Union Farmer - February 2024 by North Dakota Farmers Union

NDFU union farmer FEBRUARY 2024 • ndfu.org

HANDS-ON TRAINING

CRACTC mobile meats trailer helps students learn ins and outs of meat processing

GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY

Jerod Lematta Agency I was born and raised in Ellendale. I graduated from Mayville State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Upon graduating, I lived in both Fargo and Casselton, working in accounting. My wife, Joni, and I have been married for 16 years and we have four children: Max (8th grade), Alex (6th grade), Lukas (2nd grade), and Miley (3 ½ years old). Joni has taught grades K-2 for 14 years. I have been a Farmers Union Insurance agent for the last eight years. What I love most about my job is connecting with people and helping them protect what is important to them. I am happy to be able to help our clients with insurance for auto and home, personal/commercial insurance needs, and health insurance needs, as well as annuities. Being an agent in Ellendale has been a rewarding experience.

Jerrod Lematta Agency 58 1st Ave S Ellendale ND 58436 PH: (701) 349-3662

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 71 • Number 2

The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. EDITOR: Chris Aarhus 800-366-6338 caarhus@ndfu.org Annual subscription is $30 with membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU • PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 37,839 • USPS 016-211 2 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

When I am not working, you will find me coaching different sports from boys basketball to baseball, out golfing, hunting, or some other adventure with my family.

SIMPLY DIFFERENT! CONNECT WITH US North Dakota Farmers Union

@NDFarmersUnion @NDFarmersUnion

Read the Union Farmer online at https://ndfu.org/news/union-farmer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Mark Watne • Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Wes Niederman • Treasurer: Shane Sickler Directors: Bob Finken; Jon Iverson; Tyler Stafslien; Ben Vig.

reach a bigger audience Advertise your business in the pages of the Union Farmer with its circulation of 36,000+ North Dakota families

Contact Editor Chris Aarhus at caarhus@ndfu.org for rates and details NDFU.org • January 2024 • 3

NDFU members participate in joint leadership retreat In early January, North Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Farmers Union and Oklahoma Farmers Union led a leadership development event in Oklahoma City. We had about 50 attendees, including 16 participants from North Dakota. It was a great event with young producers listening to informational presentations, sharing information and creating relationships with farmers and ranchers from different geographies and agronomics. The best result from these types of events is the understanding that opportunities and challenges in agriculture are not unique. They tend to be nearly identical, regardless of the farm or ranch operation. In my travels to other countries, the experience is similar regardless

4 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

of the geographical area. So what are the opportunities? Food is necessary for life. A growing population and energy sector will need increased production to sustain itself. Productive land is not infinite and, in fact, may be less available in the future. Even so, advancements in technology and genetics will help us meet the demand for

Fifty participants including 16 from North Dakota took part in a leadership retreat in Bricktown, Okla. in early January.

necessary products. This ongoing demand will keep agriculture as one of the most important industries worldwide. What new crops might we grow that will become popular? The challenges, which aren’t unique to any farm or ranch, still remain. Who will farm the land? Will the markets ever truly represent the cost of production? Will markets remain fair or will a few players, through monopolistic practices, manipulate markets? Will farm safety nets and crop insurance remain strong, as tools for economic success in agriculture production? Will input costs, including transportation, remain reasonable? What will weather and climate be like in the future? Obviously, you can’t list all the opportunities and challenges, but it is interesting that they are constant for all farmers and ranchers worldwide. And while the economic impact may be at substantially different levels based on geography, in the end, they are nearly the same. Our leadership event was designed as an encouragement to get younger farm leaders to understand the importance of their participation in the process of determining our future. Decisions made surrounding markets, farm programs, trade, technology, and many other

topics, are key to what agriculture will look like and what challenges and opportunities will exist. The days of sitting back and allowing others to decide our future have come and gone. Those who show up will make large impacts on the direction of food production. If farmers and ranchers choose not to participate, others will decide the direction and it will not necessarily be what is best for family farms and ranches. The most important message we left our young farmers with was the need for their involvement to make sure Farmers Union represents their ideas and opinions, keeping our grassroots organization strong. We also encouraged them to be involved in their cooperatives, both established and new. They need to participate in local community elections. They need to communicate with their elected officials and ask the hard questions. And at certain times, they need to step up and be elected to a local organization. Basically, family farmers and ranchers need to be the best citizens in a democracy they possibly can through participation. It is how our form of government works. Do not miss the opportunity to make our great nation’s success last forever.

NDFU.org • February 2024 • 5

Farmers Union

CAMP

GRADES 3-6* (4 DAYS, 3 NIGHTS) – $135** GRADES 7-12* (5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS) – $175** *Grade youth will have completed by the end of the school year **Early bird price. Price will increase $24 after May 15.

SENIOR CAMP • • • • • •

June 11-15 –Heart Butte, grades 7-12 June 18-22 – James River, grades 7-9 July 8-12 – James River, grades 7-12 July 9-13 – Heart Butte, grades 7-9 July 29-Aug. 2 – James River, grades 10-12 July 30-Aug. 3 – Heart Butte, grades 10-12

JUNIOR CAMP Heart Butte ~ near Elgin • • • • •

June 17-20 – Bottineau, Burke, Divide, McHenry, Mountrail, Renville, Ward, Williams June 24-27 – Adams, Bowman-Slope, Grant, Hettinger, Morton, Sioux June 30-July 3 – Statewide July 16-19 – Burleigh, Sheridan July 23-26 – Billings-Golden Valley, Dunn, McLean, Mercer, McKenzie, Oliver, Stark

James River ~ near Jamestown • June 10-13 – Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, Steele, Towner, Traill, Walsh, Wells • June 25-28 – Statewide • June 30-July 3 – Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Stutsman • July 15-18 – Statewide • July 22-25 – Barnes, Dickey, Emmons, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh

AWARD TRIPS (invitation only) April 27-28 – 7th & 8th Grade Lock-In (Jamestown) June 24-28 – All-States Leadership Camp (Minnesota) July 22-25 – Third-Year Award Trip (Twin Cities)

remraF noinU • 0202 yraurbeF • 6

8 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

Dr. David Ripplinger of NDSU will speak about putting a price on carbon and how it can benefit farmers.

Incentivizing carbon management BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

Carbon markets continue to evolve, and North Dakota farmers are reaping the benefits. Matt Rohlik of Houston-based Arva Intelligence said his company paid out $750,000 to North Dakota farmers last year on a sustainable barley project. “Our intent is to grow that by 35 or 40% for 2024,” he said. “We’ll also be adding additional crops like oats, chickpeas, sugar beets, some soybeans and corn in North Dakota.” Rohlik will be part of a panel discussion on incentivizing on-farm carbon management during the Evolution Ag Summit Feb. 20 at the North Dakota Farmers Union state office in Jamestown. Rohlik said companies are making sustainability a priority, and Arva Intelligence helps connect those companies with

producers. “They want to pledge for some type of sustainability or a net-zero goal,” Rohlik said. “We’re coming alongside them to match up those pledges with farmers that are growing the commodities.” Rohlik said Arva Intelligence focuses on making sure both sides are happy with the arrangement. “They have to come together and understand what works and what doesn’t work to be able to meet each other’s goals, instead of this getting shoved down (farmers’) throats,” he said. “This is a key opportunity where the government has not had to create any rules or laws or mandates for farmers to do this.

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NDFU.org • February 2024 • 9

AGENDA 9:00 a.m.

Welcome Matt Perdue, NDFU

9:05 a.m.

The Carbon Conundrum: Food & Agribusiness Perspectives Dr. David Ripplinger, NDSU Courtney Hall, CHS Adam Dunlop, Harvestone Low Carbon Partners Representative from Burger King (tentative)

9:50 a.m.

Back to the Basics: Sustainability at the Farm Level Dr. Lindsay Malone, NDSU Dr. Miranda Meehan, NDSU

10:35 a.m.

Networking Break

11:05 a.m.

Keynote Speaker: Rob Sharkey The SharkFarmer

11:55 a.m.

Lunch

12:40 a.m.

Putting a Price on Carbon Dr. David Ripplinger, NDSU

1:25 p.m.

Incentivizing On-Farm Carbon Management Debbie Reed, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium Paul Scheetz, ADM Matt Rohlik, Arva Intelligence Chad Ellis, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

2:10 p.m.

Networking Break

2:40 p.m.

The Carbon Conundrum: Farmer & Rancher Perspectives Jenny Schlecht, AgWeek Mike Schlosser, Edgeley Farmer Paul Overby, Wolford Farmer Dawn Martin, Beulah Rancher

3:25 p.m.

Closing Remarks Mark Watne, NDFU President

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE They are open and willing to participate in these types of markets. This has been a really good opportunity for farmers to get additional (income) on the commodities they are selling.” Rohlik added that he’ll also be talking about the latest opportunities for ranchers to capitalize on these markets. Also on the panel is Chad Ellis from the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Ellis said he’ll also be visiting about what’s happening on the ground with carbon markets and how landowners can make sure they’re protected. “A lot of these markets are new opportunities 10 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

that a lot of landowners just haven’t seen before,” he said. “We want to make sure you fully understand what you’re getting into. … Conservation without compensation is really only a conversation, and that’s where we‘ve got to find the right incentives that can put a plan into action to get moving on conservation. That not only helps the family operation, it helps everyone.” Highlighting the summit is Rob Sharkey: The SharkFarmer, an Illinois grain farmer who has starred on SharkFarmer TV, which has completed seven seasons. Sharkey’s bio said he addresses controversial issues and shares the struggles of modern farmers. Register for the summit at ndfu.org/evolutionag.

Managing cow-body condition is critical for profitability In the cow-calf production system, reproductive efficiency is the No. 1 driver of profitability. “That’s how this business works,” said James Rogers, North Dakota State University Extension forage crops production specialist. “We market the offspring from our herds. No offspring, no profit.” Rogers referenced a measure of reproductive performance used in the swine industry called “non-productive days,” or days that a gilt or sow is neither gestating or lactating. Each non-productive day comes at a cost and serves as a benchmark measure of reproductive and economic performance in a swine herd. “A sow has a huge reproductive advantage over a beef cow, as a sow will have two or slightly over two litters per year with multiple piglets,” Rogers said. “A beef cow should have zero non-productive days. Each day of the year, she should be lactating, gestating or preparing to rebreed. A beef cow gets one day a year to calve and only 80 days from calving to rebreed in order to stay within a 365-day calving interval. Cows with longer calving intervals cost more to maintain and produce less weaned calf than earlier calving cows.” Rogers adds that a 100% pregnancy and calving rate is not realistic, but ranchers should expect an open rate of around 8% in mature cows and 12% in heifers. Numbers higher than benchmark averages indicate that there may 12 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

be an underlying cause. Reports across North Dakota indicate a wide range in open rates from the benchmark averages to as high as 30%. According to Rogers, the single most important factor in keeping a cow at zero non-productive days is body condition, the amount of fat cover a cow is carrying through the various stages of the production cycle. Body condition has a direct impact on calving interval, conception rate and percentage of open cows. To access body condition, ranchers and researchers use a scoring scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (very obese). Research has shown that cows that calve at a body condition score of 5 to 6 will return to estrus in 50 to 60 days. A cow calving at a body condition score of 4 will take 70 days. With only 80 days available from calving to rebreeding to stay on a 365-day calving cycle, this does not allow much time. For spring calving herds, Rogers recommends ranchers take body condition scores now while there is still time to economically add condition prior to calving if needed. “Realize that it takes around 100 pounds of weight gain to change 1 unit on the body condition scale,” said Karl Hoppe, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist. “If a cow requires such a gain, consider whether you have quality feed supplies on hand to accomplish it. A forage test can help you know

To those who have donated to the NDFU Foundation ...

THANK YOU! Donations of $1,000 or more are recognized at the state office on the NDFU Donor Recognition wall. Contact Lucy Bardell at 701-952-0114 or lbardell@ndfu.org for more information

what you are working with. Forage tests cost about $20 per sample. An open cow could cost you about $1,200 in lost calf revenue plus cow maintenance costs for a year. The return on investment for a forage test is hard to beat.” It’s slow progress to change the body condition score of a cow. When balancing a ration for a one pound per day gain, it will take three months to increase one body condition score, Hoppe said. Extreme cold weather can decrease one body condition score quickly if the ration is not changed to include more energy. Prolonged winters like 2022-2023 can reduce body condition score without the owner recognizing the change. Describing how a body condition score of 5 to 6 should look can be difficult. Rogers uses an analogy to help others to visualize the body condition scale based on the condition of a cat. If the cat is round, with no defined shape or waistline, and you can’t feel the ribs, then this cat probably has a body condition score of 7 to 9 (on the fat side). If you can see the cat’s waist and feel its ribs, but it has a covering of fat down the back with some cover over the ribcage, it is a 5 to 6 (considered ideal). If ribs and hip bones are clearly visible on your cat, and there is a lack of cover down the back and ribs, this cat is a 1-4 and needs to gain weight. The same is true for cows. “When open cow numbers are higher than average, many ranchers assume something happened during the breeding season, and it probably did,” Rogers says. “Cows may not have been cycling or cycled late. The cause may have occurred before the breeding season with less than adequate cow body condition in late gestation and calving. Access cowherd body condition now to minimize open cows in the fall.” Article courtesy of NDSU Ag Communications NDFU.org • February 2024 • 13

14 • January 2023 • Union Farmer

Weekend Winter Getaway! March 1-3 in Red Lodge, Montana • $550 single occupancy • $400 double occupancy (per person) • $350 triple occupancy (per person) • $330 quad occupancy (per person) Trip includes luxury motor coach transportation, hotel stay at Quality Inn, two-day lift ticket & free time in downtown Red Lodge!

Visit ndfu.org/tours to sign up or view all of the other great upcoming trips from NDFU! For more information, call 800-366-6338

NDFU.org NDFU.org •• December January 2024 2023 • • 15 19

MAIN: Bottineau students Titan Thompson, left, unpacks meat as Ally Moldenhauer and Paige Marsden look on. COVER: Thompson, from left, Levi Emmel, Moldenhauer and Marsden start cutting meat into cubes for grinding. 16 • January 2024 • Union Farmer

ON THE GO

Farmers Union sponsors third CRACTC mobile meats trailer that helps high school students learn how to process animals safely Bottineau High School student Titan Thompson had a keen interest in learning how to safely process meat — not uncommon for farm kids with cattle or those who like to hunt. Now, he’s learning skills that could help him not only on the farm, but in a butcher shop. Thompson is one of four Bottineau students taking a six-week course on meat processing, utilizing the new 36-foot mobile meats trailer from the Central Regional Area Career and Technical Center (CRACTC) in Bismarck. Co-sponsored by North Dakota Farmers Union, Farmers Union Insurance and Farmers Union Enterprises, the trailer will head to its next school in late February. It was partially funded by a workforce development grant from

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU the North Dakota Department of Commerce. By the end of the six weeks, Thompson hopes to have learned the ins and outs of processing meat safely. “Learning different cuts of meat and how to trim everything up, so you’re not wrecking it,” he said. “I got some (of my own) cattle this year, so I figured it’d be a way to learn how to process the animals a little bit better.” Joel Brandvold is the ag education instructor at Bottineau High School. He wants the trailer to not only give his students some experience

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Bottineau High School ag education instructor Joel Brandvold points to the sticker that shows that the Mobile Meats trailer is actually considered Plant No. 693 by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. NDFU.org • February 2024 • 17

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE with meat safety, but to provide them with a workforce skill. “We have a meat processing plant that opened up (nearby) and one here in town that’s always looking for employees,” he said. “We thought it would be a good opportunity for them to get a taste of what it’s like and see if it’s something they’re interested in pursuing as a career.” The class — made up of Thompson, Levi Emmel, Paige Marsden and Ally Moldenhauer — started the second week of January. “It’s really a nice setup,” Brandvold said. “You can do pretty much any of the processing procedures you want. It’s got a vacuum sealer, a grinder, a meat saw — you can teach them the different parts of the meat. It’s pretty neat.” The mobile meats program is in its third year, though the trailer in Bottineau is brand new and gives the CRACTC three trailers 18 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

to distribute among its 51 member schools that range from Bottineau to Elgin to Kidder County. A few years ago, CRACTC Assistant Director Lyle Krueger noticed the work that was being done by the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center (SRCTC), which distributes a meat processing trailer to ag education classes in southeastern North Dakota. “They had one before anyone else took it on, and KRUEGER it was something I wanted to do for our member schools,” he said. “I had six schools that jumped on board the first year, then six more the next year.” Ag educators go through training prior to receiving the trailer, Krueger said. “The first year, we utilized one of the teachers from the (SRCTC) for our classes, but we use a couple of teachers who used the

TOP: Brandvold takes his students through what they'll be doing for the day. AT LEFT: Newburg High School students had their six weeks with the mobile meats lab during the fall semester. The far end of the trailer shows the Farmers Union sponsorships. Photo submitted by the CRACTC.

trailer the first year to teach our classes,” he said. “If teachers don’t complete the training, they don’t continue to get the lab.” The trailer itself is officially a custom-exempt meat processing facility by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, which means the meat is sent back to the owner of the animal and cannot be sold. “The meat is donated for the (students’) use, and then it’s donated back,” Krueger said. The six-week class isn’t all cutting and grinding. Regular processing facilities require excellent sanitation practices, and so does the trailer. “When they get it, they have to make sure all of the inventories are there and sanitize it before anything can happen — all that fun stuff,” Krueger joked. “The last week, they have to sanitize it again and get it organized for shipment. They’ll learn the sanitation side of how to properly do it without getting people sick.” It’s been popular to this point, as the students

who complete the class are asked to fill out an anonymous survey after the six-week course. “Ninety-eight percent said it met or exceeded their expectations,” he said. Brandvold said he wants his students to have training they can take with them into the workforce. “We hope they’ll have enough understanding to know where the cuts of meat are in the animal and how to make those cuts in the butchering process,” Brandvold said. “So, if they wanted to work in a plant, they’ve got at least some knowledge to get started.” Thompson believes it’s a good opportunity for him and other students to learn a little more about the care that’s required to take food from farm to plate. “Most kids nowadays don’t exactly understand where their food is coming from,” he said. “That’s where this comes in. It can help kids understand how it’s processed and all of the care that goes into it to make sure food is safe when it reaches the store.” NDFU.org • February 2024 • 19

How to use the

NDFU MOBILE APP

Members can use the same email address and password they use for the NDFU portal to log into the app. If you do not know your password, use the “Forgot Your Password” option. NDFU must have an email address on file for you to use the app. If we do not have an email address for you, please call 1-800-366-6338 or email us at ndfu@ndfu.org to have it attached to your account.

Follow the on-screen prompts to login. NDFU utilizes two-factor authentication for security purposes.

Enter the code to get into the app. If the texting option does not work the first time, try again and choose the email option.

If you don’t know your portal password, use the Forgot Your Password option!

Choose to receive your two-factor code via text or email!

You will stay logged into the NDFU app continually, providing you open the app once a month!

20 • January 2024 • Union Farmer

Three of the features of the app include a home screen with notifications, state convention registration and the ability to find and contact your legislators about important issues!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do I have to be a member to log into the mobile app? Yes. The app is for NDFU members. Those who would like to become members can sign up at NDFU.org! What if NDFU doesn’t have my email address? Like any online service, we require an email address to use the mobile app. Contact us at 1-800-366-6338 or ndfu@ndfu.org to have an email address added to your account. Additionally, if we have a different email address on file than the one you’re currently using, you can use the one we have on file or contact us with your new address. NDFU has my email, but I’ve never used the online portal. What’s my password? Simply use the Forgot Password link on the login screen and follow the on-screen prompts to set a new password! What should I do if I have additional problems? If you continue to have trouble logging in, please contact Chris in the Communications Department at 701-952-0118 or caarhus@ndfu.org. NDFU.org • January 2024 • 21

A look at NFU priorities for 2024 The 2023 calendar year is ended without a new farm bill, after being extended until Sept. 30, 2024. The extension came on the heels of a tumultuous year on Capitol Hill. The main events of the 118th Congress to date have been a historic speaker election that lasted 15 rounds, the summer debt ceiling agreement, a government shutdown nearmiss, and the removal of the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, which caused a lengthy work stoppage to elect the next speaker. However, in the closing act of its first year, Congress did pass an extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. Both Congress and the Biden Administration will have a busy slate come January. NFU’s top priorities in 2024 include fully funding the government, strengthening enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, and passing the right farm bill.

FUND THE GOVERNMENT

The fiscal year 2024 (FY24) began Oct. 1, 2023. Up against the deadline, Congress was able to avert a government shutdown by passing a contentious, and consequential, continuing resolution (CR), which extended government funding at existing FY23 levels through mid-November. In the weeks that followed, Kevin McCarthy was ousted as the Speaker of the House and all legislative business was halted until a new speaker could be elected. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) eventually obtained the gavel, allowing House business to resume after three grueling weeks. Few lawmakers had the appetite for another protracted spending battle at the next deadline, as scars from September and October remained. Congress passed another CR to fund the government into early 2024 on Nov. 14, which included a year-long extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. A unique and uncommon aspect of the most recent CR is the two-tiered or “laddered” approach to the funding extension. With all 12 spending bills extended at FY23 levels, most of the extensions run until Feb. 2.

22 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

The House Appropriations agriculture subcommittee released their initial FY24 agriculture spending bill in May, which directed steep spending cuts to USDA farm and food programs. Worse yet, it contained a policy rider provision that would prevent USDA from completing ongoing Packers & Stockyards Act (P&S Act) rulemakings that seek to strengthen the law’s enforcement. NFU expressed strong opposition to the bill upon its introduction and has since run several membership action alerts against it. To date, the House hasn't passed all their FY24 appropriations bills – the agriculture funding bill chief among them, which failed by a wide margin on the House floor. Republicans remain mired in disagreement over several issues, which will make for a very tight timeline when Congress returns from the holiday break. NFU’s FY24 appropriation priorities include robust funding across USDA agencies to ensure fair, competitive and resilient markets; protect family farmers and ranchers from anticompetitive conduct; provide farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to fight climate change; and build vibrant rural communities. NFU will continue fighting against spending cuts, as well as any provisions that seek to interfere with USDA’s efforts to strengthen the P&S Act.

STRENGTHEN P&S ACT

In July 2021, President Joe Biden outlined his action plan to promote competition in the American economy, which directed USDA to write new rules under the P&S Act to address corporate consolidation throughout the food system. The P&S Act became law in 1921 to protect livestock and poultry producers from unfair, deceptive and monopolistic practices in the marketplace. But the law has not kept up with changes in the livestock industry, which has seen rampant consolidation, reduced market transparency and the rise of unfair contract

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 terms for farmers and ranchers. New rules are needed to provide strong and genuine protections for family producers. USDA has only finalized one P&S Act rule, which is focused on creating greater transparency in poultry contracting systems. NFU has urged USDA to swiftly finalize its outstanding P&S Act rules. These include the “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity” rule – currently in the final review stage – which seeks to identify unlawfully deceptive and retaliatory practices under the P&S Act. USDA recently made further progress by sending two additional P&S Act rules to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. When OMB completes its review, proposed rules should be released for public comment. One rule is expected to address abuses in contract poultry growing systems and the other is expected to clarify USDA’s longstanding interpretation that it is unnecessary under the P&S Act for producers to demonstrate industry-wide harm to establish violations under the law. On Dec. 13, NFU co-led a group letter to Biden commending his administration for its actions and efforts to fight monopoly power in agriculture, while highlighting the important work done thus far by the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission and USDA to create fairer and more competitive agricultural markets. The letter highlights the importance of USDA’s efforts to update the P&S Act. While commending USDA for its efforts on P&S Act rulemakings thus far, it also expresses concern about USDA’s slow pace in their completion. NFU and partners have urged the Administration and USDA to act quickly as efforts to block completion of the rulemakings remain active.

PASS THE RIGHT FARM BILL

The 2018 Farm Bill has been extended to Sept. 30, 2024. But the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have signaled their intent to pass a new farm bill in the first quarter 24 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

of 2024. There remain several disagreements that need to be hashed out before draft bills can be introduced, primarily concerning funding increases for certain farm programs. The Senate Agriculture Committee differs on the $20 billion for USDA conservation programs from the Inflation Reduction Act and the scope and application of Title I commodity programs. Across the Hill, House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) has begun presenting plans for spending allocations to achieve his farm bill priorities. These include reallocating conservation funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, capping USDA’s Section 5 authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation, and restricting the way USDA updates the Thrifty Food Plan, the economic model that used to set federal nutrition assistance benefits. NFU supported the farm bill extension, but renewed calls for Congress to act quickly on a new farm bill. While the extension provided producers with certainty regarding the status of farm programs ahead of the next growing season, family farmers and ranchers face challenges that only a new farm bill can address. NFU’s top priority in the months ahead is securing passage of a five-year farm bill that provides strong support for family farmers, ranchers, and our communities. The right farm bill will ensure Fairness for Farmers by addressing the monopoly crisis in agriculture, strengthen the farm safety net, and help farmers and ranchers tackle climate change. NFU is advocating for a dedicated title on competition to increase fairness throughout agricultural markets, penalize large corporations for anticompetitive conduct, and strengthen protections for producers under the P&S Act. NFU supports efforts to expand crop insurance, establish permanent disaster assistance, and protect the farm bill’s conservation and energy titles to promote climate-smart agricultural practices. Farmers Union members can expect many opportunities to make their voices heard. Be on the lookout for updates and action alerts in the months ahead!

Visit nfu.org to learn more UNITED TO GROW FAMILY AGRICULTURE

The Farmer’s Share Did you know that farmers and ranchers receive only 14.3* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend?

According to the USDA, off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.

Bacon

Retail: Farmer:

$6.99 $0.83

Retail: Farmer:

$9.99 $2.93

$7.49 $0.07

Retail: Farmer:

$1.75 $0.51

1 gallon, fat free

1 lb.

$2.49 $0.23

Retail: Farmer:

$4.49 $0.17

Beer

Retail: Farmer:

12-pack cans

$4.49 $2.80

Flour

$2.99 $1.20

Retail: Farmer:

2 lb.

$6.89 $0.58

Fresh Potatos

Soda

Retail: Farmer:

Russet, 5 lbs.

@NFUDC

$12.98 $0.83

2 liters

$3.99 $1.19

Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2023. | Prices based on November 2023 data. Retail prices based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted. | *Figure according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service

/nationalfarmersunion

Retail: Farmer:

Fresh Apples

$2.29 $0.75

$16.99 $0.07

Boneless Ham

All Purpose, 5 lbs.

1 lb.

$4.39 $1.86

Fresh Carrots 5 lbs.

1 dozen

Milk

Lettuce

Wheat Loaf

Eggs

1 lb.

18 oz. box

Retail: Farmer:

Bread

Tomatoes

Corn Cereal

Retail: Farmer:

Top Sirloin Steak 1 lb.

1 lb.

$0.99 $0.07

December, 2023

/nationalfarmersunion

Do you know a member who does something interesting or unique? Let us know! We may feature them in the Union Farmer! Contact Editor Chris Aarhus at caarhus@ndfu.org or 701-952-0118

NDFU.org • February 2024 • 25

NDFU restaurants feature seasonal farm flavors

As a farmer-owned company, Farmers Restaurant Group sees everything "Through The Eyes Of The Farmer," right down to the seasonally rotated side dishes on their lunch and dinner menus. Each spring, summer, fall and winter, guests have the chance to indulge in seasonal delights. The crop list sides were created to highlight the best of what each specific season has to offer, culinarily. For example, their fall crop list had warm, cozy sides like hot honey roasted butternut squash and mashed sweet potatoes and toasted fluff. Winter crop list sides include braised collard greens, and cabbage and

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26 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

lentils, roasted turnips and celery root. The spring menu, still in development, has jumbo asparagus and sautéed Tuscan kale and curly spinach.

Shining a light on seasonal crops is another way Farmers Restaurant Group pays homage to family farmers and the importance of high-quality sourcing. By having a designated section of the menu focused solely on foods at their peak freshness and nutritional best, Farmers Restaurant Group is changing the way guests think about food and the farmers that bring out the flavors of each season.

WEBINAR SERIES

Conversations over Coffee SCHEDULE

1 FEB Alliance to Advance

15 FEB North Dakota

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Agricultural Mitigation

MAR 7 Farm Loan Programs

MAR 21 Local and Regional Market Opportunities

HAVE YOU MOVED? NDFU is looking for updated information on our members! Use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code, which will take you to an online form to fill out. NDFU.org • February 2024 • 27

Our Fam

Book S the Fourth children’s book from North Dakota Farmers Union

$16.95 plus tax

Dusty learns about generations of family and equipment on their farm, and the latest in soil technology. Find out how Dusty makes Gramps a new thingamajig for his tractor to save the day! 26 • August 2022 • Union Farmer 24 • August 2022 • Union Farmer 28 • December 2023 • Union Farmer 12 • June March2022 2022• •Union UnionFarmer Farmer 4 • January 2022 • Union Farmer

mily mil y Farm

Series Don’t forget! You can get all four books for one great price!

Sullivan Our Family Farm • Cows on the Mooove!

$16.95 ISBN 978-0-578-91271-4

51695>

NDFU

9 780578 912714

GET 4 BOOKS FOR $55 + tax

NOTE: only ONE “Where Roots Run Deep” book is included in $55 deal

visit ndfu.org to purchase your books online or call the state office at 1-800-366-6338

NDFU.org • August 2022 • 27 NDFU.org • August 2022 • 25

NDFU.org • December 2023 • 29 NDFU.org NDFU.org• •March June 2022 2022 •• 13 13 NDFU.org • January 2022 • 5

CLASSIFIEDS Ads must be submitted through the online form at www.ndfu.org. Click “Classifieds” at the very bottom of ndfu.org and fill out the online form. Ads must be re-submitted each month. No exceptions! Deadline is the 15th of every month. Limit 75 words. MEMBERSHIP DUES MUST BE CURRENT!

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE JD COMBINE, 7721, pull-type. Nice, just don’t use anymore. 701-351-1403, Bryan Knutt, Rocklake. LORENZ FEED WAGON, works good $1300; Laymen stack mover works good $1800; Hay Buster bale processor works great $4800; New Holland 1000 bale sacker, new chains ready to go to work $4200; Arts way 500 grinder mixer hydraulic drag auger large mill has a scale $4800; IH 300 utility tractor front end loader with chains, $4600; Crown real type rock picker, can deliver any of these items. 701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan. TUB GRINDER, 900 B Farmhand tub grinder. Recent hammers and rods new hydraulic pump, good condition. $7,500 obo. 701-391-1283, Robert Mehlhoff, Bismarck. VERMEER BALER 605 J, 1987 model, 1000 RPM PTO, windrow gathers, hydraulic tailgate, electric tie and monitor, tires in very good condition. Always been shedded and it is in good condition. Asking $3000. 701-391-0497, Randy Volk, Shields. 2001 JD 9750 COMBINE, PRWD, Cont Master - Eng -4968/Sep- 3331. Above avg condition, serviced/annually; JD 635F Flex Head W/Crary Air Bar; Starfire 3000 Globe, New Shroud, Good Shape; JD 2014 DB60 PARTS 36 JD Pro-Series XP Meters with Mini Hoppers/Trimble True Count Air Clutches/Seed Tub Sensor Wire Harnesses 3 control boxes/Air tanks to run clutches for 3 row shutoff; Trimble Wiring/Hoses. 701-321-5711, John Kempf, Ashley. IH SUPER M, 1954, with loader, I have been working on restoring it. Decals and misc. parts go with. I used it this summer. It will need a few electrical parts to get back running. It has new tubes and the tires are in fair condition. Six-volt system and new battery, $2700. OBO. Text or email me for more info and pictures. Email redied@restriv.com. 701-220-8752, Ed Schwab, Hazen. GRAIN CART, used 400 bu. J-Kraft grain cart, PTO drive, folding auger, sloping hopper tank with bottom auger, new roll tarp, 28L-26 single tires, drives reconditioned, used 2023 and earlier years' harvest and planting seasons, good condition, pictures available upon request, $4000 OBO. 701-952-8973, Glen Nagel, Jamestown.

30 • February 2024 • Union Farmer

SIMER WATER PUMP; Bourgault knock on cultivator sweeps; farm scale with steel wheels; used Case IH 8230 feeder chain; used nirtolator w/hyd shut off hoses; combine pickup guards/ lifters; old front tine rototiller; used 16" cultivator shovels; live traps; muskrat/mink traps; transition for adding aeration to an existing grain bin/screens/fans; 3 triangular grain auger hoppers w/straps/chains to fasten onto grain auger. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

QUILTING FRAME. Hinterberg Design Classic model CL93. Made from kiln-dried hard-rock maple. Rollers made from premium laminated hardwood, will never bow or warp. The three roller system eliminates basting and gives precise tension control. 6 large ratchets for tensioning. Wide range of roller positions. Can flip quilt. Sturdy trestle design enables chair and leg room as you quilt. Standard 93” poles with 31” extension kit. $300. 701-832-2001, Mary Kohler, Benedict.

AUGER, 22 ft x6 inch hyd auger like new; 16 ft x 5 inch hyd auger for feed & seed; all items kept inside. JD heavy duty utility tailer with tilt bed, 8 ft long x 6 ft wide; 3 point hitch snow blower 6 ft wide; Logsplitter; Samsung LED 30 inch tv flat screen with remote. Call late evening or leave a message. 701-482-7749, Robert Huff, Donnybrook.

CEDAR CHEST, excellent condition, one owner bought new; Barn lantern, vintage 1920's or older, Mfg. by German company, excellent condition; RCA mini DVD player 10in screen, everything works great for small kids; Men's Bowling ball Model: Black Beauty 13 pounder, priced to sell. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

WANTED

FISH HOUSE, Jason Mitchel portable fish house with hitch. Bought new. Paid 1350. Would like $1100 or best offer. 701-486-3168/320-2094, Cliff Meadows, Medina.

4-CYCLE ENGINE, Ford Industrial 4 cyl engine off of Owatana 350, New Holland 903 or Hesston 500 swathers; White 598 plow 6 or 7 bottom, 10' grain press drill with 6" spacings; Cockshutt 30, Coop E-3, Allis Chalmers WF tractors. Need not be running, but complete. JD 1240 4 row plate planter with disc openers. Also seed plates for JD corn planter, wheels and rear tires for WD45 or D-17 Allis Chalmer tractor 13.6 x 28, 14.9 x 28 or 16.9 by 28 - preferred without fluids. 701-226-4055, Lloyd Giese, Steele. TRACTORS, IHs 806,1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 966, 1066, 1466, 1566 and others; JD 5010, 5020, 6030, others. MM 900s on up; Olivers 1964 on up. ACs 190, 200, 210, 220, D-21; buying all running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley. BRACKETS, headlights and mounting brackets for #3 Co-op tractor. 701-230-2358, Francis Leiphon, Crary.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 2 RUGER 10-22S: Green Laminate Blued hvy bbl, $600; Walnut Finger Groove stock blued w’ scope, $725; Synthetic tactical stock for 10-22, $125; Thunderstruck Volleyfire 333 22 mag dbl bbl 8 shot revolver, $325;3X9 50 mm Leupold Scope w/ sunshade, $350; May take trades or offers. Can ship to your FFF license holder. In Zahl, 30 miles North of Williston. 701-5803357, Martin Hanson, Zahl. INFRARED SAUNA, 5 person, barely used. Clearlight Premier IS-5. Bluetooth sound, light therapy, 240v 12.5amp. Call or text for details and pictures. Asking $5,500 OBO. 218-3242990, Nels Enerson, Minot.

15-30 MCCORMICK TRACTOR, 1 New Tire LT245-75R-Load Range E. 2- Cream Separators, One David Bradley Metal Grain Box like new, 4- wheel Steel Running Gear, 1 Covered Wagon Running Gear, 12’ Kirschman Drill, 1 Horse Potato Cultivator, 4 Btm. Pony & Packer, Saddle and 2 Bridles. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields. FREE Golden Retriever Puppies to Forever Homes due to moving overseas! 1 Male,1 Female. Excellent temperament! House trained with very good trainable natures & perfect for families with children and other pets! I will not re-home to just anyone. PLEASE email me first at: stephaniechristensen59@gmail.com before text. 312-932-7651, Stephanie Christensen, Jamestown. WANTED ADVERTISING SIGNS, old gas pumps, advertising thermometers, advertising clocks, most any item that has advertising on it. Retired North Dakota road signs, ND highway patrol door sign, and older ND license plates. ND picked arrowheads or hammers, and small town metal trade tokens. Willing to travel to your location, paying cash. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. CHAINSAW, old Homelite chainsaw and/or parts. I visit ND yearly. 707-425-7315, Vernon Buchmann, Fairfield, Calif. PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land. Make reservations now; Used dependable, slower, water cooled snowmobile with electric start and reverse. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields

GENERATOR, standby; Wind with trailer. 701327-8399, Gerald DeWitz, Tappen.

MISCELLANEOUS

SIGNS, Massey Harris 96"x30" porcelain, CO-OP 96"x54" porcelain, Our Own Hardware 20'x2' porcelain. All signs in very good condition, trades welcome. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

FOR SALE 2023 HAY. Alfalfa+Brome Grass 5 x 6, Big Bales Avg.1800 lbs. Excellent quality made with John Deere baler. Bales $65 a piece, 2 free bales with each semi load. 701-400-2683, Doug Neuharth, Hurdsfield.

WINTER LIVESTOCK SAFETY TIPS • Provide adequate shelter for all animals • Some animals tend to eat more during colder weather, so check food supply often • Be sure drinking water is not frozen • Young animals may need extra bedding for cold protection

Find out more at ndsc.org/ag-safety-training-program NDFU.org • February 2024 • 31

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402

Rates and availability subject to change