New oct

Mission Statement: Guided by our cooperative, legislative and educational goals, North Dakota Farmers Union is a grassroots organization committed to the advancement of family farm and ranch agriculture and quality of life for people everywhere through member advocacy, educational programs, cooperative initiatives and insurance services.

UNION FARMER

www.ndfu.org

In this issue

3.

It’s Co-op Month!

7.

Fly-in to Washington, D.C.

16.

Droning on!

23. President’s message

October 2015 – Volume 62 • Number 10

For more information e-mail us at info@fumic.com or www.fumic.com

North Dakota Union Farmer

The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401.

Annual subscription is $30 with membership.

Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.

2

October 2015

EDITOR: Anne Denholm 800-366-8331 • www.ndfu.org adenholm@ndfu.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU, PO Box 2136, Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 35,664 • USPS 016-211

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Ellen Linderman Treasurer: Terry Borstad Wes Niederman Jr.; Shane Sickler; Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen; Ronda Throener

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

SB 2351

Vote NO on corporate farming PO Box 2136 • 1415 12th Ave SE Jamestown, ND 58401 800-366-8331 • 701-252-2341 ndfu.org

October 2015

R MEMBERS: OPEN LETTER TO OU Corporate Farming to ” “NO ing say in Join us Dear Members,

mind: making lives ning with one thing in on, I wake up every mor Uni s family farms are mer s Far ota’ ota Dak Dak th when Nor As President of North I know, as you do, that s family farmers. And better for North Dakota’ strong. strong, North Dakota is e it’s te farming here: becaus an effort to bring corpora fight so hard to defeat to g goin is FU ND That is why state. our economy and our wrong for our farmers, islature passed a bill that , the North Dakota Leg last legislative session the ing y farms to own 640 Dur dair ng. and inni hog ld allow Let’s start at the beg ing. Specifically, it wou farm te ora We saw it then as corp bill. of this ion d oppose would allow an expans rporate. NDFU strongly North ry operation they inco ture is the backbone of eve icul for agr land ch ran farm of and s acre . Family farm our family farmers and in search of a problem for tion der har solu it a : e now mak it we see farms would only huge corporations to own Dakota, and allowing uire new land. acq to or ing, farm p ’t ranchers to kee corporate farming can dairy farms, full blown te farming for hogs and ora corp w allo we e We all know that onc be far behind.

– collect over your help and support slature, we did – with legi the in bill this at to defe While we were not able ota have their say. the people of North Dak 20,000 signatures to let ing also be a corporate farm onal primaries, there will e their say, and deto vote in state and nati go hav will you n ota whe Dak 6, th 201 Nor of of So in June ns that the people don’t need corporate ot. This referendum mea you feel as I do, that we referendum on the ball farming in our state. If te ora e. corp t Jun t wan nex we t if por r sup cide once and for all e we can count on you t corporate farming, I hop farming and don’t wan d a website at NDFU. We’ve launche more information from see will p you up to kee you , to ) vote rms the up to D4FamilyFa In the months leading as a Twitter handle (@N orate farming, you can ilyFarms.com as well corp k Fam bac sfor t otan figh n Dak paig orth www.N want to help our cam elopments. And if you date on the latest dev @ndfu.org. ndfu or 31 -83 366 00contact us at 1-8 farm agriculture strong. this fight to keep family Together, we can win Sincerely, MERS UNION

NORTH DAKOTA FAR Mark Watne President

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

October 2015

3

Celebrate Co-op Month!

Cooperative leaders watched Governor Dalrymple sign a proclamation recognizing October as Cooperative Month. Pictured in front row, left to right: Lori Capouch, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives; Governor Dalrymple; and Jon Erickson, CHS. Back row, left to right: Jeanette Hoff, North Dakota Association of Telecommunications Cooperatives; Ryan Taylor, North Dakota USDA Rural Development; Dane Braun, North Dakota Farmers Union; and Aaron Vetter, Farm Credit Services of Mandan.

Governor signs October proclamation Governor Jack Dalrymple proclaimed October as “Co-op Month” on Thursday, Sept. 15, at an official proclamation signing event in Bismarck. The proclamation recognizes the valuable contributions that cooperatives bring to North Dakota.

Each October, Co-op Month provides an opportunity to educate the community about co-ops, and promote the business model as a tool for building a thriving economy.

The theme identified by the National Co-operative Business Association (NCBA) for 2015 is “Building a Better World with Businesses You Trust.” This basic message is a reminder of the many ways that co-ops enable people to work together to build businesses that are rooted in and accountable to their communities.

Cooperatives are created by people who join together to solve a problem or meet a need. Co-ops are owned and democratically controlled by their patrons.

4

October 2015

Education is one of the seven principles that guide all cooperatives, so members are encouraged to actively participate in setting policies and making decisions for their co-op.

From attending an annual meeting to serving on the co-op’s board of directors, people who belong to cooperatives can have a real stake in their economic destiny.

While many businesses are strictly motivated by profit, cooperatives exist first and foremost to deliver quality goods and services to their members.

Cooperatives put people ahead of profits. Cooperative earnings are returned to members through improved services, lower prices or patronage.

Adaptable and time tested, cooperatives are everywhere and operate in every industry including agriculture, energy, financial services, food retail and distribution, health care, child care, insurance, housing, purchasing and shared

services, telecommunications and more.

Cooperatives also come in all sizes, from small buying clubs to businesses included in the Fortune 500. Many cooperatives are household names like Land O’Lakes, Ocean Spray, Sunkist, ACE Hardware, Nationwide Insurance and the Associated Press.

A 2011 economic impact study by the Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives at North Dakota State University found that over 330 businesses operating in North Dakota identified themselves as cooperatives. Besides their economic output, these state cooperatives provided over $215 million in jobs, wages and tax revenue.

NDFU helps sponsor the Burdick Center and is a resource for cooperatives across the state for education, training and leadership development. s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

The strength and power of co-ops Cooperatives thrive in big cities, small towns and rural areas.

From child care to senior housing, insurance to agricultural marketing, financial services to utilities, cooperatives operate in most sectors of the economy. Co-ops are driven by service rather than profit and are guided by these principles:

based on the amount of business they conduct rather than the dollars they invest.

4. Independence

Cooperatives are independent, self-help organizations. If a co-op enters into an outside agreement or raises external capital, it still retains autonomy and democratic control.

5. Education and Training

1. Open Membership

Cooperatives are formed by people looking for solutions to shared problems. They are open to all who use their services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.

2. Democratic Control

Co-ops are controlled by those who use the co-op’s goods and services. Each member gets one vote to help make the organization’s policies and decisions.

3. Economic Participation Members equally buy in and democratically control the capital

Cooperatives train their members, directors and employees so they can best contribute to the co-op’s development. They also educate the general public about cooperatives.

6. Cooperation

Cooperatives work together through strong local, national and regional structures to most effectively serve members.

7. Concern for Community Cooperatives focus on local development through policies and programs directed by their members.

Here’s some other facts:

• About 30 percent of farm products and farm supplies in the United States are marketed through more than 3,000 farmer-owned cooperatives. CHS Inc., a Fortune 100 company, is the country’s largest cooperative.

• Electric cooperatives serve 12 percent of the nation’s population.

• About 7,000 federally insured credit unions serve approximately 9.2 million members.

• Food cooperatives have been innovators in the marketplace in the areas of unit pricing, consumer protection and nutritional labeling.

• 260 telephone cooperatives provide service to 1.2 million households and are often the first to provide services to rural areas.

• There are more than 1,000 mutual insurance companies that total more than $80 billion in net written premiums. s

The Power of Cooperatives Friday, October 9, 2015 9 a.m.

Ramada Hotel, Bismarck (1400 East Interchange Avenue)

Get to emplo know you r fello yee organ s from diffe w coopera izatio ns aro rent coope tive ra und th is are tive a.

Speakers: Dr. Greg McKee, Director - Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives “The Impact of North Dakota Cooperatives” Followed by presentation from: Adam Schwartz - The Cooperative Way workshop

ADAM SCHWARTZ

This is an workshop for all cooperative employees as part of the October Co-op Month celebration!

Have your cooperative employees join us to learn more about The Power of Cooperatives

For cooperatives to sustain their success, they need to rediscover their purpose. “The Power of Cooperatives” workshop is designed for both new and long-term employees to gain a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model, the cooperative difference and the skills to communicate this effectively.

To register your employees, or for more information contact: Dane Braun at 701-952-0120 or dbraun@ndfu.org Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

October 2015

5

Lori and R Jay Paul of Rugby

Co-ops make a difference on the farm

BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU

When R Jay Paul was growing up in rural Rugby, he learned from his father, Cecil, that the local co-op was the place to do business. It’s a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his life.

Paul explained, “My dad told me about how life was before the co-op. Farmers were at the mercy of big businesses and pricing. They needed help to even the playing field. That’s why my dad joined the early efforts to establish the Rugby co-op. He was very active in that movement and served on the Farmers Union Oil Company board for years. He was also on the Pierce County Farmers Union Board and the elevator board.”

Paul added that when he grew up, it was all about co-ops. He said, “We were always taught to buy at the co-op first. Why wouldn’t you?

You get the same products and you give the co-op the chance to make a profit. As a co-op member, you are an investor. When the cooperative makes money, you get money back.”

6

October 2015

Paul’s wife, Lori, agreed. She grew up in the town of Rugby and said, “To me, the co-op wasn’t just for farmers. We did our business there, too. We couldn’t vote but we still bought our goods there.”

The couple married three years ago and reside on the family farm. They operate 1,700 acres of cropland and about 800 acres of pasture. They also raise an 80-head cow-calf operation.

Paul said that while he’s farming, he takes time to educate himself on the latest techniques and technology. In addition to reading articles and attending Farmers Union or North Dakota State University events, Paul finds information through the co-op, too.

Lori added, “We’ve called on the local agronomist for advice on alternative ways to reduce dust on the gravel roads. They’ve been really helpful in suggesting a soybean-based oil.”

“I’ve been doing business with cooperatives my whole life. I believe in it,” Paul said.

Paul’s beliefs are put into action in Rugby. He is president of the Pierce County Farmers Union, a board member on North Central Electric Cooperative and has served on the board of directors of Envision for over 16 years.

Envision is the new name for the Farmers Union Oil Company which has grown to be a more diversified cooperative, serving patrons in Rugby, Towner, Wolford and Leeds.

While many businesses are strictly motivated by profit, cooperatives exist first and foremost to deliver quality goods and services to their members.

Cooperatives put people ahead of profits. Cooperative earnings are returned to members through improved services, lower prices or patronage.

“That’s the great thing about co-ops,” said Paul. “In a co-op, it’s one man, one vote. You get to have a say on what goes on in the business. Farmers can be fairly represented. Cooperatives are a way of life!” s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Members fly-in to Washington, D.C. Roughly 270 Farmers Union members from 33 states gathered in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15-18, for the 2015 National Farmers Union Legislative Fly-in. North Dakota sent 38 members to the event.

Members met with members of Congress to discuss top issues for family farmers and rural America. Farmers Union, as a grassroots organization, is driven by its members and forms national policies through their participation.

North Dakota participants shared their personal stories on how legislation affects their family farms. They also dined at Founding Farmers’ restaurants and toured the city.

During the fly-in, members participated in numerous legislative meetings where they advocated for COOL and discussed topics like the Renewable Fuel Standard, trade agreements; and the Cuban trade embargo.

Members discouraged Congress from supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) due to currency manipulation and the $505 billion U.S. trade deficit in 2014. They recommended the repeal of the U.S.-Cuba selfimposed trade embargo, which has been unsuccessful for more than 50 years, and advocated for the Freedom to Export to Cuba Act of 2015.

Farmers Union members also promoted an amendment to a Senate Appropriations bill that calls for a delay to importation of beef from countries with a recent history of foot-and-mouth disease.

This delay requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to further assess the risks and take preventive measures against importation of beef from areas where this devastating, contagious disease can have major detrimental effects on ranchers. s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

NFU President Roger Johnson welcomed over 270 members to Washington, D.C.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden spoke to the crowd.

NYAC member Karly Held and NDFU Director Terry Borstad enjoyed their trip to the capitol.

Justin Sherlock and Lori Carlson attended the fly-in.

October 2015

7

Reading a financial statement Every year, cooperative members are invited to attend an annual meeting. This is an invitation to become involved with your local co-op and keep abreast of the year’s activities. It is a responsibility that should be taken very seriously.

After all, members are invested and “own” the company.

Reading an annual report or interpreting a balance sheet can be a daunting prospect if you don’t know exactly what to look for and where to find the information.

Here are some tips on how to maximize your knowledge. Be sure to ask questions and be an active member at the annual meeting.

Read through the information and make notes along the way.

Managers will be happy to answer your questions and clarify any line items that are confusing.

Balance sheets Balance sheets are one of the fundamental financial statements used by businesses. It is a point-intime snapshot of financial balances.

The main sections of the balance sheet are assets, liabilities and owner’s equity.

The balance sheet generally follows the formula:

Assets = Liabilities +Owner’s Equity

The balance sheet is useful in comparing the financial health of your business at different periods in time. For example, you can compare the balance sheet between two fiscal years to measure changes in the business.

What to watch Here are some other things to look for in a financial statement.

Sales: The co-op’s total sales for all products and services for the most recent fiscal year or calendar year, depending on the co-op.

Cost of Sales: The co-op’s cost of buying the products and services.

8

October 2015

Gross Margin: Gross margin is derived from subtracting the cost of sales from total business volume or sales. It is directly linked to the co-op’s profitability, also known as savings. The co-op subtracts its operating costs – payroll, rent, supplies, income taxes – from the gross margin to determine if the co-op made or lost money.

Investments in Other Cooperatives: Represents equity held in other cooperatives through whom the co-op markets products or purchases supplies. These may include co-ops like CHS, Land O’ Lakes, local rural electric and telephone co-ops, credit unions or CoBank.

Total Patrons’ Equities: The dollar value of the co-op’s assets that are owned by the members.

Local Net Savings: The actual profit earned by the co-op before taxes are subtracted and/or patronage refunds from other co-ops are added. If the co-op lost money, Local net savings are shown in parenthesis – for example: ($20,000). Local net savings indicate whether the co-op is financially self-sufficient.

Patronage Refunds Received Revenue to the co-op from other cooperatives, such as CHS or Land O’ Lakes, based on business volume and profitability of the other co-ops. These refunds consist of cash and/or equity stock.

Net Savings: This is the co-op’s bottom line profit for the year. The co-op’s patronage refunds and stock retirements are paid from this amount.

Patronage refunds payable in cash: Every member receives earnings based on the level of business he or she had at the co-op during the past year. These earnings are allocated back to the member in the form of patronage refunds and patronage stock credits. By law, a minimum of 20 percent of the patronage refunds must be paid out in cash. Such refunds may be handed out at annual meetings or mailed to patrons. The balance of the savings is listed under the member’s name as a patronage stock credit, which is used by the co-op as working capital. This stock is retired, or paid out, by the co-op on a periodic basis based on each individual co-op’s policy. s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Winner of “The Biggest Loser” to headline WILD conference

Women: Are you exhausted and stressed out from constant multitasking between home, family and work responsibilities?

Be prepared to be rejuvenated at the 4th annual WILD (Women in Leadership Development) Conference on Jan. 13-14 in Jamestown at the NDFU Conference Center.

Speakers and activities will center around “Life’s Wild Balance.”

You’ll be inspired and motivated to achieve better health, wellness and passion that brings greater happiness into your hectic life.

The conference begins with the popular Ladies’ Night on Wednesday, Jan. 13, and will focus on relaxation. Participants will be able to shop at a variety of vendor booths, and then experience Yoga on Tap, a unique fitness and beer tasting infusion.

ALI VINCENT On Thursday, Jan. 14, keynote speaker Ali Vincent will share her inspiring story and experience as the Season 5 winner of “The Biggest Loser.”

As the first woman to win on the show, she lost an incredible 112 pounds, and now hosts “Live Big with Ali Vincent” on the Live Well

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Network. She’ll share her struggle with her own weight and lifestyle advice on being healthy rather than obsessed with a number on a scale.

MELANIE CARVELL Author and physical therapist Melanie Carvell will keep everyone on the edge of their seat (and off their seat) with her high energy as she shows participants how to chart their own path to better wellness and self-improvement.

Carvell is the director of the Sanford Women’s Health Center in Bismarck. She is an accomplished international triathlete and certified work site wellness consultant. Her book, Running with the Antelope, chronicles her upbringing in Mott, N.D., and her life’s path. She attributes her success as an athlete to her agrarian roots and modest upbringing, and the challenge of training in the often harsh North Dakota climate.

MARJI GUYLER-ALANIZ Speaker Marji Guyler-Alaniz, an award-winning photographer, will share her unique perspective as the founder of FarmHer, a growing online community and resource for agricultural women. Guyler-Alaniz

will talk about “jumping off the cliff,” when she took a series of risks to build her passion into a career.

She’ll also explore issues within agriculture through images and stories, specifically how women can work together to lessen divisions within the agriculture community and bring a balanced perspective to the table. The power of female farmers is an educational topic that is sure to appeal to women from all walks of life.

REGISTRATION Online registration for the conference begins Nov. 1 at ndfu. org/wild. Cost of the conference is $99 for NDFU members and $129 for non-members. The nonmember fee includes a one-year membership to NDFU. Beverages on Wednesday and lunch on Thursday are incorporated into the conference fee. Shuttle service to a number of hotels in Jamestown will be provided Wednesday evening.

For more conference details, “Like” the WILD Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ndfuwild or contact Member Relations Specialist Chelsey Thronson at 800-366-8331 ext. 131 or cthronson@ndfu.org. s

October 2015

9

Defining “waters of the U.S.” involves all three branches of government

BY DAVID SAXOWSKY, NDSU ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

The nation recently has given considerable attention to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revised regulation that defines “waters of the United States” for the purpose of the Clean Water Act. According to the EPA, the Clean Water Rule is fundamental to protecting and restoring the nation’s water resources that are vital for our health, environment and economy.

Since publication of the rule in the Federal Register, numerous lawsuits were filed challenging the regulation, and several parties sought preliminary injunctions to delay implementation of the rule.

On Aug. 27, the Federal District Court for North Dakota found that it had jurisdiction and granted the request of a number of states by issuing a decision preliminarily enjoining the Clean Water Rule.

The court considered, among other issues, whether the regulation violates the authority Congress granted the EPA, and whether the regulation bears a connection to relevant scientific data.

Under the order issued by the Federal District Court of North

10

October 2015

Dakota, the parties that obtained the preliminary injunction are not subject to the new rule, and instead continue to be subject to the prior regulation. States included are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. In all other respects, the rule became effective on Aug. 28.

Despite the conflicting opinions and perspectives, and ensuing litigation, this brief point in legal history is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the basic functions of the three branches of U.S. government, a structure that has been in place for more than 225 years. It’s a structure that our ancestors established in the late 1700s and that many people have since fought and died to preserve.

The legislative branch (Congress at the federal level) consists of elected officials (senators and representatives) whose responsibility is to debate and establish public policy by enacting statutory law, such as the Clean Water Act. Enacted in 1972, it mandates that the nation’s water resources not be polluted.

Within most statutes, Congress directs which federal agency is responsible for administering that law. Congress, however, cannot enact a statute to regulate a

problem that the U.S. Constitution does not authorize the federal government to address. Congress, therefore, indicated that federal jurisdiction over water pollution extends to “waters of the United States.”

The executive branch of the U.S. federal government, which is led by the president and consists of numerous agencies such as the EPA, is responsible for executing or administering statutory laws as directed by Congress.

In the case of the Clean Water Act, Congress directed that the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers implement the statutory law.

The administrative agency then provides details as to how the agency will administer the statute by setting forth (promulgating) regulations. These regulations must be consistent with the underlying statute and the U.S. Constitution.

Someone who feels he or she has been harmed by a regulation because the regulation does not align with the underlying statute may initiate a lawsuit in which the court (the judiciary branch of U.S. government) needs to interpret the statute and regulation to determine whether the agency’s regulation aligns with the statute. If the court finds that the regulation does not align with the statute, the court will not allow the incorrect regulation to be administered. Instead, the

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

agency will be expected to refine the regulation to align with the statute as interpreted by the court.

That is what happened in the case of defining “waters of the United States” in the Clean Water Act. The EPA regulation has been litigated numerous times in the past several decades, including at least three decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court interpreting the definition of “waters of the United States.”

The purpose of defining “waters of the United States” is to specify the jurisdiction of the EPA. The understanding is that pollution issues not regulated by the federal government are to be regulated by state government. Why the federal government had to get involved in pollution regulation in the late 1960s is another story and is not addressed in this article.

In these three decisions,

the U.S. Supreme Court offered thoughts on its interpretation of the statute and some ideas as to how the EPA could refine its regulation to better align with the court’s interpretation of the statute. Based on this guidance, the EPA offered a refined regulation in mid-2015 that was to take effect in August 2015.

Already, parties are disagreeing as to whether the refined regulation still violates the underlying statute.

Some parties think the EPA has defined its jurisdiction beyond what Congress (and the Constitution) grants. Others feel that the EPA has not accurately defined the full extent of its jurisdiction.

Another step that sometimes is taken in this process of interpreting and applying federal law is for Congress to amend the underlying statute to clarify its intent on the troublesome issue. Congress could clarify its definition of the

“waters of the United States” and its intended jurisdiction of the federal government.

It appears Congress will not take an active role in clarifying this issue at this time.

Accordingly, the structure of U.S. government as set forth in our Constitution leaves us with the alternative of litigants arguing in court and imposing upon the judiciary to interpret the current statute and recent regulation.

This ongoing chain of events, although frustrating at times, demonstrates the functions and intertwined relationships among the three branches of U.S. government, a system that has worked since the late 1700s and in which many of us take pride. I hope the decisions made today can be a source of pride for our descendants 200 years from now. s

Farmer’s Share of Retail Food Dollar Bacon

Top Sirloin

Bread

Potato Chips

Retail: $4.39 Farmer: $0.82

Retail: $6.99 Farmer: $2.50

Retail: $2.79 Farmer: $0.13

Retail: $2.49 Farmer: $0.23

Cereal

Tomatoes

Eggs

Flour

Retail: $4.69 Farmer: $0.05

Retail: $2.19 Farmer: $0.34

Retail: $3.29 Farmer: $2.24

Retail: $2.49 Farmer: $0.65

Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2015. ~Prices based on June 2015 data Retail based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted.

Find the full NFU Farmer’s Share at www.nfu.org/farmers-share Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

July 30, 2015 October 2015

11

TeleHeart services may be a reality in rural ND Cardiac patients in rural North Dakota may soon have access to real-time, face-to-face interaction with Minneapolis Heart Institute® cardiologists through TeleHeart services located close to home.

CoBank and other entities of Farm Credit Services, who have funded five such sites across Minnesota and one in Wisconsin, recently held a meeting in Jamestown to discuss future possible North Dakota sites.

The Minneapolis Heart Institute and NDFU member Everett Dobrinski, chairman of CoBank’s board of directors, are leading the initiative to improve access to specialty care doctors for rural residents.

“The people in rural America need and deserve the same quality of health care as people in metropolitan areas,” said Dobrinski.

“Telehealth provides the avenue to give the technology and the degree of specialization that rural providers need to have but can’t afford to have on their own.”

Farm Credit’s mission is to serve and support rural infrastructure, Dobrinski said, which includes rural health care.

Among the benefits of TeleHeart sites are shorter wait times for appointments, patient convenience,

and little or no travel cost, according to Dr. Marc Newell, chief of clinical cardiology and director, TeleHeart and Outreach, Minneapolis Heart Institute®.

“We want to improve population health by providing tools and clinical capabilities beyond the traditional health care setting,” he said.

Before a patient meets with a cardiologist via TeleHeart, appropriate tests are run, such as an echocardiogram or blood draw. A TeleHeart nurse practitioner connects the patient to the cardiologist on the screen and remains there during the appointment. Patients then speak to the cardiologist in real time, face-toface via interactive video, about test results and care recommendations, just as they would if in an examining room together.

Of the TeleHeart sites established in Minnesota since 2014, Newell said 96 percent of patients reported the interaction as the same or better than in-person

visits. Ninety-nine percent felt having a nurse or nurse practitioner present made them feel as if they had a team contributing to their treatment.

The program also helps empower local physicians by offering them another medical tool. “It’s impossible to know everything about a subspecialty,” Newell said. “They learn and we learn. And because we’re able to be in two places at once, we have access to more patients and clinical experience which enhances our research and services.”

Based at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Heart Institute® has 68 cardiovascular specialists on staff and is recognized nationally for cardiology and heart surgery.

Ultimately, Newell said they would like to establish centers of excellence for cardiology and other areas of medicine in rural parts of North Dakota. He said the cost to establish a TeleHeart site is roughly $50,000.

For more information, contact Dawn Fish, senior development officer at Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation, at 612-8639353 or dawn.fish@allina.com. s SAVE THE DATE

2016 PRECISION AGRICULTURE

ACTION SUMMIT JANUARY 18 TH & 19 TH

NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION CONFERENCE CENTER 1415 12 TH AVE. S.E., JAMESTOWN, ND HOSTED BY Red River Valley Research Corridor North Dakota Farmers Union CO-ORGANIZED BY Dakota Precision Ag Center NDSU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering REGISTER Go to theresearchcorridor.com/precisionagsummit2016 or contact Ryan Aasheim at 701-499-6994 or ryan@theresearchcorridor.com.

Register before Dec. 15, 2015 to receive the early bird rate. #PrecisionAg2016

12

October 2015

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Around the State Sargent County Farmers Union sponsored a trip to watch the Redhawks baseball game in Fargo on Aug. 21 and 48 people attended the event. Members rode on the Farmers Union bus.

LaMoure County Farmers Union hosted a trap shooting event Sept.

3 for young producers and representatives from area cooperatives.

Area children had fun during the Drake Threshing Days.

The NDFU and FUI softball team has been playing this summer. Back row: Ross Bolek, Ethan Mabus, Lindsey Krapp, Tyrel Schlecht, Blaine Bergstedt, Kylee Siegle, Jill Schlenker. Front row: Sarah Tucker, Jennifer Sundeen, Dan Sundeen, Lynne Turner, Issac Steele, Taylor Sink.

Mercer County Farmers Union members recently took a bus tour to the oilfield.

Farmers Union Insurance agents and North Dakota Farmers Union staff manned a booth at the Big Iron Farm Show in Fargo.

Mercer County Farmers Union youth displayed the flag project they made as part of their day class held in Beulah.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

McIntosh County youth traveled to Aberdeen in July where they spent a fun day at Wylie Park and the Aquatic Center.

October 2015

13

Stay safe during fall harvest season During the fall harvest season, countless hours will be spent in combines, tractors, trucks and other equipment by farmers and workers who will be transporting large equipment on our roads and highways. Some workers may be young, new or inexperienced, so it’s always a good suggestion to go over safety considerations with all workers to teach or reinforce the importance of safety on the farm.

Agriculture ranks among the nation’s most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries, and farming is one of the few industries in which family members, who often share the work and live on the premises, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.03 million youth under 20 years of age resided on farms in 2009, with about 519,000 youth performing farm

work. In 2010, 476 farmers and farm workers died from a workrelated injury, resulting in a fatality rate of 26.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. Tractor overturns were the leading cause of death for these farmers and farm workers.

Here are a few safety tips to consider on your farm as producers prepare for the harvest season.

• Read operator’s manual(s).

• Wear seat belts.

• Put equipment in neutral or park, engage parking brake and turn off engine before dismounting.

Wait until all mechanisms have stopped moving before attempting to service or unclog a machine.

• Locking hydraulic cylinders or supporting the head prior to working under it is always recommended.

• Limit riders on equipment. Instructional seats are designed for training or diagnosing machine problems.

• Keep all guards in place.

• Take breaks. Get enough sleep.

• Train all operators to safely operate the equipment.

• Fatigue, stress, medication, alcohol and drugs cause you to not focus on tasks.

• Have all safety equipment in proper condition and ready to use such as safety glasses, hearing protection and respiratory masks.

• Have ROPS (rollover protective structures) fitted on tractors. s

BE CAREFUL THIS FALL!

USDA awards grants for biofuel pumps USDA recently announced grants awarded through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP).

Recipients will receive assistance for the installation of pumps dispensing higher biofuel blends.

The preliminary list of state finalists and estimated pumps includes 90 pumps in North Dakota.

Since announcing the program in May 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) received applications requesting over $130 million, outpacing the $100 million that is available. With a more than 1:1 match from private and state resources, USDA estimates that the BIP grants will support nearly 5,000 pumps at over 1,400 fueling stations across the country.

“The quality and geographic diversity of the applications, backed by supportive state and private partners, demonstrate the strong 14

October 2015

demand across the country for cleaner, more affordable fuel,” said Secretary Vilsack. “The Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership is one approach USDA is using to aggressively pursue investments in American-grown renewable energy to create new markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers, help Americans save money on their energy bills, support America’s clean energy economy, cut carbon pollution and reduce dependence on foreign oil and costly fossil fuels.”

A typical gas pump delivers fuel with 10 percent ethanol, which limits the amount of renewable energy most consumers can purchase at the pump. USDA estimates that this investment will more than double the number of stations that offer intermediate blends of ethanol, mainly E15 fuel levels, nationwide.

Through BIP, USDA will award competitive grants, matched by states, to expand the infrastructure for distribution of higher blends of ethanol. BIP funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation must be used to pay a portion of the costs related to the installation of fuel pumps and related infrastructure dedicated to the distribution of higher ethanol blends, for example E15 and E85, at vehicle fueling locations. The matching contributions may be used for these items or for related costs such as additional infrastructure to support pumps, marketing, education, data collection, program evaluation and administrative costs.

This partnership will expand markets for farmers, support rural economic growth and the jobs that come with it, and ultimately give consumers more choices at the pump. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Financial Distress in Farm Country

In August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the World Supply and Demand (WASDE) report, causing already low crop prices to drop even lower. An unexpectedly wet spring allowed for higher production than anticipated, contributing to over 12 months of price declines for soybeans, wheat and corn. Recordhigh net farm incomes of several years ago correlated with increased production costs; however, these costs have not fallen as crop prices continue to dive.

NFU encouraged USDA to prepare the USDA Certified Agricultural Mediation Program to help with increased financial distress for family farmers and ranchers. The Farm Crisis Council hotline has received a high volume of calls, with the majority citing financial distress. This impending crisis troubles lenders and farmers alike, as financial need is only expected to increase over the next few years.

Monsanto Withdraws Syngenta Bid

After months of negotiations and proposals, American agricultural giant Monsanto withdrew its bid to purchase its Swiss rival, Syngenta. Plans for the merger of the two companies, made public in May, would have allowed for the formation of a colossal agricultural input monopoly.

Combined, these companies employ over 50,000 people and had net sales of over $30 billion in 2014. Monsanto planned to sell Syngenta’s seed business to comply with regulators and was also prepared to pay $3 billion as a breakup fee if the regulators did not approve of the plan.

Syngenta rejected Monsanto’s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

offers, arguing the offers were all too low and did not properly mitigate the risk of rejection by regulators.

NFU’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution in June objecting to the potential merger and citing NFU’s long history of advocating for enforcement of antitrust laws and competitive marketplaces for farmers. The proposed merger would have been detrimental for family farmers, inhibiting competition in the marketplace and further escalating input costs.

Canada and Mexico’s COOL Damage Estimates ‘Flawed’

Earlier this year, Canada and Mexico claimed that the U.S. Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law has caused $3.8 billion in damages to their beef exports. The two countries also claimed they could issue retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. for that same amount if the U.S. did not repeal COOL because of a World Trade Organization (WTO) decision that COOL violated WTO obligations.

These proposed penalties startled some congressional members, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to repeal COOL in its entirety just days later.

However, the U.S. calculated that COOL damages could, at most, be attributed to $91 million in cattle and hog exports. With $43.22 million determined for Canada and $47.55 million for Mexico, this calculation represents just 2.4 percent of Canada and Mexico’s proposed $3.8 billion. A WTO arbitration panel met Sept.15-16 to hear all parties’ cases and make a determination on whether or not Canada and Mexico can issue tariffs. A final decision is expected in October.

NFU, a champion for COOL for decades, is advocating for the

Hoeven-Stabenow solution to the WTO issue, which would create a voluntary system for COOL. This solution enables the U.S. to comply with WTO stipulations and maintains the integrity of countryof-origin labeling. The only other amendment, one proposed by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, calls for full repeal of COOL.

Positive Train Control Deadline Approaching

Positive Train Control (PTC) is a system that is designed to prevent train-to-train collisions and derailments by automatically applying a train’s brakes if it fails to operate within specific safety parameters. In 2008, President George Bush signed the Rail Safety Improvement Act into law, requiring PTC to be installed on Class I railroads by Dec. 31, 2015. It is now apparent that railroads will not be compliant by the deadline, and the Federal Railroad Administration has stated it intends to take enforcement action on Jan. 1, 2016.

In the face of penalties and potential liability issues, railroads and rail shippers have begun to draw up contingency plans including suspension of service. This option could have very negative consequences for producers who rely on rail to transport their commodities. If this is not solved by mid to late October, disruptions will begin to surface. NFU, along with other rail customers, is currently lobbying Congress to pass an extension on the compliance deadline within the Rail Safety Improvement Act in order to give railroads more time to become compliant. An extension will ensure that the U.S. economy is not harmed as a result of a freight rail shutdown. s

October 2015

15

Flying a drone in North Dakota

BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU

Two North Dakota Farmers Union Insurance agents are taking technology to another level. Both Shaun Sipma of Minot and Tyler Van Bruggen of Valley City have purchased drones to better serve their clients.

Sipma was the first agent to start using a drone in April 2014.

He explained, “I bought a basic unit to test it out. I started out using it for photos. I am a photographer at heart and capturing canola fields from 200 feet up makes for some awesome photos.”

Once he started learning how to maneuver the machine, Sipma began using the drone for his clients. He shared, “I had one customer who had some hail damage. Normally, I would go out with the adjuster and walk the fields. With my drone, I can fly the field and see what the camera sees as it is flying. We can see exactly what kind of condition the field is in from 60 feet in the air.”

The drone is great to use for site inspections, too. Sipma said, “It’s amazing what pictures you can take for things like roof conditions.

You don’t have to guess or climb up to physically inspect the roof. You can take photos and send them to the underwriters so they have more information to work with. Using the 16

October 2015

Farmers Union Insurance Agent Tyler Van Bruggen of Valley City displays Phantom Vision 2 Plus drone.

Shaun Sipma of Minot was the first Farmers Union Insurance agent in the state to buy a drone.

drone was also a big draw for my customers. A lot of farmers pay to have an annual aerial photo taken of their farm. Now, I can provide that service free of charge when I do a yearly review for insurance.

It’s a nice value to offer my customers.”

It wasn’t long before Sipma decided to upgrade and he purchased a better quality drone.

He said, “My second drone has a more functional camera and it syncs with GPS so it’s more accurate. It has three-dimensional function so you can move the camera up, down and tilt for movie quality video and still shots. It has anti-shake and adjusts for movement.”

Van Bruggen purchased his first drone last fall after consulting with Sipma on what kind to buy.

“Shaun was really helpful in making a recommendation,” he said. The Valley City agent spent less than $1,000 on the Phantom Vision 2 Plus brand. The drone allows for 14 megapixel images and records high definition video files. It has smartphone integration so he can program the flight plan on his hand-held device or through the controller.

After a few test runs, Van Bruggen discovered the power of the drone. He admitted, “It took me Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

awhile to learn how to accurately fly it. I went to YouTube and watched some instructional videos that really helped.”

Van Bruggen flies his drone for site inspections, aerial photos and mapping out farmsteads. “I insure some large farmsteads and it’s nice to establish accurate information on the buildings and bin sites,” he commented. “We can see the condition of shingles, look at any field damage and really know what we are dealing with. It helps us put a more comprehensive plan together.”

He also used the drone to take an aerial photo at a family reunion and has enjoyed taking some interesting photos from the air. “You get a completely different perspective when you see the lake from 300 feet up,” Van Bruggen added.

All drones have the same basic flying functions. Prices begin as low as $500 on some models and increase with camera quality, software, functionality and special options. Van Bruggen also pointed out the safety feature on his drone. “You have to pay attention to the red and green lights on the controller. It will not go up farther than 400 feet. The only option you have is to come down from that height,” he said.

Van Bruggen and Sipma agree that drones will probably be more and more popular in the future.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Aerial photo taken at the Pollert homestead during a family reunion south of Litchville.

The Phantom Vision 2 Plus drone features fully stabilized video and camera function.

Sipma said, “I know some farmers who are really excited about this technology. I think in the future, more farmers will be using drones for precision agriculture – to monitor

their cattle, crops, pest control and more!”

Van Bruggen concluded, “I get better every time I fly it and it’s really fun!” s

October 2015

17

Anhydrous ammonia safety seminars set North Dakota State University Extension Service, CHS, North Dakota Firefighter’s Association and Ammonia Safety & Training Institute will be conducting anhydrous ammonia safety seminars in Garrison on Oct. 8 and Park River on Oct. 10.

The seminars are intended for farmers, fertilizer dealers, firefighters and first responders.

The Oct. 8 session will be held at the CHS agronomy office, 205 2nd St. S.W., in Garrison. The Oct. 10 session will be held at the Walsh County Extension Building located at 101 County Road 12B in Park River. The seminars are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at both locations.

Ammonia is a chemical compound that crop producers use as a nitrogen fertilizer.

Seminar topics for each location include:

Come travel with us!

South America Tour February 11-22, 2016 CITY TOURS:

Santiago, Chile;

Buenos Aires, Argentina; & Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

(home of Summer Olympics 2016)

• Magnificent views • Beautiful beaches

• Carnival celebrations • Friendly people

Passport & Visa required

18

October 2015

• Hazards of anhydrous ammonia and conditions, actions and safety precautions.

• Exposure levels: mild, moderate and acute.

• Decontamination and medical care.

• Emergency response and protective personal equipment, and first responder and hazardous material team protocol.

• Transportation, bulk storage facilities, nurse tanks, treatment facilities and refrigeration.

• Live ammonia demonstrations and hands-on experience in types of release, containment and control, rapid-entry rescue and the value of sheltering in place.

Personnel from the Ammonia Safety & Training Institute (ASTI), based in Watsonville, Calif., will be the primary presenters at the seminars. ASTI safety training focuses on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response and

recovery. The ASTI team consists of leaders from industry and public safety organizations.

Attending the training is free of charge, but preregistration is requested. For more information about the training, contact the following people: • Oct. 8 - Irene Graves, McLean County Extension office, (701) 462-8808 or irene.graves@ ndsu.edu; or Chris Gratton, general manager of CHS in Garrison, (701) 897-1559 or chris.gratton@chsinc. com.

• Oct. 10 - Brad Brummond, Walsh County Extension office, (701) 284-6248 or bradley. brummond@ndsu.edu.

CHS in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and Garrison, and the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association provided financial support for the seminars. s

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1.Title of Publication: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer 2. Publication #: 01-6211 3. Date of filing: 9-17-15 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly + one special edition in October 5. Issues per year: 13 6. Annual subscription: $30 members 7. Complete address of known office of publication: 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters: 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 9. Full name and address of publisher: Mark Watne, NDFU President, 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 Full name and address of editor: Anne Denholm, 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 10. There are no known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities.

11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None 12. Tax status has not changes during preceding 12 months.

13. Publication title: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer 14. Issue date for circulation data below: October 1, 2015 Extent and Nature of Circulation 13 Issue Average Actual Number Last Run 15.a

Total Number of Press Run

34,543

35,392

15.b (1) Paid/requested Outside County 34,543 35,392 15.b (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions 0 0 15.b (3) Sales Through Dealers 0 0 15.b (4) Other Classes 0 0 15.c Total Paid Circulation 34,543 35,392 15.d (1) Free Distribution Outside Co. 850 850 15.d (2) In County 0 0 15.d (3) Other Classes 0 0 15.d Free Outside Mail 0 0 15.e Total Free Distribution 850 850 15.f Total Distribution 35,393 35,242 15.g Copies Not Distributed 200 200 15.h Total 35,593 36,442 15.i Percent Paid: 97.5% 97.6% Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Sensational Stew and Soup FROM FOUNDING FARMERS RESTAURANT

As leaves begin to fall and a chill arrives in the air, fall is the perfect time to focus on incorporating heartier seasonal harvests, such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, leeks, mint, onions, parsnips, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, and winter squash into stews and soups.

At the restaurants, we feature plenty of great, one-pot seasonal stews our guests love.

For inspiration on busy nights for home cooks, we love the slow-roasted flavors in stews incorporating sirloin, pork or chicken, and loaded with these fresh, seasonal vegetable harvests.

As for soups, we love the rich, delicious flavor of our Founding Farmers Roasted Tomato Soup. If you haven’t experienced it in the restaurants, you are truly missing out on something special.

Here’s the recipe for all to enjoy!

Roasted Tomato Soup (serves four)

3 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 small yellow onion, chopped 3 ounces dry sherry 1 bay leaf ¼ tsp crushed red chili flakes 3 cups diced tomatoes 3 cups tomato juice 3 cups water ½ tsp Tabasco sauce 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce Approx. 1 cup chunk day-old bread, torn into pieces 1 tbsp roughly chopped fresh basil ½ cup heavy cream 1 tbsp honey 6 sprigs fresh thyme Approx. ½ tsp ea: kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper Instructions: In large pot, heat oil over low heat. Sauté garlic/onions and cook until translucent. Add: sherry, bay leaf & chili flakes. Continue cooking until sherry is reduced by half. Add tomatoes, tomato juice, water, Worcestershire & Tabasco. Bring to a low simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.

Remove & reserve bay leaf. Add day-old bread pieces; continuing to simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in: basil, cream & honey. Remove from heat.

With immersion blender, puree mixture until bread is broken down & consistency is smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Return bay leaf to pot.

Add thyme. Let steep for 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf & thyme before serving. s

CONVENTION NOTICE OF NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

MARK YOUR CALENDAR STATE CONVENTION Dec. 11-12, 2015

Bismarck Event Center CANDIDACY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Candidates for the office of district director, state vice president or state president may announce their candidacy in the North Dakota Union Farmer in an issue published not more than 60 days prior to the state convention. Such announcement shall be submitted to the office of the president. The announcement shall not be longer than one typewritten, double-spaced, 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper or the electronic equivalent and may be accompanied by a photograph of the candidate.

The announcement must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the publication of the Union Farmer.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

To All Members: Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, North Dakota Division.

Pursuant to Article III. Section 2, of the Bylaws of this Association, you are hereby notified that the 89th annual state convention of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, North Dakota Division, will be held at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck, North Dakota, December 11-12, 2015. Official business at 10 a.m., December 11, 2015. – Mark Watne, President ATTEST: Ellen Linderman, Secretary

ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE OF FARMERS UNION MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.

Current policyholders are hereby notified that they are members of the above named insurance company and that the annual meeting of such company will be held at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck, North Dakota, beginning Friday, December 11, 2015, and continuing on Saturday, December 12, 2015. – Mark Watne, President; ATTEST: Mark Anderson, Secretary

October 2015

19

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 The next deadline is Oct. 15.

Contact us to repeat your ad. Limit-175 words.

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Case 1370 tractor w/cab, front loader with bucket & new grapple, 3 pt. lift, new 1100x16 tires, 14 ply, new rims, like new rear tires, new hydraulic lift controls, equipment quick connect and a third member, all new maintenance work done, $14,500; 185 bu. gravity feed grain buggy with new tires and canvas cover, $3,100, will sell or trade for small 8 or 10’ tracking wheel pack; 2 - 750x16, 8 ply tires, 3-8 hole 16” rims, tires are 90%. rubber fits Case tractor, $375; 4865 New Idea round baler with a control box and fully maintained. 628-6949 or 314-640-1884, Mike or Rose Ryan, Stanley.

FOR SALE 8640 JD 4 whl. drive tractor, 275 hp. w/ pto.; Kwik Kleen Model 772 grain cleaner; JD platform straight headers, 220 & 224 (20’ & 24’) stored inside. 370-0078, Dennis Karsky, Langdon.

FOR SALE 1984 JD 9600 combine, AHHC, F/A, DAS, hopper topper, dual chaff spreaders, fine cut chopper, new rear tires, 3,800 sep. hrs., always shedded. 693-5454, Keith Reinowski, Anamoose.

FOR SALE Hardi pull-type sprayer, 950 gal. tank, 90’ booms, triple nozzle bodies, 4 sect. control, pto. pump, foam markers; JD 220 flex header, good poly, finger reel, SCH sickle. 326-4180, Ron Haugen, Aneta.

FOR SALE 1975 Dodge 600 truck, 2 1/2 ton, box 16’ w/double action hoist, 41,000 mi., 361 engine w/governor, 5 spd. transmission w/2 spd., 900x20 tires, roll tarp, air cond., heavy frame, heavy duty wheels, $12,000 obo. 220-0993, John D. Spitzer, Wilton.

FOR SALE 16’ stock trailer; 34’ Tilton flatbed trailer w/ winch; Big Valley cattle chute; 1974 IHC twin screw truck, 19’ box; 18’ Versatile 400 swather; small IHC manure spreader; 24’ Vibra chisel with new harrow; 50’ Melroe harrow; tractor tire feed bunks; 4 Farmall H tractors; several Farmall Ms, some with loaders; 7’ IHC trailer mower; 3 walking plows, need the wood. 733-2375, Wilfred Kunze, Dazey.

FOR SALE JD 637 rock flex disc, 37 1/2’. 218-7669365, Brian Strand, Lawton FOR SALE 1995 - 1688 IH combine, Cummins motor; Easy Trail 475 grain cart, excellent condition, $7,000 obo; 25’ Wilrich chisel plow, $3,500. 655-3647, Howard Strand, Brocket.

20

October 2015

FOR SALE 1080 Massey; CIH w/belly mower; DC Case; RT Moline w/Super G loader; JD B tractor; 2 - F10 Farmhands; IH motor, supposed to fit CIH; some part for H IH; 88 Oliver for parts. 320-5556, Joe Schumacher.

FOR SALE 1996 9600 JD combine, 930R head w/ finger reel, 2005 914 pickup head, 224 sunflower head, 2013 36’ tricycle style header trailer w/lights, $55,000; 1460 IH combine, Case IH 1010 head w/finger reel; 810 pickup head, $10,000; 8640 JD tractor w/ez-steer and 2002 Summers 1,500 gal.

100’ boom sprayer, $40,000; 895 Versatile tractor w/new tires, $22,500; 1270 Case tractor, $5,000; 1,000 gal. NH3 tanks. 7646410, Casey Lund, Killdeer.

FOR SALE 1952 E3 Co-op tractor, just like new rubber all the way around, new paint, new piston & ring, new water pump & other new parts, runs good, $3,200. 238-4510, Robert Braaten, Fargo.

FOR SALE 1950 Oliver tractor, Detroit engine needs work, $3,500; Massey Harris 44 Special, gas, real straight, good running tractor, $1,250; MM 602, not running, $1,000; IH 6-16” reset moldboard plow, $1,000; F25 Farmhand loader w/hay basket, forage fork and grapple fork, $750; Oliver-White mounts for 3000 - 3500 Du-Al loader, $400. 3916865, Ron Gessele, Bismarck.

FOR SALE IH No. 55 chisel plow, 17’, in good condition. 928-753-8925 evenings, Arnold Seibel, Harvey.

FOR SALE 41’ IHC #4500 field cultivator with four bar Summers harrow; 31’ Morris CP with anhydrous attachment and 3 bar Morris harrow; IHC 7 bottom plow; will consider any/all offers on these unneeded implements.

320-7395, A. Bergman, Jud. FOR SALE IHC 50T baler; Schulte RS hyd. rock picker; h.d. Russell Reliance 10’ grader; 10’ h.d. V packer; 5 bottom packer w/hitch; 8 steel grain bins w/steel floor; 1,00012,400 bu.; Peterson dual rims, 18.4-34 to 232.1-30; 11’ wide push-all hay basket for DuAl loader; push-off hay basket for DuAl loader; Versatile 8”x50’ pto. auger; Feterl 6 “x36’ electric auger: 9.50 14” 8 Ply tube type tire, $80 new; 11L 15” tube type 8 ply, new, $75; 12.5L 15” 10 ply tubeless, $110, new. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.

FOR SALE Colby Schwartz manure spreader, 350 bu., tandem axle, single beater 540 pto, all steel box, no rust, totally refurbished this past winter, $4,500, parts book also; heavy duty pickup box, stock rack, $150; 1976 Chevy C65 twin screw tandem, 427 automatic, 16’ all steel box, 2 sets of tip tops, twin cyl. hoist, air brakes, 10-00-20 tires, roll tarp, $6,000; 2 alum. fuel tanks off of a semi, 100 gal. and 75 gal. tank, hangers also, $200. 543-3843, Doug Hannestad, Hatton.

FOR SALE 8’ wide Flexicoil packer, made in Canada, like new condition; Melroe #903 plow, 6 bottom, 16”, heavy duty w/reset mechanism.

527-2656, Esther Kuehn, Mott.

FOR SALE 2 tires - 320-90R54, same as 12R54; 1 rim, 6 hole. 352-2246, Gene Estad, Grafton.

FOR SALE New heating panels 1 - 8’, 2 - 4’, 1 - 3’; 80 gal. propane tank used in pickup or other use; 1941 JD radiator, $50; 1939 JD AC radiator, $50; 1 Summers harrow section; wall heating fuel oil furnace; homemade 8’. 3 pt. cultivator; 10’ IHC chisel plow w/o hyd. ram; 10’ Glencoe cultivator w/o hyd. ram; 10 JD disk, $60; 8’ JD disk, $40; parts for IHC swathers 18’ & 21’; 2 JD mowers for parts. 270-0184, Harold Severson, Lakota.

FOR SALE JD 4020, power shift, dual hyd., good tires, has very good Easy-on loader mounted on it, loader is quick on & off. 252-6455, Myron Tarno, Jamestown.

FOR SALE New Holland BR780 baler, 540 pto., auto-wrap, very good belts, field ready, $5,500; gravity wagon, 320 bu., looks like new, good running gear w/9.5Lx15 tires, $1,700; 1990 Ford F250 ext. cab, 4x4 longbox, 6.9L diesel, 135k, rebuilt auto. trany, gooseneck hitch, body rough, $1,800; 1969 Chevy C50 truck, 350 V8, 69k, 4-2 spd.,14’ steel box, roll tarp, 8.25x20 tires, runs good, $2,995. 3208543, Kevin Raugutt, Edgeley.

FOR SALE 1998 Case IH 1083, 8 row, 30 corn head, nice, low acres, always shedded, $11,500; 1979 gray cab 760 Massey Ferguson combine, 354 Perkins gear drive with Melroe 378 pickup w/all new pickup belts, always shedded, $2,000 obo. 438-2461, James Hvinden, Maddock.

FOR SALE 14” Gehl #55 feed grinder, good cond.; 3 pt. bale fork; bale fork w/2 spears fits loader or 3 pt.; 2-100 gal. water tanks.

430-2330, Gilman Knudson, Portland.

FOR SALE Oliver 14’ disk & 14’ 620 IH press drill w/ grass seeder & steel press, will split; have parts for IH press drills. 400-5742, Jerry Miller, Mandan.

FOR SALE 2010 JD tractor and #146 loader; Cattle Plains head gate and squeeze. 294-2188, Johnnie McKilvey, Warwick.

FOR SALE 7’ pull-type draw bar JD mower; Farmhand w/grab fork; CB radios; 1963 International pickup. 871-0002, M Haagenson, Rolette.

FOR SALE Mayrath pto grain auger, 6”x40’, on wheels. larryn@westriv.com, 597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE 1976 7060 Allis, about 3,000 hrs. on rebuilt motor, new front tires, power director trans, 1,000 pto. and 18.4x38 duals rear and front wgts., $10,000 obo. 570-2237, Joe Barkie, Williston.

FOR SALE Hesston #300 SP 14’ swather for parts, no engine or canvas, any reasonable offer accepted. 218-779-2274, James Tangen, Northwood.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS FARM EQUIPMENT WANTED Model 70 International plow, 3 or 4 14” bottoms. 642-6509, Merle Rubish, Wahpeton.

WANTED Tractor tire 10-38. 352-2246, Gene Estad, Grafton.

WANTED 806, 1206, 1256, 856, 1466 IH tractors; JD 5010, 5020, 6030, MM 1350, 1355 and others, running or not. 628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

WANTED Usable 10’ or 12’ pull-type or SP swather to use w/small antique combine. 218779-2274, James Tangen, Northwood.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2014 Harley Davidson xL883L Superlow sportster, 2 tone paint - Mysterious Sunglow/Blackened Cayenne, HD detachable windshield, 284 miles, like new.

269-9439, Suzette Schafer, Ypsilanti.

FOR SALE 2003 Ford Truck Explorer Sport Trac XLT, 4.0L V6, 4x4, 5-speed automatic O/D trans, dark blue, leather and heated power front seats, power moonroof, Astro start, towing package, hard tonneau cover, neutral towing kit, 66k miles, great condition! Asking $10,150. 320-1678 or 952-8337, Randy Lebahn, Jamestown.

FOR SALE 1998 Chevy 4X4 short box, reg. cab pickup, $2,800; stand-by generator, 7500 watt-used once, $400. 320-7395, A. Bergman Jud. FOR SALE School car: 1981 Buick Century, auto on floor, bucket seats, air, factory installed V8 4.3 liter eng., mint cond.; 1951 straight 8 Buick. larryn@westriv.com, 597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE 2004 379 Peterbilt C-15, daycab, wet kit, clean, low miles, $39,000; Summers 38’ disk, notch blades on front, nice, $29,500; Brent Avalanche 1194 1,100 bu. grain cart scale, like new, $42,000; Flexicoil 820 field cultivator, floating hitch 43’, 4 bar harrow, $9,800; 1981 Chevy 5.2 K-70 diesel, tri-axle, head lift hoist, tilt hood, $9,800; 9630 JD Powershift, Autotrac ready, field ready, excellent rubber, very nice, $118,000; 2410 JD chisel plow 42’, single point harrow, only used 40 hrs., $7,500 less than new, $50,000; 2008 Yamaha Raptor 250, Nice, $2,500; 1983 JD 4450 MFWD, Powershift, duals 3 or $34,0000; 2008 Arctic Cat 650 H1 4x4 ATV, nice, 2,200 mi., $4,400; 624E JD loader, Powershift, $39,500; 1989 Cat 225 LC Excavator, $19,500; 2004 W900 ISX, Cummins, sleeper, 10 spd., nice, $34,000; Load King belly dump, tarps, two traps, excellent, $11,000. 549-3420, Shane Heck, Cavalier.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

FOR SALE 2003 Ford Windstar; 1995 Ford Windstar; a Windstar for parts. 786-2186, Wallace Dalman, Portland.

WANTED 1928-1940 Ford chassis, any condition, will buy whole car/pickup, many were made into wagons/trailers. 680-1079, Dylan Ekstrom, Forman.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE New Orthophonic high fidelity RCA Victor, 1955, 78, 45 & 33 spd. record player w/ mahagony case, must see, $195; to be moved off property: old homestead house, 26’x12’, 11’ high at peak, 2 room, very sturdy, $2,200; grain bin chicken house, 16’x12’, 9’ high front, 7’ high in back, can be dismantled, $1,050. 628-6949 or 314640-1884, Mike or Rose Ryan, Stanley.

FOR SALE 2005 Classic Gold Series VIP 4-horse trailer w/living quarters, tandem axle gooseneck, 4-horse slant layout w/large slide out, horse cabin has finished side walls w/rubber floor coverings, half wall mattings, cabin lights, ceiling vents, padded dividers, tinted sliding head windows w/bars & fixed mangers, tack room in rear w/4 saddle racks & tack hooks; knotty pine, AC, furnace, indoor/ outdoor sound system, leather sleeper sofa/dinette & entertainment center w/20” LCD TV, stainless steel sink, microwave, Norcold fridge/freezer & 2 burner gas stove top; roof mounted generator, electric awning, roof ladder, cargo rack, 80-90% tire tread, always shedded. 605-273-4237, 605-848-1169, 605-1588, Elwood Penor, McIntosh SD. FOR SALE Black Walnut stump, about 60 lbs.; 35 years old; 3’ high, 8” in diameter. 2522299, Charles Purdy, Jamestown.

FOR SALE Horse collars & related items; 45 used utility poles, 35’-50’ long; used tires - 6 Bridgestone, 245-75-R16; 4 - 225-60-R16 M&S; 4 used Firestone 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.; 2 Firestone L78-15 studded; 2 P25-75 R15 Cooper Weathermaster studded, less than 2,000 mi.; 2 P125-75 R15 Goodyear studded on Ford wheels; 2 P215-75 R15 Sears Snow Handlers. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.

FOR SALE 370 Black chair sashes, used for one wedding, $125. 662-8512, Cindy Olson, Devils Lake.

FOR SALE Electric motor, $70; 2 pump jacks, $100; can buy both for $150; 8 heavy wood posts, $5 ea., 4 new, 4 used, 9’ tall - 5 to 6” round, for corner post or gates; calf pullers, used little; McCody rock picker, $150; smaller round wood posts for fence; some 2x12’ long boards, used but good. 3242459 weekends, Clarence Hoffer, Harvey.

FOR SALE 300-5 1/2’ steel T-posts; 300-5 1/2’ steel U-posts. 734-2251, Robert Anderson, Wilton.

FOR SALE 30 teal hydrangea bouquets in tall, black Eiffel Tower vases; other misc wedding decor. Connie Hanson, Devils Lake, 701-351-1639.

FOR SALE Rubber mats, excellent for bed of a pickup or for flooring in a garage, basement, or barn, 1/2” thick x 4’ x 6’, used mats from a weight room, good condition, over 40 available, $20.00 ea., discount on purchase of 10 or more. 840-2262 or 8451545, Melvin Klingenberg, Valley City.

FOR SALE Miller Dia/Arc 250 AC-DC welders, first ones sold have cables, $500 ea.; Miller CP 300 DC Arc Welding power source, 100% duty cycle, 3 ph., w/Miller 552E wire feed attachments & wire feed cables, $500 ea.; minimal use; 65 KW Kohler 480 volt generator used in irrigation, on trailer w/built-in fuel tank w/panel to plug in pumps & screens, powered by JD diesel, tac shows 625 hrs.; 125 KW DMT 480 volt generator used in irrigation, on trailer w/built-in fuel tank, w/panels to plug-in pumps & screens, powered by Cummins diesel, tac shows 1,963 hrs., both ready to go. 570-1200, Thomas Selby, Williston.

FOR SALE Maternity clothes - Motherhood & Jessica Simpson brands, size M & L, all styles & colors, purchased in 2014, dresses, some w/jackets, pants, long & short sleeved tops, jeans, winter coat, casual and professional. 258-5155, Audrey Grafsgaard, Bismarck.

FOR SALE Tractor parts for Case ( LA, DC, D, SC, VAC): some MM tractor parts for U and R cylinder heads for D, SC and VAC Case, F20 IHC; radiators for VAC, RMM, WC Chalmers, older Chevrolet, 1962 Rambler. 845-4303, Henrik Voldal, Valley City.

FOR SALE 2009 Keystone Laredo 32’ travel trailer, Glacier package, nice fiberglass shell, 2 slides, queen size bed & bunk beds, electric jacks & awning, flat screen TV x 2, new battery, very nice camper. 683-0185, Kevin or Heather Bergemann, Lisbon.

FOR SALE New tires @ reduced prices: 8480/80R42 GY Dynatorque radials - $1,150 ea.; 2-520/85R42 GY Ultratorque - $1,300 ea.; 2-520/85R42 Michelin Agribib - $2,000/pair; 2- FS 520/858R42 - $1,900/pair; 1-20.8R42 GY-DT 710 - $850; 1-480/85R34 GY Versatorque - $750; 1-480/85R34 Michelin Omnibib@$800; 1-30.5Lx32x16 ply Titan - $1,500; 2-16.9x24x8 ply BKTs - $460 ea.; 4-14.9x28x8 ply BKT - $400 ea.; can match up most singles.

2-18.4x34x8 ply GY Duratorque - $650 ea.; used tires– 2-28Lx26x12 ply GY @ 95% - $1050 ea.; 2-28Lx26x10 ply GY@75% - $700 ea.; 1-28Lx26x12 ply FS@60%, $500; 8-18.4R46 FS@50%; 8-20.8R42 FS@50%; 8-620/70R42 FS@40%; 4-710/70R38@50%; 2-710/70R42 FS@40%; 5-13.6x46 FS@ 75%; 4-270/85R54@40%; 1-420/85R34 Michelin Agribib@95%; 4-380/90R50 GY @60%; many FWD fronts, rims, bands, hubs, hardware, etc. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

October 2015

21

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

FOR SALE Concession business, $1,000 includes deep fryer, 2 freezers, 1 sm. fridge, 6 dispenser pop machine, ice machine (needs regulator), new water pump and new small water heater, 4 sinks, 14’ trailer (needs work). 320-2340, Jeff Willer, Jamestown.

FOR SALE The Old West book series; Cessna hardwood airplane propeller; Yamaha trombone; 1956 Livestock Brand book.

500-9522, Monte Reiner, Minot.

FOR SALE Horse harness to fit team of draft horses, made out of leather. 226-3412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck.

FOR SALE New MDS attachments for any tractor loader, skidsteer, telehandler, payloader; on hand: 7’ or 8’ rock bucket w/grapple; rock badgers (extractor) for skid steer; 7’ 8’ 9’ scoops w/wo grapples; 8’ heavy manure fork w/ grapple; 8’ 145-158 bucket w/JD grapple; 5,200 lb pallet fork for JD 640-740 classic tach; 7’ 8’ Euro-Tach scoop; other scoops; new JD scoops: 85” Euro-Tach; 61” & 73” for 500 or 400 series JD loader; 7’ Koyker quick tach scoop; F-11 loader scoops, grapples, & parts. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

FOR SALE 4’ x 5’ rubber mats, good for stock trailer floors; stanchions; water cups for a stanchion barn; Surge pipeline milking system; woven wire - 150’ by 5’ high; 2 7.00x15 stock trailer tires with rims, 8 ply.

679-2135, Terry Kohler, Benedict.

FOR SALE Butcher smoke house - 3’ wide, 3 1/2’ long, 8 1/2’ tall, vented in the chimney, fire pot on outside; 77 Oliver diesel. 769-2378 or 490-2288, Alvin Eslinger, Hannaford.

FOR SALE Swing set in good condition, reasonably priced. 363-2696, R. Cermak, McClusky.

WANTED Large horse bells, ox yokes, old silver dollars, cannon ball rocks, Zap, Hazen, Golden Valley Watt bowls, Dickota Pottery, Badlands Pottery, Indian head highway signs, vintage Orange Krate Schwinn bike, railroad pocket watches, 1960’s baseball cards including Yankees first baseman Joe Peptone, Great Grandma’s sewing buttons, and cast iron plug tobacco cutters. 5009522, Monte Reiner, Minot.

WANTED Prairie dog hunters to hunt my land, make reservations now. larryn@westriv.com, 597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FEED AND SEED FOR SALE 130 big round bales of meadow hay, 90 bales of ditch and upland hay, all made with 567JD baler, $50 per bale, twine tie.

321-0629, Markus Wangler, Napoleon.

FOR SALE Horse or beef quality hay, large round bales, alfalfa brome, brome Aalfalfa, managed CRP, most no rain, $50 - $80/ton.

225-2187, Lacy Gutenkunst, Lefor.

FOR SALE Feed oats, test weight 42 lbs./bu., clean, $3 per bu., have semi can deliver. 256-2188 or 370-8986, Leon Hiltner, Wales.

FOR SALE 875 lb. square bales of alfalfa hay, stored

by Page. 799-1566 ask for Neil, Gerald Suhr, Page.

FOR SALE Hay square bales, round bales. 734-2251, Robert Anderson, Wilton.

FOR SALE Hay, large round bales, 2 years old. 7332375, Wilfred Kunze, Dazey.

FOR SALE Large round bales, alfalfa/brome, prairie hay, made by NH 688 baler w/thick plastic twine, can load. larryn@westriv.com, 597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE 2 Haflinger mares, 14 yr. old & 16 yr. old, broke to ride & drive, but both will need refreshers due to owners injury, $800 choice. 543-3843 leave message, Deb Hannestad, Hatton.

FOR SALE Percheron horses - reg. stud colts (2015), yearling studs, some started in harness; well broke reg. mares, Amish broke. 2263412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Approx. 20 acres next to Ross, ND (4,76 city & 15 acres fenced pasture), Hwy. 2 easy access, power close, old well, 2 old bldgs. 628-2319 leave msg., Deanna L. Haugen, Stanley.

FOR SALE Lake lot and acreage - located on beautiful Wood Lake, Benson Cnty., 13+ acres w/30’x60’ metal storage shed with concrete floor, overhead door and electrical, newly dug exploration well w/excellent water that can be readlily adapted for household use. 351-2675 or 662-2583, Jan Visby or Gene Allery - geneallery@ abe.midco.net, Aberdeen SD.

COUNTY CONVENTION DATES

Billings/Golden Valley – Nov. 14 • LaPlaya Restaurant, Beach • 6 p.m. mst, 7 p.m. meeting with speaker Burleigh – Oct. 12 • Tumbleweed Grill, Lincoln 5:30 p.m. registration Foster – Nov. 2 • Carrington Research Extension Center • 6 p.m.

Grand Forks – Nov. 2 • Pizza Ranch, Grand Forks • 6 p.m.

Grant – Oct. 16 • Our Place Cafe, Elgin • 6 p.m. mst LaMoure – Nov. 15 • Omega Room, LaMoure • 6 p.m. supper, meeting to follow McKenzie – Oct. 29 • Outlaws Ballroom, Watford City • 7 p.m.

McLean – Nov. 2, tentative Mercer – Oct. 20 • Hazen City Hall • 5:30 p.m. registration and 6:30 p.m. meal and meeting Richland – Nov. 1 • Pizza Ranch, Wahpeton • 5 p.m.

Sargent – Nov. 8 • location TBD • 6 p.m.

Sioux – Oct. 30 • Selfridge School • 7 p.m.

Walsh – Nov. 14 • Adams School gym • 6 p.m.

NDFU staff will be presenting “Corporate Farming Campaign: Next Steps and How You Can Help” at county conventions this year. Please attend and be informed!

22

October 2015

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Fly-in builds relationships with decision makers September is a time when the small grain and early oilseed harvests are complete. It has been a very good year with good yields in most parts of the state.

In Farmers Union, September is also the time we sponsor a fly-in to Washington, D.C. We attempt to split the harvest window, as this time frame is one of the best to be in D.C. because Congress is back in session after the August break, ready to move policies.

NDFU participates in the fall fly-in each year, sending somewhere between 30 and 50 members, to help National Farmers Union take our message to each member of the Senate and House.

The fly-in is an important opportunity for Farmers Union members to see the workings of congressional offices firsthand.

Many members who attend the fly-in are able to meet their own representatives or senators, putting a face and a personality to the names they see on their ballots.

For states and congressional districts with a strong Farmers Union presence, the fly-in is another opportunity to make Farmers Union

known to the elected officials who represent our members. For the elected officials representing places where Farmers Union is not organized, the fly-in is our chance to get our name and our priorities “in the door” at their offices.

NFU staff use the connections made by members during the fly-in to enhance their work throughout the rest of the year, as they lobby on issues of importance to our members.

For NDFU, it is important to build and promote the Farmers Union “brand” and to build relationships with members of Congress. We have an excellent working relationship with our senators and congressman. The fly-in is an opportunity to solidify this relationship and share our members’ success and challenges.

Some of the hot button issues discussed on this year’s fly-in included: Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and international trade. Our message included these points: • USTR is responding to an arbitration panel at the WTO on

the actual financial damage COOL has cost Canada and Mexico. It is important that the Senate does not take any action on repealing COOL during this process.

• EPA needs to stay with the original levels of the RFS. Ethanol and biofuels are keys to better commodity prices.

• Trade negotiations must be fair and consider all issues including currency manipulation and human rights.

We also addressed the 7 percent cut to the ARC and PLC program payments due to budget sequestration. This is not the time to cut these payments. We are facing series challenges with low commodity prices and high input costs.

The impact of low commodity prices is starting to take a toll on farmers. Hopefully, this is a shortlived period and we will not have to rely on additional government help to keep family farmers on the land.

The relationships we build on fly-ins may be the tool we need to deal with potential challenges in the near future in the agricultural economy. s

New board member and representative hired Shane Sickler from Gladstone has been elected to represent District 4 on the NDFU Board of Directors. Following the Board of Governors meeting on Friday, July 10, the county presidents from District 4 convened in a special meeting to elect a director to fill the unexpired term of the late Jim Kerzman.

Sickler may be reached at ssickler@ndfu.org or by phone at 701-483-8827. He will be up for election at the 2016 convention.

Travis Bruner from Harvey has been hired as the grower representative for Dakota Pride Cooperative. He will work directly with growers in the Identity Preserved Program, sourcing grain and Shane Sickler, NDFU soybeans to meet special end user needs. He will District 4 Board of Director help promote white wheat seed sales to the state mill and oversee contracts and deadlines. He may be reached at 701-626-2070 or tbruner@dakotapride.coop.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Travis Bruner, Grower Rep Dakota Pride Cooperative

October 2015

23

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402 A poem by NDFU member Terry Jacobson A SMALL DIFFERENCE I am a small man on a small farm with a small herd of large cows and a small flock of sheep.

At a time, in a nation, where large is everything.

But to survive small is an accomplishment.

HEALTH INSURANCE

FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE CALL YOUR FARMERS UNION AGENT

Need Health Insurance?

On Medicare?

Going to Medicare?

ENROLL

ENROLL

The annual enrollment period begins on November 1, 2015 and ends January 31, 2016 for individuals and families.

A special enrollment period for Medicare supplement plans is currently underway.

From now until December 31, enrollment is easier than ever!

NOV.– JAN.

TODAY

Contact your Farmers Union Insurance agent to find the plan that’s right for you. info@fumic.com • 800-366-8331 ext.144

29375619

Farmers Union Insurance is an Farmers Union Insurance Company is an independent agency for independent agency for Blue Cross Blue Blue CrossShield Blue of Shield North Dakota Northof Dakota.

(2051) 9-15