers, at the Washington Harbour on the Georgetown Waterfront. The next generation of Founding Farmers will open next summer in Northern Virginia, and until then, we’re celebrating another holiday season with the launch of our first cookbook, and the addition of the FARM Gin to our line of proprietary spirits, which includes Founding Farmers Rye and Rye Spirit bottles. We’re humbled by our success and remain dedicated to the preservation and proliferation of the American family farmer. We uphold their mission to be stewards of the land and of the earth. Providing true food and drink, friendly and efficient service, and a welcoming atmosphere is at the center of all that we do. Join us in the celebration of Founding Farmers and watch for more exciting news and updates on where we’ve been, and where we’d like to go, on our website at WeAreFoundingFarmers.com. Wishing you and yours the best this holiday season, and cheers for a bountiful New Year! s
AT LEFT: Jennifer Motruk Loy, Chef Joe and assistant Amanda braved the cold North Dakota weather to bring the cooking demonstration and cookbook sales to convention. ABOVE: members enjoy a free sample of bacon lollies. 14
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Ladies night out
BY MEGAN BERGER, NDFU
Over 180 ladies from across the northern prairie gathered in Bowbells on November 7 for an evening of shopping, conversation, dining, and inspiration. “Ladies Night Out” featured a delicious meal, shopping vendors, wine, and keynote speaker, Katie Dilse. The event was coordinated by Lisa Aufforth, Burke County Farmers Union board member. “I turned away many ladies offering to help because I wanted this night to be for them. My mission was to give them a gift…a night out,” said Aufforth. As attendees arrived, they were encouraged to register for door prizes, browse the items available from the vendors, pour a glass of wine, and spend some time chatting with other attendees. Vendor items included purses, bags, beauty products, and jewelry. From rural Slope County in North Dakota, Dilse provided great inspiration to the attendees.
In regards to choosing Dilse as the keynote speaker, Aufforth commented, “I believed in Katie’s message and I wanted her to share her inspiration. I feel in rural small towns, we often get caught up in our day-to-day routines and feel like we are being pulled in many different directions.” Dilse shared stories of triumph and tribulation while working alongside her husband on their family farm. She encouraged women to take time for themselves and not get caught up in the fires of life. Dilse is a member of Renee Rongen’s speaking team. Rongen was the keynote speaker for the 2013 WILD event. As an extension of the WILD program, North Dakota Farmers Union sponsored the keynote speaker for the event. s
An inspirational speaker, vendors, door prizes, elegant table settings and a delicious meal topped off a relaxing evening at the ladies event in Bowbells.
Speaker Katie Dilse poses with event coordinator Lisa Aufforth, Burke County Farmers Union board member.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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New book highlights North Dakota prairie
Now available for Christmas $39.95 each
BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
North Dakota Farmers Union member David Paukert is a true artist. He lives in Michigan, N.D. and has just released a unique coffee table book that will be sure to please North Dakotans. The hard-bound book features 103 images of rural North Dakota, along with original poetry by NDFU member and county president Terry Jacobson. Each photograph location is identified. Paukert also includes some personal narratives about his experiences photographing the prairie. He explained, “This book will relate to many people and I hope it opens your eye to the beauty that’s here in North Dakota.” The book is divided into several sections including prairie landscapes, churches, barns, seasons and landmarks that include elevators, farm homes and schools. Paukert partnered with the Jacobson family to complete the project. Friend Terry provided the poetry; Janet helped edit the book and daughter Anna designed it. Terry said, “I try to use a minimal amount of language to communicate a thought or idea. Rural people will be able to relate to this poetry.” To purchase the book, go online at www. pastimeprints.com, stop by the booth at any Pride of Dakota holiday show or call 701-259-2384.
Beauty of the Prairie
A poem by Terry Jacobson
The beauty of the prairie is subtle, more humble than the mountains or the sea shores. The beauty of the prairie is not powerful and overwhelming as the forest or the great rivers. The beauty of the prairie is in the small wild flowers and wildlife that appear from almost nowhere. The beauty of the prairie unfolds in the drama of a storm moving over time and miles, the huge sky announcing what is to come. The beauty of the prairie sky plays out in the gradual changing artscape of dawn and dusk, moving the heart deeply. The subtle beauty of the prairie can be found in the wetlands or stream beds, in small groupings of trees, a rich habitat for prairie creatures. The subtle beauty of the prairie can easily be missed if your eyes and your mind aren’t open to it. Terry Jacobson matched up his poetry with photographs used in the book to help tell the story of the prairie. The combination of poems and powerful images make the coffee table book a unique keepsake.
Artist David Paukert uses photography to illustrate the beauty of North Dakota. The book features 103 photographs. 16
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
The pink pumpkin project
BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
After this fall’s harvest, pink has become the new orange for the Western Roughrider 4-H Club. The group planted a special variety of pumpkins that are pink instead of the traditional orange color. Club members raised the crop as part of a fundraiser for the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation, a nonprofit group that funds breast cancer research. The eight-member club voted to send more than the fair share to the Foundation, resulting in a $400 donation. Club leader Jason Bohrmann said, “It was a big benefit to the kids and it really taught them to give back to the community. It was great to show the kids where food comes from and what it takes to make the seeds grow.” The Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation partnered with pumpkin farm owners and growers across
the country. Groups like 4-H or FFA chapters have also been participating. The Foundation sends out the seed and the youth plant pink pumpkins for sale in their local communities. Local organizations will grow and sell pink pumpkins during the season and send 50% of pumpkin sale proceeds to the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation by December 1, 2014. The balance
of the sales can be used by the chapter to cover growing expenses and/or chapter fundraising. The Foundation wants to make a statement against breast cancer by encouraging people to buy the pink skinned pumpkins. The campaign is designed to encourage consumers to join the fight against breast cancer using pink pumpkins. s
See Santa at Make-a-Wish Event Join Make-A-Wish North Dakota and Farmers Union Insurance on Friday, Dec. 13, in Fargo as the Fargo Force take on the Sioux City Musketeers. Farmers Union Insurance is the official game sponsor and will invite Make-A-Wish children and their families to attend the game and meet Santa. For every ticket sold, a portion is given back to Make-A-Wish North Dakota. People are also encouraged to participate in the writing campaign known as the Season of Wishes. The Season of Wishes campaign offers simple ways to help grant the heartfelt wishes of children with a life-threatening medical condition. In addition to making a donation this year, other ways to help include writing a letter to Santa and bringing it to Macy’s in part with Macy’s Believe campaign. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million To purchase your Fargo Force tickets, call the box office at 701.364.3672. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
About Make-A-Wish North Dakota · Children with life-threatening medical conditions are granted wishes to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It does not need to be a terminal illness. · 39 wishes in North Dakota were granted this year · Every year 50 children in North Dakota are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. · Since 1985, over 675 wishes have been granted. 17
Farmers Union members Annual meetings were held this fall throughout the state of North Dakota. Members were invited to review the year, make plans for future events, elect officers and adopt resolutions for the state convention. Many of the county meetings featured staff from the state office who shared information on the oil tours, youth camps, special events including WILD, the fertilizer plant project and the state convention. Lance Boyer from Farmers Union Insurance provided information about the Affordable Care Act and recommended that members visit with their local Farmers Union Insurance agent. The District Directors gave updates on Founding Farmers restaurants, the National Farmers Union Fly-in, legislative activities and other projects. Due to space limitations, complete minutes and photos from each county could not be printed. Here are a few highlights from each county:
ADAMS • NOV. 11
Courthouse, Hettinger • Bill Hourigan was reelected director; DeJon Bakken was reelected president and Libby Gravning was elected vice president. • Door prizes were awarded and delegates were selected to state convention.
BARNES • NOV. 10
Trestles Bar & Grill, Valley City • Jim Slag was nominated to serve as county president. • Youth Director Cindy Ross reported on day classes and handed out youth awards. • Tamara Emery Scholarships were awarded to Jerilyn Bruns and Austin Ross.
BENSON • NOV. 5
Community Center, Maddock • Keith Smith was reelected president; Gary Smith was reelected vice president and Matt Gilbertson was elected director. • Delegates were selected to the state convention and door prizes were handed out.
BILLINGS/GOLDEN VALLEY
Nov. 3 • LaPlaya Restaurant, Beach • Jo Armbrust was reelected
president; Barbara Olstad reelected vice president; Michelle Hauck was elected to the board of directors. • Michelle Hauck reported on youth activities. • Soup and sandwiches were served.
BURKE • Oct. 13
Gateway Inn, Westhope • Myron Hanson, chairman of Northwest Landowners Association, spoke on their legislative work and efforts to protect ranchers and farmers. • Ken Klebe was re-elected president. • Julie Knutson, FUI agent in Bottineau, donated door prizes. • Grand prize was a 51-inch Samsung HDTV.
Tumbleweed, Lincoln • 100th annual meeting • Denise Brown was elected president and Arlene Olson was elected vice president. • Quirina Schmidt stepped down from the board after 18 years of service and her director position was filled by Bill Kershaw. Adam Hoff passed away this July and his director position was filled by Lois Sundquist.
BOTTINEAU • Oct. 23
Memorial Hall, Bowbells • Scott Wild presented a social media training to attendees and local high school students. • Marlow Nelson retired from the board after 34 years of service and was presented with a plaque.
BURLEIGH • Oct. 14
BOWMAN/SLOPE • Nov. 5
Sweetwater Golf Course • Re-elected George Siverson as president and Terry Mrnak as vice president. • County Youth Director Mary Fischer reported on a successful year of youth activities with over 30 kids attending day class. Marlow Nelson was presented with a plaque from Burke County Farmers Union for his 34 years of service to the organization.
A new board of directors was elected at the Burleigh County Farmers Union 100th annual meeting.The board includes, back row, left to right: Marvin Dockter and Bill Kershaw, directors. Front row, left to right: Lois Sundquist, secretary/treasurer; Denise Brown, president; Arlene Olson, vice president. 18
Attending the Adams County annual meeting, from left to right: Dane Braun, Lance Boyer and Woody Barth. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
attend annual meetings
Bowman/Slope County board members pictured left to right: Terry Mrnak, George Siverson, Mary Fischer and Joy Kinsey.
CASS • Nov. 7
Spirit of Life Center, Casselton • Youth update on day classes and awards. • John Pueppke was reelected president. • Stacy Brekke from Blue Cross Blue Shield gave a presentation on health care reform.
CAVALIER • Nov. 9
Langdon Research Ext. Center • Nikki Reinhardt was elected to the board to replace Leslie Hoffarth as a director. • Terry Jacobson was re-elected president.
DICKEY • Nov. 2
Forbes Legion • Kevin Browkaw gave a fly-in report. Pam Henningsen gave the youth report and youth awards. • Gary Hokana was elected president, Thor Sand, vicepresident, Paul Olson and Thor Sand, directors.
DIVIDE • Oct. 23
Dakota Theatre, Crosby • Mark Holm and Steve Dhuyvetter were reelected to the board and Devin Jacobson was reelected as president. Ryan Nordstog was elected as a director to fill a vacated position.
DUNN • Oct. 30
Workmen’s Hall, New Hradec • Greg Bezdicek, Roque Kadrmas
and Russ Stein were reelected to the county board. Shane Sickler was reelected as president. • Door prizes were awarded with the grand prize being a patriotic painting donated by Terri Tuhy, insurance agent of Killdeer.
EDDY • Oct. 28
Eagles Club, New Rockford • Updates and changes on the Affordable Healthcare Act by Farmers Union Insurance agents Donn Frahm and Courtney Schauer, Bismarck. • Lexie Weber, New Rockford, was recognized for her achievement as a Torchbearer and election to SYAC. • David Fleming relected president and delegates were selected to the state convention. Door prizes were also awarded.
EMMONS • Oct. 14
Senior Citizens Building, Linton • Cary Moch was re-elected county treasurer. • Lucinda Haak presented awards to youth.
FOSTER • Nov. 4
Carrington Research Ext. Center • FUI agent, Randy Hooey spoke on his trip to Washington DC for the fly-in and health care reform. • Charles Linderman was reelected president, George Topp reelected
President Keith Smith, left and District 1 Director Terry Borstad, right, at the Benson County annual meeting. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
All youth present at the Dickey County annual meeting were awarded a $1 bill.
vice president and director.
GRAND FORKS • Oct. 28
Damm Bar & Grill, Larimore • Artist Adam Kemp held two art camps this summer, assisted by Youth Director, Sara Anderson. • Members brought food items to donate to food pantry. • Clay Smaaladen was elected vice president; Jeanna Smaaladen volunteered to serve as secretary/ treasurer.
GRANT • Nov. 1
Our Place, Elgin • Aaron and Julie Levorson gave an update on their trip to Washington, D.C. for the Fly-in. • Evelyn Alt was elected president, Del Petrick was elected vice president. Kathy Hoff, Jeff Striegel and Greg Scholes were all reelected directors.
GRIGGS • Oct. 14
Binford Cafe, Binford • A moment of silence was observed for board member, Judy Rahlf, who died tragically Sept. l. • Wayne Christopherson was re-elected to the county board. Donna Ronningen was elected to fill the term of director Judy Rahlf; Ron Halvorson was elected president and John Leininger was re-elected vice president.
Billings/Golden Valley members listen to an affordable health care presentation at their annual meeting. 19
Members of the County Sunshine FCE served the meal at the Foster County annual meeting.
From left to right: NDFU President Woody Barth, Dunn County Board members Greg Bezdicek, Russ Stein, Shane Sickler, Dave Sickler, Richard Regeth, Roque Kadrmas, Dave Sadowsky and NDFU Vice President Bob Kuylen.
LaMoure County Farmers Union board members, back, left to right: Kevin Isaakson, Connie Bitz, Jason McKenney. Front, left to right: Mariah McKenney, Josh Heinrich, Ron Van Bruggen, Lynn Haro.
HETTINGER • Nov. 3
Slope Electric Cooperative • Reelected were: Jan Ottmar, president; Curt Wax, vice president; Randeen Schulz and Dave Witte, directors.
KIDDER • Oct. 24
Pettibone Community Hall • Duane Ziesch was reelected as president, Ron Martin was reelected as vice president. Beverly Clemens’ director term was up for reelection and Bonnie Fettig was elected to take her position. • Pizza and pop were served and door prizes given away.
LaMOURE • Oct. 27
LaMoure Civic Center • Guest speakers: NYAC member Adam Long gave a presentation about his duties as a NYAC member and the Washington D.C. fly-in; Lynn Haro, vice president also gave a presentation on the fly-in. Youth Director Mariah McKenney gave an update on the youth activities. • Reelected Ron Van Bruggen as president and Lynn Haro as vice president. Tim Moch stepped down from his position as a director and Connie Bitz was elected in his place.
LOGAN • Nov. 6
Downtowner, Napoleon • Special guests in attendance 20
Hettinger county board members, left to right: Carol Herberholz, Jan Ottmar, Jim Kerzman, Curt Wax, Dave Witte. Not pictured: Randeen Schulz.
were Woody Barth, Ellen Linderman, Michelle Watne and Chelsey Thronson. • Jessica Wald announced she is stepping down as youth director and is passing the duty on to Morgan Schwartzenberger. Youth awards were handed out. • Geraldine Horner and Jason Ryum were reelected to serve as directors. There were no changes in the president and vice president positions.
McHENRY • Nov. 12
Verendrye Electric Co-op, Velva • Bruce Carlson, Verendrye Electric Cooperative manager, spoke on coal power plants in North Dakota. • Maxine Rognlien was elected president and Shawn Kaylor vice president; Clint Gjellstad was elected director; Blaine Bruner was reelected director. Delegates were selected to the state convention. • Each member who attended received a $25 gift certificate to their local Velva Farmers Union oil cooperative. Bruce Carlson led a tour of Verendrye Electric Cooperative to see the newest additions to the building and upgraded technology.
McINTOSH • Oct. 8
Ashley Senior Center • Delbert Eszlinger was re-elected
as president; Carl Lindgren was reelected vice president. Scott Schaunaman resigned as director and Jean Bauer was elected to take his place. • Ashley, Wishek and Zeeland fire departments were awarded $500 each for the Community Stewards program.
McKENZIE • Nov. 6
Watford City Civic Center • President Josh Norby reported on activities from the last year including an adult educational bus trip to Denver and a youth day class bus trip to Minot. • Kim Klose was elected president and Josh Norby secretary/ treasurer. • Eight turkeys were awarded as door prizes.
McLEAN • Nov. 4
City Auditorium, Garrison • Youth awards presented. • Wes Weible was re-elected county president. • Door prizes awarded.
MERCER • Nov. 7
Beulah Civic Center • Special guests in attendance were Eric Taylor and Jane Opdahl. Heidi Heitkamp sent a video to be shared with the meeting. • Dave Hauser re-elected president and Kandie Kremer was Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
re-elected vice president. • The sister duo Tigirlily entertained at the social.
MORTON • Oct. 29
Seven Seas, Mandan • Jim Hopfauf was re-elected president, Diane Schultz and Marie Weinberger were also reelected. • Maren Gerhardt is stepping down as youth director. • Mandan High School Swing Choir performed during the meal.
MOUNTRAIL • Oct. 30
County Fair Building, Stanley • Eric Joliet, Whiting Petroleum Corp. spoke on oilfield safety. • Kelvin Horst, Doug Niemitalo and Lorraine Krieger were reelected to the board of directors; Mark Nesheim was reelected president and Doug Niemitalo was reelected vice president. • Door prizes, donated by
Duane Ziesch delivers the president’s report at the Kidder County annual meeting.
Ron Hamers, Farmers Union Insurance agent and Cenex gift cards were awarded. • A pork loin meal was served.
NELSON • Nov. 4
Friends & Neighbors Cafe, Tolna • Matt Locken was elected president; Loren Swenson was elected vice president; Stephen Braun elected director; Deloris Enstad remains secretary/ treasurer; John Kelly remains director; Hazel Rude continues to serve as the youth director. • Resolutions were adopted and a roast beef meal was served.
OLIVER • Oct. 28
Golden Age Club, Center • Darrell Schulte was re-elected director; Rob Schmidt and Dave Porsborg were reelected to serve as president and vice president.
PEMBINA • Nov. 6
St. Thomas Fire Department • Discussed hosting an oil field tour
Divide County held their annual meeting at the Dakota Theatre in Crosby.
with Walsh County. • Dalyn Vollrath was reelected president.
PIERCE • Oct. 29
Eagles Club, Rugby • Over 40 in attendance. • County Youth Director Becky Tofte spoke on youth activities for the past year. • Jim Teigen reelected president, R Jay Paul as vice president, and Andrew Fedje county director. Delegates to the state convention selected. • Door prizes were handed out.
RAMSEY • Oct. 26
KC Hall, Devils Lake • Guest speakers: fly-in participant Kale Stromme reported on his experience in Washington D.C. • Adam Leiphon was reelected president, Connie Hanson, Dwight Noltimier, Evan Schoenfish were also reelected. • Music from Julie Lee and the White Rose Band.
Tigirlily entertained members at the Mercer County annual meeting.
Grant County Board, left to right: Jeff Striegel, Kathy Hoff, Evelyn Alt, Del Petrick, not pictured: Greg Scholes.
Mountrail County board members: Lorraine Krieger, Jodi Obert, Doug Niemitalo, Mark Nesheim and Kelvin Horst.
McIntosh County board members, back, left to right: Kristi Ebel, Larry Schauer, Brandon Meidinger, James Just; front, left to right: Carl Lindgren, Delbert Eszlinger, Sidney Meidinger.
Several McLean County youth who received awards for attending day classes are pictured with youth leader, Rita Bloom, at right.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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RANSOM • Nov. 12
Dakota Plains Agronomy Center • Dan Spiekermeier was re-elected president. * Dan highlighted county activities over the past year which included the Ransom County Fair and Harvest ND.
RENVILLE • Oct. 21
McKenzie County President, Josh Norby, reported on activities from the past year.
The Club, Mohall • Courtney Schauer from Farmers Union Insurance, spoke on the Affordable Health Care Act. • Guests also had the opportunity to win door prizes.
RICHLAND • Oct. 20
Immanuel Lutheran, Hankinson
* Rodrick Lentz was re-elected as president * Discussed and showed pictures from the county overnight trip out west to see the oilfields and Devils Lake.
Logan County youth who attended day classes were presented with their awards at the annual meeting.
* Jessica Lentz talked about youth activities throughout the year.
ROLETTE • Oct. 27
Valle Lutheran Church, Rolette • Halloween costume party and games for kids. • Brent Kurtti elected director; delegates were chosen for state convention, • Door prizes handed out.
SARGENT • Oct. 13
Community Center, Cogswell • Roger Zetocha re-elected president. • Colleen Sundquist presented youth awards and rootbeer floats were served after the meeting.
Morton County board members, left to right: Maren Gerhardt, Diane Peltz, Diane Schultz, Dan Belohlavek, Jim Hopfauf, Ron Peltz (not pictured Marie Weinberger and TJ Schmidt).
SHERIDAN • Nov. 12
Union Bar & Cafe, McClusky • Doug Erdman was re-elected county president. • Delegates were selected to state convention and door prizes were handed out.
Rolette County board, left to right: Bill Biberdorf, John Timmerman, Sheri Peterson, Karl Solberg, Steven Grenier and Mark Heinz.
McHenry County presidents representing the last 30 years, left to right: Mark Watne, Mark Sitz, Myron Blumhagen, and current President, Maxine Rognlien. 22
Members register for Richland County’s annual meeting. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
SIOUX • Oct. 25
Selfridge High School lunchroom • County Youth Director, Mary Jean Hunter, provided games and entertainment. • A costume contest was also held duing the meeting.
STARK • Nov. 4
Dickinson Community Library • Jamie Prellwitz, new County Youth Director, reported on the upcoming youth activities. Youth awards were given. • Re-elected were: Dean Baar, president and director; Deran Lefor, vice president; Bob Kuylen, director.
STEELE • Oct. 27
Sharon Community Center • Randy Richards was re-elected president. • Discussed success of Redhawks event.
STUTSMAN • Nov. 7
NDFU STATE OFFICE • No changes in the board or officers. • Roy Musland reported on the flyin he attended in September.
TOWNER • Nov. 3
Rock Lake High School • Karly Held, of Egeland, spoke about her newly elected position to the State Youth Advisory Council (SYAC). She shared her
memories of camp and her future goals within NDFU and in her next two years of high school. • Myron Jacobson, county president, shared the county’s activities and events for the last year with the members. • Myron Jacobsen was re-elected president and delegates to the state convention were selected. • Door prizes were handed out at the conclusion of the meeting.
elected vice president; Judy Ness was elected director; Jennifer Roen and Brett Rockeman were re-elected as directors. • Door prizes were awarded, including a 41 inch flat screen TV as the grand prize.
Steakhouse and Lounge, Mayville • Kyle Olson elected president, Brittany McInnes vice president, Miles Evenson director. • 72 youth attended day classes this year. • $500 progressive drawing winner was Leon Nelson.
WILLIAMS • Oct. 16
TRAILL • Sept. 23 – Paula’s
WALSH • Nov. 2
American Legion Hall, Lankin • Scott Udby was reelected president; Alexander Bata was elected vice president; Aaron Nord was elected director; Taylor Trontvet, FUI agent, Grafton was elected as an advisory member to the board.
American Legion, Fessenden • Service award plaques were presented to Virgil Brodehl for 24 years and Virgil Hagen (deceased) for 16 years. Ernie French Center, Williston • Dennis Stromme re-elected president; Kurt Andre was reelected vice president, and Syvert Mahlen was re-elected director. • Woody Barth and Mark Watne, candidates for NDFU president spoke to the group. • Megan Berger, NDFU, gave an update on 2013 NDFU activities. s
WARD • Oct. 27
Holiday Inn Riverside, Minot • Deanna Ness was elected president and Jared Lochthowe
Pictured left to right: Jamie Prellwitz, new Stark County youth director, senior youth Dane Haugen, junior youth Trey Haugen and past Stark County youth director Sarah Ewoniuk.
Alice Wiesz presents service award to Well County memeber Virgil Brodehl.
Sioux County held a costume parade and contest during their annual meeting.
Ward County board members from left to right: Greg Simonson, Deanna Ness, Jennifer Roen, Debbie Hansen, Brett Rockeman, Fay Knudtson, Jared Lochthowe and Judy Ness. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
WELLS • Oct. 21
Barnes County awarded the Tamara Emery Scholarship to Jerilyn Bruns and Austin Ross. 23
PRECISION AGRICULTURE
ACTION SUMMIT 2014 JAMESTOWN, NORTH DAKOTA. PRECISELY WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
JANUARY 20-21
Don’t miss the third annual Precision Agriculture Summit to hear from experts and presenters on the state of precision agriculture, new trends, technological applications and opportunities for successful implementation.
FEATURED SPEAKERS: • DR. KENNETH A. SUDDUTH, USDA ARS • ERDAL OZKAN, Ohio State University • KEVIN PRICE, Kansas State University
TWO TRACK SESSIONS
On Jan. 20, attendees can choose from two different educational tracks. Crop management: • Dealing with soil variation • Making detailed crop prescription maps • Trends in pesticide application technology Livestock management: • Precision sprayer technologies • Precision animal technologies • Animal tracking and health sensors • Genomics and reproduction technologies • Robotics and imaging technologies
PANELS, DEMOS AND MORE • UAS in Precision Ag • Making Detailed Crop Prescription Maps • Google Glass Demonstration
REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE! Early bird online registration is $75 before Dec. 31. Special hotel rate available. Students are free. Go to: theresearchcorridor.com/precisionagsummit2014 or contact Ryan Aasheim at 701-499-6994 or ryan@theresearchcorridor.com.
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Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Truck weight workshops being held The North Dakota Truck-Weight Education and Outreach Program addresses concerns from state, county, city and township transportation authorities regarding damage from heavy trucks. Information is provided which explains road weights during various times of the year. The goal is to provide information and explanations to attendees on how to haul the most legal weight, without violating the truck-weight laws. How you configure your truck, with proper axle spacing and tire size makes a difference.
Topics Covered:
• An update of road-weight limits and differences between the state interstate systems. • Laws governing gross weights, axle weights, tire weights, roadrestriction weight, and seasonally increased (winter and harvest) weights. • Road damage issues: how overweight trucks cost us all. • Overweight truck issues go beyond just gross and axle weights. • Classroom exercises to help you identify legal weights on your own
Who should attend?
trucks. • Do I have the right number tires and tire width for the weight? • Issues to consider when purchasing a new truck, or altering a current truck. • Professional, easy-to-understand “take home” materials to assist you with your own configurations and options will be provided.
Free attendance
This workshop includes coffee breaks and program materials. Registrants are on their own for lunch. Disability accommodations are available upon request. Registration of more than three members from the same entity/ company requires prior approval, Denise Brown (701) 328-9856, denise.brown.1@ndsu.edu
Cooperative has new name A North Dakota based energy, agronomy, and agricultural supply cooperative announced plans to begin operating under the name Pinnacle, reflecting their strong commitment to provide customers high-level service and a wide range of products. While the legal name will remain Farmers Union Oil Co. of Stanley, the cooperative will no longer be doing business as Farmers Union Oil Company and officially became Pinnacle on October 1, 2013. “We are excited to do business as Pinnacle,” says Gary Koschmeder, Pinnacle general manager. “Our employees are eager to work with customers to provide five-star service and Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
unmatched hospitality. Pinnacle is headquartered in Stanley, N.D. The company will continue using its current well-known and respected brands for several of its important businesses including Cenex® brand convenience stores and bulk energy products, its full line of agronomy offerings, and farmsupply products. The Pinnacle name will identify locations, trucks and equipment in Stanley and Tioga. It will also appear on statements and other business materials. New Pinnacle signage will begin going up in October, with implementation continuing through the fall. The cooperative reported record earnings of more than $152 million on revenues of $4.9 million for 2012.s
Trucking entities that want to load to the maximum legal weight possible, scale operators, farm truck owners and operators, aggregate haulers, truck manufacturers who configure truck axles and tires, township and county authorities who influence truck route weights, any company representative who influence the purchase or alteration of new trucks, out-of-state companies that need to understand and comply with North Dakota’s legal-weight limits, and truck driving students. All workshops will be held 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. (CST) with the exception of Dickinson (MDT) • Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 - Minot, North Central Research Extension Center, meeting room; 5400 Highway 83 S • Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013 Washburn, Law Enforcement Center, 712 5th Ave • Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 Jamestown - ND Farmers Union, 1415 12th Ave SE • Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 Devils Lake, Ramsey County Courthouse, Basement meeting room; 524 4th Ave NE. s
Open House for Ag Center
The Dakota Precision Ag Center at Lake Region College in Devils Lake will be hosting an open house and ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, Dec. 3 beginning at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Informational tours, cake and refreshments will be served all afternoon. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, a special event for ag extension and ag producers will be held at the center. Reservations are required by calling 662-1498. Students will showcase the building on Friday, Dec. 6.s
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THE
AROUND STATE Scranton Equity held its 99th annual meeting on Wednesday, November 13 at the Community Hall in Scranton. Mark Kelner was reelected to the board of directors. All attendees received a grilling set as a gift. Megan Berger, Member Relations Specialist from NDFU, gave an update on NDFU activities.
The “Fantastic Fall Feast” was held at the Jamese Memorial Art Center, Williston and was hosted by Williams County Farmers Union. Entertainment was provided by local recording artist Jessie Veeder.
Karly Held, 2014 SYAC member, shared her camp memories with Towner County Farmers Union members.
NYAC member, Adam Long, gave a presentation at the LaMoure County annual meeting.
General Manager Paul Doll gives an update to the 200 plus attendees at the Hazen Farmers Union Oil Annual Meeting, Oct. 17 at the Hazen City Hall. NDFU Staff Executive Director, Dane Braun gave the audit. All board members remained the same.
NDFU Government Communications Specialist, Pam Musland, presented the audit at the Farmers Union Oil Co. of Watford City’s annual meeting. The co-op posted an all-time record sales year of $27.6 million and capped educational funds at a maximum of $50,000 a year.
Josie Joy, 5 month old daughter of Mitchell and Eden McLeod of McClusky.
NDFU and Farmers Union Insurance employees took advantage of Halloween to show off their creative costumes and hand out treats to employee’s children. 26
Mark Retterath stepped down from the board and president’s position after 15 years of service to the Farmers Union Oil Co. of Garrison. Retterath is shown above with his appreciation plaque. Darin Vangsness was elected in his place.
This little pumpkin is Hudson Berger, son of Chad and Megan Berger of Trenton. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Farm Bill conference process ongoing The process of finding a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the farm bill continues. Reports from the Hill say that several titles of the farm bill have been negotiated, including conservation programs, credit, research and horticulture. Other parts of the bill that are considered relatively non-controversial will likely be discussed in a similar way. On the other hand, public battles are being fought on more hotbutton topics. Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) is the hottest topic in the farm bill in recent weeks. As NFU and allies warned, the study language on COOL in the House Farm Bill is a Trojan horse. Instead of calling for further research into how COOL will comply with World Trade Organization obligations, COOL opponents are using the provision to interject the idea of repealing or weakening the COOL statute. NFU and our allies are fighting back to defend COOL. It is now more important than ever that all Farmers Union members tell their Senators and Representatives why consumers have the right to know about the origins of their food. Negotiations over commodity programs are also a big issue among the farm bill conferees. NFU largely favors the House’s version of the farm safety net, which includes fixed target prices to provide protection from longterm price collapse, although efforts to strike a deal are underway. The level of cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains the biggest piece of the puzzle. Once a compromise number is found – between the $4 billion cut in the Senate and the $40 billion in the House – the passage of a final bill becomes plausible and other
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
issues like COOL and commodity programs may be quickly resolved. Because of this uncertain timeline, it’s important for NFU to keep the pressure on to support our farm bill priorities.
COOL Update
Here are two things you can do to help keep COOL: · Contact your Senators and Representative, or members of the farm bill conference committee, and tell them that you strongly support COOL and oppose any legislative changes to the COOL law. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for a specific member’s office; and · Donate to the COOL Legal Defense Fund to help Farmers Union defend this pro-farmer and rancher law from a legal attack by the same multinational packers and processors who are pushing for legislative changes to the law. Send your donation to the state office with COOL in the memo.
RFS Recently Under Attack
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has recently been brought into the limelight as a result of an Associated Press story that made strong, misleading arguments against the RFS. The industry was quick to respond with the facts. The story blames biofuels for the reduced acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). What it neglects to mention is that Congress reduced CRP by roughly seven million acres in the 2008 Farm Bill and the program is poised to be reduced by seven to eight million acres in the next farm bill. In addition, climate change and new seed varieties are mostly responsible for the expansion of corn production, with warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons making it possible to plant corn in places like North Dakota
and Canada. American-produced biofuels are a clear and environmentally friendly alternative to oil. Today’s ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent compared to gasoline. NFU will continue stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard that is cleaning up the environment, diversifying fuel sources and supporting rural economies.
Register Today for NFU’s Women’s Conference
NFU has partnered with Annie’s Project to put on another Women’s Conference in January. Mark your calendar for Jan. 11-15, 2014, to come to Clearwater Beach, Fla., with other women leaders in agriculture. The program promises to provide risk management insights for your family farm operation; leadership development, inspiration, networking; and lessons in the business of teamwork through cooperatives. Don’t delay! Register at www.NFU. org/education.
Feeding America campaign
This holiday season, please consider lending your support to the hungry in your community. For the third consecutive year, National Farmers Union has partnered with Feeding America to raise $50,000 to help combat hunger in our country. Every dollar contributed means several meals for those in need. This year, you have the option to give directly to food banks in your area. We are very close to meeting our goal before the Dec. 25 deadline.
Join the Conversation Online
As social media becomes more and more widely used, we encourage you to join Farmers Union online on Facebook, Twitter @NFUDC and on our blog at www. NFU.org/blog. See you online! s 27
2014 NDFU CAMP DATES COUNTY CALENDAR
Junior Camp Dates for completed grades 3-6 Wesley Acres, near Valley City
June 8-11 June 11-14 July 13-16 July 16-19 July 20-23 June 8-11 June 11-14 July 13-16 July 16-19
Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, Steele, Towner, Walsh, Wells Cass, Traill Dickey, LaMoure, Ransom Emmons, Logan, McIntosh, Richland, Sargent Barnes, Kidder, Stutsman Adams, Bowman/Slope, Grant, Hettinger, Morton, Sioux Billings/Golden Valley, Dunn, Mercer, McKenzie, McLean, Oliver, Stark Bottineau, Burke, Divide, McHenry, Mountrail, Renville, Ward, Williams Burleigh, Sheridan
Heart Butte, near Elgin
Camp #1 • Grades 7-12 Camp #2 • Grades 7-12 Camp #3 • Grades 7-9 Camp #4 • Grades 7-12 Camp #5 • Grades 11-12 Rolling Camp • Grades 9-12
Award Trips (by invitation only) June 21-29 July 8-10 July 11 July 24 July 25 March 29-30 28
RICHLAND January 12 Fairmount Local meeting Fairmount Fire District Hall 2 p.m. STARK December 4 Christmas gathering Bonanza Family Restaurant 4 p.m.
Heart Butte, near Elgin
Senior Camp Dates for completed grades 7-12 June 16-20 June 23-27 July 7-11 July 21-25 July 28-August 1 August 6-9
NELSON December 7 Sarnia Local meeting Helen Moen home 3 p.m. discuss state convention
All-States Leadership Camp • Bailey, CO Third Year Award Tour • St Paul, MN 6th Grade Award, Minot 6th Grade Award, Fargo 6th Grade Award, Bismarck 7th & 8th Grade Camp Kick-Off Lock-in Jamestown
NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
Excursion Tours!
New Mexico Adventure March 3 - 15, 2014
Trip Highlights: • Pecan Orchard, Las Cruces, NM • Chile Fields Tour • The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum • Old Mesilla • Albuquerque, NM • NFU Convention, Sante Fe, NM • Rosemount Museum (Colorado’s Crown Jewel) • Colorado Springs • Pikes Peak • Garden of the Gods • Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame • Budweiser Brewery, Fort Collins • Deadwood, SD
Go to www.ndfu.org for details or call 800-366-8331 ext 108, Susan or ext 111, Jeff
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 1947 Cockshutt 30 tractor, engine cranks over, $350. 786-2049, Duane Lyng, Clifford. FOR SALE Farmall/International Super M tractor, Serial # F42307, runs good, needs paint, $1,800. 244-2180, Elmer Boucher, Rolette. FOR SALE 300 bu. all steel livestock calf feeder, built by Brower; Powder River calf cradle or chute, very good. 224-1320 or 2028815, Norbert Kinneschtzke, Bismarck. FOR SALE MacDon 3600 Prairie Star Model, pulltype swather; Cenex 2,200 bu. grain bin to be moved; 1973 900 Series 1 Versatile; truck mounted drill fill auger, could be used to fill air seeder cart; misc. parts for N6 or N7 Gleaner combine filters, belts, sickle sections and sickle guards. 228-3161, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau. FOR SALE 1,000 gal. NH3 tanks, $3,000 ea.; JD 930R header with MacDon finger reel and 2013 Wemco 36’ header trailer, $13,000 for the pair. 764-6410, Casey Lund, Killdeer. FOR SALE IHC 1974 T/Screw truck, 19’ steel box, beet end gate, hyd. plumbed, good tires, runs good; Artsway mixer grinder; hyd. drive post hole digger mounts; front loader bucket. 733-2375, Wilfred Kunze, Dazey. FOR SALE CIH 8500 hoe drill, 45’, run monitor; Moridge dryer, 400 bu., small screen; CIH 721 pt. swather, stored inside; 12” pto water pump; Kirshman spray-coupe for parts. 283-5178, Marc Greening, Wales. FOR SALE DuAl loader hay sweep; 48” John Deere mower deck for 300 Series tractor; U fence posts. 656-3267, Tony Galow, Bisbee. FOR SALE M International 1939 Model, in good running order; A International with Wood mower; U Minneapolis propane tractor, motor is stuck. 845-1375, David Berntson, Valley City. FOR SALE 1975 C60 Chevy truck, single axle, 366 V8, 4x2 trans., 16’ steel Concade box, roll tarp, 3 pc. tail gate, $3,500. 6762450, David Adrian, Binford. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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; 9’ New Holland sickle mower, 3 pt., Model 456, new drive box, 2 new sickles, new u-joints; 4 - 30 lb. suitcase wts; 240 bu. feed wagon, 2 hoppers, 2 augers, hyd. drive, with or without 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. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.
FOR SALE 590 John Deere pull-type swather, 30’ with canola roller and Saber end cutter, low acres, always shedded, $7,500; LaForge front mount 3 pt. hitch for 8000 Series John Deere tractors, $5,000; Beline granular applicator, complete with hose and monitor, $250; 2 steel bin roof stiffeners for 27’ diameter bins, $150; pickup topper for full size 1989 Chevy pickup box, $50; 12”x72’ Feterl grain auger, $2,500; barn stanchions, $5 ea.; fifth wheel plate, $125; John Deere Accudepth monitor, $100; Category 2 three pt. hitch coupler, $125. 247-3058 or 259-2373, John Steffan, Michigan. 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; Letz 163 burr mill; 11’ wide push-all hay basket for DuAl loader; push-off hay basket or DuAl loader; Versatile 8”x50’ pto. auger. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE One set of clam shell fenders to fit 4010 JD tractor, $150. 252-8473 or 320-4038, Gene Sand, Jamestown. FOR SALE H-106 Haybuster rockpicker, $5,500; Rowse double 9’ mower, $5,000; New Holland 276 baler with S&H Model HA accumulator & fork to go on loader, $4,000; Apache bale transporter, Model BTD-86, $2,500; Richardton 16’ disc, $1,500; Melroe Gysler 37’ chisel plow with mounted harrow, $1,000; IHC 37’ vibra shank cultivator, $1,000; Hesston 5500 round baler, $1,000; Concord hyd. soil probe, $700; M&W rotary hoe, $500; JD rotary hoe, $500; JD 21’ drill, $500; JD 24’ drill, $500; Dalman 28’ heavy duty harrow, $500; Concord 40’ air seeder, $8,000; 2 trailers with gravity boxes, $1,000 ea.; 2 hyd. drive augers for gravity boxes, $250 ea.; Melroe 50’ harrow, $500. 845-3594, Donald Jorissen, Valley City. FOR SALE 4 cyl. Wisconsin motor, used on SP swather. 247-2264 or 270-0184, Harold Severson, Lakota. FOR SALE Set of tractor chains for 38 x 11 or 38 x 12; Comfort cover from M IHC tractor. 247-2264 or 270-0184, Harold Severson, Lakota. FOR SALE Melroe plow #903, 6 bottom, 16”, heavy duty with reset mechanism. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott.
FOR SALE 456 NH 9’ trailing mower; Westank 9,500 gal. aluminum semi tanker, used for spraying with Honda pump and mixing cone. 693-2371, Rick Freuh, Martin. FOR SALE 30’ 971 New Holland header w/CR adapter, 9” Seed Eater pans with drum; 20’ 400 Versatile swather; 84’ light duty Summers harrow; 100’ Flexicoil sprayer. 721-0708, Wes Sherven, Ryder. WANTED Portable hay feeder, on wheels, in workable condition. 273-4125, Ronald Moser, Woodworth. WANTED IH tractors, 806, 1206, 856, 1066, 1466; John Deere 5010, 6030; Minneapolis Moline 1355, a nice one for my collection; will consider all, even non-running. 628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley. WANTED John Deere Model H tractors, any condition. 852-1150, Art Oen, Minot. WANTED A cable drive Lehman stackmover with three side by side 750x16” tires, mounted on hubs on either side, I need a couple of split rims - any price, please call. 8422055, Dennis E. Johnson, Watford City. WANTED Pair of used 23.1x34 tractor tires. 406-4802541, Tom Halvorson, Sidney, MT. WANTED Grapple fork to fit 158 JD loader. 252-8473 or 320-4038, Gene Sand, Jamestown.
VEHICLES FOR SALE 1956 Chevy 4 dr. 210 sedan, new front end, 700R transmission, no motor, several new parts and extras, spare car for parts and classic Chevy rebuilding manuals, also magazines, $2,500. 462-8432 or 361-8436, Wilbert or Janell Ziemann, Washburn. FOR SALE 1978 Ford F100 pickup, low time, rebuilt 400 engine, auto. trans., all fiberglass topper. 224-1320 or 202-8815, Norbert Kinneschtzke, Bismarck. FOR SALE 1989 Mercury Marquis; 1985 F350 Ford dually, diesel. 228-3161, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau. 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. 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. 7890966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown. 29
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
FOR SALE 2001 Buick Park Avenue, silver met., fully loaded, V6, 3.8, 180,000 mi., asking $3,800. 486-3456 or 320-3456, Eloise Kleven, Medina. FOR SALE 1990 Conversion van, Chevy Jayco, 350 engine with fuel injection and overdrive, AC, ex. top, refrig., microwave, sink, table, double bed, 9 seat belts, plush interior, 33 gal. fuel tank, new tires, 85,000 mi., need to see, $5,000. 6835672, Warren Wiltse, Lisbon.
FOR SALE 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, 2.4 Turbo, 61,500 mi., 5 spd., sunroof, red w/tan interior, excellent cond., new tires, pics available. 435-2618 OR 269-1691 leave message, Duane Thoms, Courtenay. FOR SALE 1963 GMC grain truck, 1 1/2 ton with 13’ Knapheide box, hoist and stock rack, 65,000 mi., good condition, always stored inside. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE New Elite Series portable generator, 6200 watts, 8,750 starting watts, Briggs & Stratton engine, $800; 4 – 15” chrome Keystone rims, came off a 1966 Galaxie 500 Ford, $150; new patio propane heater, $80. 320-763-8866, Howard Windhorst, Alexandria, MN. FOR SALE Mixed firewood split logs, $75/ pickup load; ash and hardwood apple, $100 a pickup load; Polaris snowmobile, runs good, $800. 663-8358, Ron Frank, Mandan. FOR SALE 250 pop bottles, some older embossed, including 27 Coke, and a few Donald Duck; some medicine and household bottles; Northern Pacific railroad date nails, 1913-1917; organ stool, adjustable height and brass feet, refinished; 33 ND Outdoors magazines, 1950s and early 60s. 647-2729, Jeff Malm, Kulm.
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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.
WANTED Prairie dog hunters to come and hunt on my land, make reservations. 597-3730 or larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.
FOR SALE Horse dump rake; Model A steering axle with hubs; antique General Electric stove; parts for buggy - leaf springs, axles, metal steps and runners for sled. 693-2371, Rick Freuh, Martin.
WANTED Complete windmills that work or parts for a windmill. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.
FOR SALE Horse collars & related items; 45 used utility poles, 35’-50’ long; used tires - 6 Bridgestone tires 245-75-R16; 4 - 225-60R16 M&S; 4 used FS P265-70-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 FS L78-15 studded; 2 P25-75 R15 Cooper Weathermaster studded, less than 2,000 mi.; 2 P125-75 R15 GY studded on Ford wheels; 2 P21575 R15 Sears Snow Handlers. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE 3 15” seat roping saddles – Texas Trail, roughout leather, covered stirrups; Star of Texas, padded seat, basketweave pattern, rawhide stirrups; Billy Cook, nearly new condition, padded seat, basketweave pattern, rawhide stirrups. 357-8461, Bette Wagner, Forbes. FOR SALE 40’ Evy motor windmill, good condition, one of the later windmills, steps on corner of the frame, fins and tail in good shape. 720-1037, Mike Haugen, Ryder. FOR SALE New tires; 2-520/85R42 Michelin; 2-52/85R42 FS; 4-520/85R42 GY Ultratorques; 8-480/80R42 Dynatorques, 8-18.4x38x8 ply Titans; 4-18.4x34x8 ply GY Duratorques; 2-BKT16.9x24x8 ply; GY20.8R42; GY Versatorque 18.4R34xx10 ply bidirectional; 8-Titan HD 12x16.5x10 ply skidsteer; 8-Titan HD 10x16.5x8 ply skidsteer; 2-30.5x32x12 ply Titan; 2-30.5x32x26 ply Titan. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.
WANTED Exercise bike. 465-3092, Thomas Alme, Balfour.
WANTED Crocks, jugs with store advertising; metal advertising signs, gas pumps, metal oil cans, advertising clocks or thermometers; road signs, traps, knives, shell boxes, guns, pop or medicine bottles; highway road signs; 1 lb. coffee tin cans; ND pottery, carnival glass; ND books - 50 yrs. in the saddle. 258-0420 or 220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. WANTED Model 325 Yardman riding mower with a 27.5” cut that has internal bagging system. 852-1150, Art Oen, Minot. WANTED Electric neon lighted advertisement clock. 693-2371, Rick Freuh, Martin.
LIVESTOCK, FEED AND SEED FOR SALE Holstein bull calves, one day to one week old, all shots and clostrum given. 489-3256 or 269-1124, Randy Rosemore, Jamestown. FOR SALE Hay, big square bales, 4x4x8, 1st and 2nd cut alfalfa, also alfalfa-meadow brome. 677-5685, 290-4685, 290-2363, Ken Lefor, South Heart. FOR SALE Barlow hard red spring wheat seed, Registered or Certified class, delivery and totes available. 739-0191, Brian Ludwig, New Rockford. FOR SALE Feed oats, about 700 bushels. 357-8461, Bette Wagner, Forbes.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Message from
the President BY NDFU PRESIDENT MARK WATNE
Celebrate our accomplishments It is an honor to be elected to the state’s largest farm organization and I am excited to begin my duties as president. First, and foremost, I would like to thank the delegates who voted and participated at the state convention. It was such a great experience to campaign for this position and it was truly an honor to be elected. I would also like to thank Woody Barth and Ben Vig for their leadership the last two years. North Dakota Farmers Union is a very successful organization thanks to
many leaders like Woody and Ben who have stepped up and taken the time to serve the membership. I would also like to welcome Ronda Throener to the Board of Directors. Our organization has many success stories and I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge all the Board members that have served in the past for their initiatives and willingness as well. These board members have been instrumental to the success of NDFU. I am looking forward to working with the current board to continue to serve the members
and build upon the success of the past. We are also fortunate to have a talented staff. We will utilize their abilities and creativity for the betterment of the organization. Please join me in celebrating all of our accomplishments in 2013 and let me know your ideas for a prosperous 2014. As your new president, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. I welcome your input and will always be receptive to your ideas. Happy holidays to our entire Farmers Union family! s
Help end hunger with Feeding America
National Farmers Union (NFU) is campaigning to help raise funds for Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Last year, North Dakota was the top site for collecting donations to benefit Feeding America as part of the challenge from NFU and the Howard G. Buffet Foundation. For the third consecutive year, Farmers Union members and supporters have pledged to raise $50,000 to benefit Feeding America. The work that Feeding America does directly impacts our rural communities. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
According to Feeding America, rates of food insecurity among rural households are generally lower than urban households, but slightly higher than the national average. The irony is that many of these food-insecure households are in the very rural and farm communities whose productivity feeds the world and provides lowcost wholesome food for American consumers. In fact, 15.5 percent of rural households are food insecure, an estimated 3.1 million households. “Farmers work long, hard hours to feed the world, but with one in six Americans facing hunger and
14 million children being served by Feeding America in the United States, we need your help!” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union president and chairman of the Feeding America campaign. Donations may be sent to the NDFU office for distribution. Please address to: NDFU - Feeding America 1415 12th Ave. SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58401 s
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Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
To order, call Eunice at the NDFU state office at 701-952-9127
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402
Have a safe and happy holiday season
From the agents, staff and management of Farmers Union Insurance.