NDFU union farmer JANUARY 2024 • ndfu.org
Jen Meyer of Wilton
THE GRASSROOTS More than 500 NDFU members converge on Bismarck for 97th annual state convention
GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY
Kary Lindgren Agency I grew up west of Wishek on a farm/ranch where we raised small grains and commercial cattle. I graduated from Wishek High and attended North Dakota State University, where I majored in agricultural education and minored in animal science. I was fresh out of college and substitute teaching at local schools as well as working for the NRCS in Ashley when I was hired by Farmers Union. In May 2002, I became the local insurance agent and have been with the company since. My husband Carl and I have a ranch southeast of Ashley where we raise commercial Angus cattle, Rambouillet sheep, and quarter horses. We have two children, Marshall and Cheyanne. Marshall graduated high school last spring from Ashley and has joined the ranching operation full-time. Cheyanne is currently a senior at Ashley and plans on attending Bismarck State College next fall to major in nursing. Both kids compete on a ranch rodeo team, and Marshall has started competing in ranch bronc roughstock riding. Farmers Union has been a great company to work for and I have enjoyed having my own agency, all while being backed by such a strong North Dakota base. I feel that our company serves our customers well, having so many
Kary Lindgren Agency 105 Main St. W Ashley ND 58413 PH: (701) 288-3813
UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 71 • Number 1
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: 37,792 • USPS 016-211 2 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
options and lines of insurance to choose from to fit their specific needs. As I have learned during my career, there isn’t just one fit for everyone, and we have the resources to find the right coverage for our clients. I have been very active in the community, serving on several different boards/committees over the years. Currently, I am involved with the Ashley Sports Club, Ashley FFA Advisory Board, and the Lake Hoskins Board. When not at work, I enjoy the outdoors, anything to do with livestock/ horses, and painting/building/designing outdoor or interior projects.
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.
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
Watne reelected NDFU President Mark Watne of Velva was reelected to an 11th one-year term as North Dakota Farmers Union president by more than 500 members and voting delegates attending the organization’s 97th annual state convention Dec. 15-16 in Bismarck. In his address to members, Watne reflected on groundbreaking ideas the organization has brought to WATNE fruition to enhance family farm agriculture, such as Founding Farmers restaurants on the East Coast, and cited future opportunities on the horizon. “We’re going to have to be more creative and innovative than ever to take what past presidents and leaders have done to prepare this KUYLEN organization for future success. The only way we accomplish what we want to accomplish is by being active and the voice of family farm agriculture,” he said. In policy debate, Farmers Union delegates adopted two special orders of business in addition to their 2024 Program of Policy and Action. The first order urged Congress to prioritize completion of a new farm bill. Delegates emphasized the need for a strong and stable safety net in the next farm bill, adequate protection from natural disasters, and farmerfriendly conservation resources. The second special order opposed elimination of property taxes in North Dakota. Delegates supported efforts to reduce property taxes and encouraged the state legislature and political subdivisions to work toward a more balanced tax structure comprised of income,
property and sales tax revenues. Members also enjoyed a series of breakout sessions that focused on the farm bill, property taxes, market concentration, and new programs and resources for family farmers and ranchers. Other convention speakers included National Farmers Union President Rob Larew, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, NDSU crop economist Dr. Frayne Olson, and motivational speaker Alyson Van Hooser. The Agraria Mutual Group (dba Farmers Union Insurance Company) also held its 80th annual meeting in conjunction with the NDFU state convention. In other elections, Bob Kuylen of South Heart was reelected as NDFU vice president. Jon Iverson of Langdon retained his seat as District 1 director for Benson, Cavalier, Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Towner and Walsh counties. Tyler Stafslien of Makoti was reelected to the District 3 seat, which encompasses the counties of Burke, Divide, Mountrail, Renville and Williams counties. Wes Niederman of Elgin was reelected as District 5 director. The counties of Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux comprise District 5. Ben Vig of Sharon was elected District 7 director for Barnes, Cass, Griggs, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill counties. Former director Ronda Throener of Cogswell did not seek reelection.
IVERSON
STAFSLIEN
NIEDERMAN
VIG
NDFU.org • January 2024 • 3
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
NDFU President Mark Watne talks about organizational goals during his President’s Report at the NDFU state convention Dec. 15 at the Bismarck Event Center.
Innovation is key WATNE: Enhancing family farm ag will take outside-the-box thinking BY PAM MUSLAND, NDFU
Innovation is nothing new for Farmers Union. The ability to implement out-of-the-box ideas to enhance family farm agriculture, such as farmer-owned restaurants, will be the key to future success, said NDFU President Mark Watne in his state convention address to members on Friday, Dec. 15. “We’re going to have to be more creative and innovative than ever to take what past presidents and leaders have done to prepare this organization for future success,” he said. Watne outlined opportunities on the horizon related to climate change. “The whole world is going to deal with this issue. It’s going to have a direct impact on what you as a farmer may or may not plant, how you plant it, how much adoption of precision 4 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
agriculture [you do], how much adoption of new soil health practices. Markets you go after are all going to be influenced by this, and it’s going to happen at a fairly rapid pace.” Watne said production of renewable diesel fuel and sustainable aviation fuel are going to create a huge demand for oilseeds. “It’s going to drive prices and it’s going to look really good from a farmer perspective.” As the world slowly weans itself off of fossil fuel production and finds other types of energy, farmers should be part of the carbon sequestration solution, Watne said. “Farmers can help. Give us some tools. Tell us how much carbon we can store. Pay us. And we will help solve this issue. This is going to be an opportunity. It’s also going to be a challenge. Farmers Union’s going to have to be involved.”
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
NORTH DAKOTA DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL FARMERS UNION CONVENTION March 10-12 in Scottsdale, Ariz. (listed alphabetically) Missy Axt, McClusky; Dave Berger, Center; Lori Blocker, Ashley; Terry Borstad, Devils Lake; Bob Bruns, Valley City; Dee Decimus Holmes, Grand Forks; Darren Dobrinski, Makoti; Jim Dotzenrod, Wyndmere; Rhonda Fenwick, Battleview; DeAnne Finken, Douglas; Julie Gemmill, Fordville; Scott Grote, Battleview; Josh Heinrich, Kindred; Pam Henningsen, Monango; Christie Jaeger, Esmond; Jared Johnson, Kenmare; John Kelly, Pekin; Jarett Keith, Sherwood; Steve Keith, Sherwood; Bill Kershaw, Menoken; Karen Kershaw, Menoken; Aaron Krauter, Regent; Cindy Krauter, Regent; Bob Kuylen, South Heart; Sarah Kuylen, South Heart; Lucas McClean, Ypsilanti; Scot Ness, Kenmare; Philip Neubauer, Bottineau; Wes Niederman, Elgin; Amanda Olson, Anamoose; Chris Lundeby, Osnabrock; Perry Ostmo, Sharon; Melissa Pfennig, McClusky; Carmen Rath Wald, Napoleon; Richard Schlosser, Edgeley; Trent Sherven, Ryder; Lenci Sickler, Gladstone; Shane Sickler, Gladstone; Nathan Watne, Velva; Dalton Wiest, Barney; Ben Vig, Sharon; Megan Vig, Sharon.
Internally, Watne said the Farmers Union Service Association’s expansion to other states is “creating a great growth opportunity for us and will help fund the farm organization.” At the same time, challenges exist. He said severe weather patterns over the past several years have impacted Agraria Insurance Company. “We are having loss ratios that we’ve never seen before and it’s not unique to us. It’s happening across the country.” As a result, the reinsurance market has shifted from a soft to a hard market. Policyholders will likely see insurance rates and deductibles go up. Organizationally, Watne said a “phase strategy” will be implemented to position NDFU for future success. That includes enhancing and repositioning staff capacity; growing
capital and financial stability; finding synergies between NDFU and Farmers Union Insurances; and capitalizing on value-added ventures and diversity of income. He also emphasized the need to recreate local subdivisions that can be organized around an issue, a local election, project, or a resultsbased objective. In the past, Watne said Farmers Union counties and locals strived to elect people to local boards, which brought the Farmers Union mindset and voice into the room. “I’m here to promise you, we will be doing stuff. We are not going to sit by and be idle," he said. "The only way we accomplish what we want to accomplish is by being active and the voice of family farm agriculture.” NDFU.org • January 2024 • 5
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
NDFU delegates pass two special orders
Each year, delegates at North Dakota Farmers Union’s annual convention conclude the Policy and Action debate by passing special orders of business. These documents address specific, timely issues and highlight strong priorities for NDFU’s advocacy work. This year, delegates to the convention passed two special orders dealing with the 2024 Farm Bill and property tax in North Dakota.
FAMILY FARMING AND THE 2024 FARM BILL The 2018 Farm Bill was extended through September 2024. While that extension provides certainty for the next year, farmers and ranchers need long-term certainty. Current reliance on ad hoc programs is not a sustainable solution. We urge Congress to prioritize completion of the farm bill in the next year. The 2024 Farm Bill should provide farmers and ranchers with a strong, stable safety net, adequate protection from natural disasters, and farmer-friendly conservation resources. NDFU believes Congress’s self-imposed requirement that all farm bills are budget neutral is harmful to the policymaking process. As the last five years have demonstrated, underfunded farm bill programs ultimately lead to additional spending through ad hoc programs. We urge Congress to improve farm bill programs based on need and provide the necessary funding to support those programs. Specifically, NDFU encourages Congress to make the following improvements in the next farm bill: • Increase Price Loss Coverage reference prices to reflect increases in production costs; •
•
Establish a “dual enrollment option” that allows farmers to receive the higher of the calculated Agricultural Risk Coverage and PLC payment; Close farm program eligibility loopholes to ensure support is directed to family farmers and ranchers;
6 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
•
Improve the affordability of higher levels of crop insurance coverage and supplemental coverage options;
•
Strengthen the Livestock Forage Program and Livestock Indemnity Program to ensure payments accurately reflect forage and livestock losses;
•
Create voluntary, not mandatory, options that support farmers and ranchers who adopt conservation practices;
•
Increase flexibility for existing conservation programs and provide sufficient funding to meet demand;
•
Increase payments for conservation practices that deliver the greatest environmental benefits; and
•
Fund public research on the costs and benefits of climate-smart agriculture practices.
Thank you to the following convention sponsors: AgCountry Farm Credit Services of Mandan Butler Machinery of Fargo First Community Credit Union
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
FAMILY FARMING AND PROPERTY TAX NDFU supports a tax structure that provides a reasonable balance of income, property and sales tax revenues. We are concerned by the growing burden of property taxes on landowners. We support efforts to reduce the property tax burden while maintaining local services and infrastructure funding. We encourage the state legislature and political subdivisions to work toward a more balanced tax structure. However, NDFU also recognizes the important role property taxes play within a balanced tax structure. Property taxes are
levied locally and controlled locally to address local needs. Property taxes are important for upgrading and maintaining rural roads and supporting public schools. Property taxes also fund many local services, including fire, ambulance and public safety, water systems and public libraries. NDFU opposes efforts to eliminate property tax. Eliminating property taxes will force political subdivisions to rely on the state for funding critical needs. This will disproportionately harm rural communities and lead to declining services and infrastructure.
NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION STATE CONVENTION SPONSOR
Thank you Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau!
NDFU.org • January 2024 • 7
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
NDFU Government Operations Director Matt Perdue, at far right, moderates a breakout on the Farm Bill during the 97th annual North Dakota Farmers Union convention Dec. 15 at the Bismarck Event Center. From left are Jess Peterson of the U.S. Cattlemen's Association, Howard Olson of AgCountry Farm Credit Services and former North Dakota FSA director Aaron Krauter.
NDSU hosts educational breakouts
Beyond the Blooms, a local Mandan business, led a breakout that taught members how to make their own Christmas wreaths. NOT PICTURED: NFU's Aaron Shier presented to members on the latest on the Fairness to Farmers campaign
Josh Stutrud, left, and Drew Courtney of ND Agricultural Mitigation lead a breakout on conservation opportunities for members. Other information during the breakout included presentations on the North Central Regional Food Business Center and the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture.
Donnell Preskey of the N.D. Association of Counties, at right, leads a breakout on why getting rid of property taxes would be a bad idea in North Dakota. From left is Nathan Berseth of the Richland County School Board, Stark County Commissioner Neal Messer and Rep. Jared Hagert from District 20. 8 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
Hoeven: Farm Bill extension important Sen. John Hoeven updated NDFU members on the recent Farm Bill extension and other hopeful changes during the 97th annual convention Dec. 16 at the Bismarck Event Center. Hoeven outlined key priorities for the next Farm Bill, including strengthening crop insurance and livestock disaster programs, expanding farm credit and updating the countercyclical safety net. “We appreciate the great working relationship we have with Farmers Union — it’s incredibly important as we work to get to a Farm Bill,” he said. “I really appreciate the interaction we have with all of you.” Hoeven said passing an extension was the right call on the Farm Bill, securing stability for producers for the 2024 growing season. “We didn’t want a short extension, because we didn’t want you to go into next year with uncertainty,” he said. The structure of crop insurance needs to be fixed to better reflect North Dakota’s diverse geography, Hoeven said. He also said farm credit limits and PLC reference prices should be updated to better reflect the cost of doing business. “All of these things are coming together,” he said. “I hope we can get it done as soon as possible, but it’s more important we get it right than get it done (quick).”
Sen. John Hoeven addresses NDFU members at their 97th annual state convention Dec. 16 at the Bismarck Event Center.
NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION STATE CONVENTION SPONSOR
Thank you Farmers Union Industries!
NDFU.org • January 2024 • 9
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
Dr. Frayne Olson of North Dakota State University gives his outlook on commodity markets to NDFU members at their annual state convention Dec. 15 at the Bismarck Event Center.
OLSON: Keep an eye on corn prices BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU
Producers should watch for higher corn prices in 2024, but don’t expect large shifts in the market. That was one of the messages NDSU crop economist Dr. Frayne Olson conveyed to more than 500 North Dakota Farmers Union members at its annual state convention Dec. 15 at the Bismarck Event Center. Olson touched on the corn, soybean and wheat markets, providing an outlook on production and prices.
CORN
Olson said USDA is projecting a record corn crop of 15.2 billion bushels from U.S. producers for 2023, which is likely the culprit for an already lower price that floats around $4.70 a bushel. “We had an increase in planted acres, and yields held up well — not a banner year, but not a bad year,” he said. “What would have happened to corn prices if we would have had an above average year with our yields? If we would have had a few more showers in the central corn belt, this could have been much worse.” 10 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
Olson said he believes the price is at the bottom end of the range and that producers could see better prices in 2024. “I do think we’re going to have a cutback in (corn) acreage, and we’ll see a little more soybeans,” he said, “but I don’t see a big shift here, either.” Animal feed, human consumption and ethanol demand are relatively easy markets for USDA to predict, as demand isn’t volatile. However, Olson said the wild card is always the export market and what’s happening with harvests in other countries. For 2023, that’s Mexico. The country is already the top purchaser of U.S. corn, but has continued its buying to make up for poor yields brought on by drought. Additionally, Japan continues to buy above its traditional mark because of the lower price of U.S. corn. However, some of those gains are lost by the decreased purchasing from China, which continues to buy from Brazil after its record corn crop, though supplies are running lower around this time. Olson added that if hot and dry weather continues in the northern half of South America, it could stunt the global corn crop and leave an opening for U.S. producers.
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER So when will prices improve for American corn farmers? “When China starts buying from us (after exhausting the Brazilian supply), or when we know there’s an issue with South American weather,” Olson said. “It could be late January or probably into February.”
He added that a large Brazilian crop from last year hurt U.S. soybean exports to China, which should look to the U.S. market when the Brazilian supply diminishes. Further helping U.S. prices is a severe drought in northern Brazil that could devastate the yields of the upcoming soybean crop. “We’re still trying to get an idea of just how bad that crop is because of drought,” he said.
SOYBEANS
Increased domestic demand was the highlight of Olson’s soybean presentation. U.S. producers had good yields for 2023, but planted less soybean acres. That led to an expected shortfall, which is reflected in a decent soybean price floating around $13.31 per bushel, Olson said. “I think we’ll see more soybean acres (than corn planted in 2024), but the big argument right now is how big of a shift,” he said. “We’ve got a nice upward chug in our crushing demand, but what’s the growth rate going forward? Are we gonna see crush rate grow fast? Olson said more states adopting the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) — California, Oregon and Washington already have — would drive up demand for soybeans. The LCFS mandates that a certain percentage of the diesel supply must be renewable diesel, which is typically made from soybean oil. Other oils such as canola also work, but soybeans are the most plentiful.
WHEAT
U.S. wheat production is up from last year, as producers planted more wheat than they have either of the last two years. While prices have dropped considerably, Olson said it’s important for producers to be patient with their wheat supplies. “It’s $7 (per bushel) now — is that the harvest low? I think it is,” he said. “Something can always push it lower, but the chances of that are small.” Olson said China made large purchases of wheat in 2023, but that didn’t help American spring wheat growers. “They’re buying soft red winter wheat because it’s in the lowest price class,” he said. “They’re not buying spring wheat, so spring wheat prices are not affected. I do think China will eventually buy some spring wheat, and they’ll probably divide it evenly between the U.S. and Canadian markets. That won’t come until later in the marketing year.”
Cooperative Leadership Training
Feb. 21 2024 Foundation training
Feb. 22, 2024 Enhanced training
Louise S. Barry Auditorium 811 2nd Ave. N. Fargo, ND 58102
Hosted by
Cooperative leaders from across North Dakota will provide director training to cooperatives in the region at two levels: • Foundation – will focus on the core skills needed by co-op leaders to guide their co-op. • Enhanced – will expand on the core skills and introduce more advanced management techniques.
Registration: 8:30 a.m. Program: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration fees:
$150/Foundation, $200/Enhanced, $300 if participant attends both trainings Registration deadline Feb. 14, 2024 Register at https://agext-northdakotastate-ndus. nbsstore.net/cooperative-leadership-training
Sponsored by:
North Dakota Cooperative Manager’s Association Olson, Juntunen, Sandberg & Boettner
NDFU.org • January 2024 • 11
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
The 2023 Torchbearer Award winners were honored on Saturday of the NDFU state convention. In back, from left, Karter Hartsoch of Ray, Ozzie Skogen of Lakota, Austyn Cvancara of Ray, Edriana Konieczka of Bismarck, Madison Zimmerman of Elgin, Jordan Johnson of Thompson. In front are Alyssa Young of Napoleon, Harley Ternes of Washburn, Maddix Falk of Ray, Karesse Heinz of Rolette and Julia Rhone of Mandan. NOT PICTURED: Daymon Nadvornik of Dickinson and Megan Ames of Wimbledon.
NDFU youths earn Torchbearer Awards Eleven winners of North Dakota Farmers Union's prestigious Torchbearer Award were honored during the Torchbearer ceremony at the state convention Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Bismarck Event Center. The Torchbearer Award is the highest honor that can be achieved in North Dakota Farmers Union’s youth program. Thirteen youths in total earned the award for 2023. The award recognizes students for their
12 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
involvement in Farmers Union’s youth education program and requires five years of senior class work (grades 7-12) to enhance communication, leadership and teamwork skills, along with business knowledge of cooperatives. As Torchbearers, youths pledge with a courageous heart to practice tolerance and brotherhood for all, and to help “light the way to a peaceful world.”
97TH ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION • DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
Former NDFU President Alan Bergman poses with scholarship winners Ozzie Skogen, Alyssa Young and Madison Zimmerman.
Three youths win scholarships Ozzie Skogen of Lakota, Alyssa Young of Napoleon and Madison Zimmerman of Elgin are the 2023 recipients of the $1,000 Bergman Scholarship awarded by NDFU. The scholarship was established by Alan Bergman, past president of NDFU. To be
eligible, applicants must be current Torchbearers and have at least a 2.50 GPA. The recipients were selected by a panel that evaluates each applicant’s responses to essay questions that relate to Farmers Union, rural issues and personal leadership skills.
NDFU holds youth convention
NDFU Youth Convention participants made a trip to North Dakota's Gateway to Science, at left, and the Theo Art School in Bismarck. NDFU.org • January 2024 • 13
SNAPSHOTS FROM
CONVENTION In conjunction with NDSU Extension, NDFU held a succession planning course for farm and ranch families the day before convention started.
District 2 Director Bob Finken talks about NDFU activities during his caucus.
Motivational speaker Alyson Van Hooser talks about her experiences and how it relates to lifting up communities.
Mike Huebner and JP Lueck of Jamestown look through their binders during Policy and Action debate.
Adam Held of Egeland speaks while Lynn Watne of Velva looks on during the question and answer session with NDFU President Mark Watne and Farmers Union Insurance CEO Mark Anderson.
Deanna Decimus Holmes of Grand Forks speaks during the policy and action debate.
14 • January 2023 • Union Farmer
Lacey Ethen of Sherwood and Kelly Leiphon of Crary won NDFU's grand prize of $4,000 each on Saturday night.
Fran Martin of Lefor leads Team 3 during the malt contest. Martin's team won the competition.
NDFU Vice President Bob Kuylen, part of Team 3 in the malt contest, was fully committed to winning people's votes.
NDFU President Mark Watne took a pie in the face as part of the silent auction pie contest.
Team 2 of the malt contest was the defending champion, led by Dave Berger of Center (background).
Farmers Union Insurance's Pam Burkhardt won the bid to "pie" CEO Mark Anderson.
NDFU.org • January 2024 • 15
2023 CHS ANNUAL MEETING • DEC. 7-8 • MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
PLATOONING IS ONE SOLUTION TO THE TRUCK-DRIVER SHORTAGE
S
omewhere in Minnesota right now, there could be two semi-trucks heading down the road with only one driver. How about four trucks with one driver? It’s a possibility. It’s called platooning, and it’s been happening with two trucks in Minnesota for the past two years. CHS believes it could be one solution to the nationwide driver shortage. Kevin Hall, vice president for supply chains, and Heidi St. Clair, director of analytics, automations and innovation, led a breakout title, “Advancing the Cooperative System Supply Chain" during the CHS annual meeting Dec. 7-8 in Minneapolis. They spoke about the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to handle tedious data entry (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), as well as the use of drones and augmented reality. Essentially, a driver is positioned in the lead truck, and a combination of his skills and AI keeps all four trucks in line. The trucks do have space between them, so it’s not one long caravan. The AI and sensors on the trucks are 16 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
built to handle emergency situations, like deer. In fact, because of where the sensors/cameras are positioned, these trucks detect deer and other potential issues long before the human eye can see them. Why is this necessary? Hall attributed it to a declining workforce that will continue to get worse as U.S. population growth slows to a crawl. Ninety countries are experiencing a population decline. He said a country needs 2.1 children per family to sustain its current levels of population. “The U.S. right now is at 1.6, Brazil is at 1.7 and China is at 1.3,” Hall said. “Think about the generational problems we will have to manage in the next 50 years. The labor shortage we see today is the best we’re gonna see in the next 50 years.” Hall said they’re projecting a shortage of 160,000 drivers in this country by 2030, adding that “young people don’t want to drive trucks.” CHS currently has more than 200 open positions for truck drivers right now.
Jon Erickson, right, presents at North Dakota's caucus during the CHS annual meeting Dec. 7 in Minneapolis. Erickson was reelected to the CHS board. From left are directors Kevin Throener and Steve Fritel.
CHS has covered more than 7,500 miles with the two-truck model (1 lead and 1 follower). Hall said the military has the capability of doing more than four trucks. He added, commercially, four trucks (1 and 3) is probably the limit for practical reasons. It’s a solution that many states are looking at, with help from state DOTs and Highway Patrols. Another area of technology they touched on is the use of drone technology to improve safety inspections. “Instead of having two people get harnesses on and go inside a tank, it can do the inspection and send back the information in eight minutes,” St. Clair said. The drone sends the video back to a computer, where an AI program scans it, rather than a human watching hours of tank footage. If it detects a potential issue, it cuts that clip and sends it to a human operator for further inspection. Augmented reality is another cool feature that cooperatives could use down the road. Think Ironman’s Tony Stark when he’s moving 3D holograms around. St. Clair suggested this type of technology could be used for safety training, such as learning lockout-tagout procedures. All of this technology goes through rigorous testing. Safety is paramount. As more of this tech comes online, it should alleviate some of the labor issues cooperatives are bound to have in the coming decades.
BUSINESS CHS passed two bylaws changes during the business meeting, as voted on by its members.
The first change is about director representation. Region 1 (Minnesota) is the only region with four directors and will lose one of its directors to Region 7 in 2024. Region 7’s business growth hit the levels needed for three consecutive years and has earned a second director. The change passed with overwhelming support. Region 7 includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The second bylaws change allows equity holdback of up to 35% rather than 10%. It also amends the bylaws to allow a reduction of earnings by preferred stock dividends when calculating patronage. The vote passed with 58% support. For North Dakota, director Jon Erickson was reelected to the CHS board of directors. Congratulations Jon! Also, longtime director Steve Fritel is in his final year as a director, meaning there will be an election next year for a new director in North Dakota. Several candidates have expressed interest. Chris Aarhus is the editor for North Dakota Farmers Union. He can be reached at caarhus@ndfu.org.
NDFU.org • January 2024 • 17
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!
Sign up at ndfu.org/tours For more info, call 800-366-6338
NDFU.org • December 2023 • 19
POLICY HOPPER FROM NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
The background on ERP payments On Oct. 27, USDA launched the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022.i The program follows the same general format as past iterations of ERP for the initial payment amount calculation. However, the program differed in two key ways: USDA utilized a “Progressive Payment Factor” and did not reimburse most farmers for their crop insurance premiums. This article provides background on the ERP 2022, examines the progressive payment factor and explores the challenges associated with ad hoc disaster programs.
Background
Congress approved $3.7 billion in agriculture disaster assistance through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.ii Congress reserved $500 million of that total for livestock producers, leaving USDA with $3.2 billion to assist with crop losses. USDA projected nearly $12 billion in total uncovered crop losses, meaning the Congressional appropriation accounted for approximately 27% of the total loss.iii Like previous iterations of ERP and the Wildfire and Hurricanes Indemnity Program-Plus (WHIP+), the initial ERP calculation essentially boosted a producer’s crop insurance coverage (see Table 1). For example, a producer with a crop insurance coverage level of 70% would receive an ERP payment to cover an additional 20% of the producer’s expected revenue.iv
TABLE 1. ERP 2022 FACTORS Crop Insurance Level
ERP 2022 Factor
CAT Coverage
75%
< 55%
80%
55 - < 60%
82.5%
60 - < 65%
85%
65 - < 70%
87.5%
70 - < 75%
90%
75 - < 80%
92.5%
>/= 80%
95%
20 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
Unlike past disaster programs, the Congressional appropriation fell well short of the expected need, leaving USDA with a difficult policy decision. USDA could have simply prorated all payments by 27%. Instead, USDA chose to establish the progressive payment factor, which provides a progressively lower payment rate for higher levels of losses.
Progressive Payment Factor
Under the progressive payment factor, all producers receive 100% of the first $2,000 of their payment, 80% of the next $2,000, and so on (See Table 2). The factor bottoms out at 10% for losses over $10,000. USDA also applied a 75% factor to the final payment, a common feature of disaster programs that prevents USDA from running out of money.v TABLE 2. PROGRESSIVE PAYMENT FACTOR Payment Range
Progressive Factor
</= $2,000
100%
$2,001 - $4,000
80%
$4,001 - $6,000
60%
$6,001 - $8,000
40%
$8,001 - $10,000
20%
> $10,000
10%
Figure 1 on the next page illustrates the impact of the progressive payment factor on program payments. Producers with losses of less than $30,000 received a higher payment, while producers with losses of greater than $30,000 received a lower one. A producer with a calculated loss of $10,000 received $2,475 more with the progressive payment factor than they would have with a flat prorate. On the other hand, a producer with a calculated loss of $100,000 received $9,000 less with the progressive payment factor. CONTINUED TO PAGE 22
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 • January 2024 • 21
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 The magnitude of the difference between the progressive payment factor and a flat prorate pales in comparison to the difference between a fully funded program and the best alternative with 27% funding. As Figure 2 on the next page illustrates, a producer with a $100,000 loss would have received $54,750 more from a fully funded program than they would have with a 27% pro-rated amount.
Commentary
The progressive payment factor is certainly a novel program design feature and one that has sparked controversy on Capitol Hill. Critics argue the progressive payment factor acts as a “de facto payment limit.”vi USDA justified its use of the factor, arguing that it led to a better outcome for 80% of farmers than a flat pro-rate would have. In North Dakota, 78% of farmers received equal or higher payments than they would have under a flat prorate. The data supports both arguments.vii Underlying that debate is the undeniable fact that USDA had just 27% of the funding necessary to fully fund the basic ERP formula.
SOURCES
United States Department of Agriculture (2023, Oct. 27). USDA to Provide More Than $3 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters [Press Release]. Retrieved from https:// www.fsa.usda.gov/news-room/news-releases/2023/usda-to-provide-morethan-3-billion-to-commodity-and-specialty-crop-producers-impacted-by2022-natural-disasters#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20Oct.%2027%2C%20 2023%20-%20The%20U.%20S,assistance%20through%20the%20 Emergency%20Relief%20Program%20%28ERP%29%202022. ii Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Pub. L. No. 117-38 (2022). Retrieved from https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW117publ328#:~:text=Document%20Citations&text=Consolidated%20 Appropriations%20Act%2C%202023%2C%20 Pub,%2Fdetails%2FPLAW%2D117publ328.. i
22 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
It is unlikely that any program design would have garnered broad support. Instead, it may be more productive to focus on the inherent challenge with ad hoc disaster programs. Permanent farm programs operate as entitlements – programs that guarantee benefits when certain conditions are met. For example, when crop prices are low, Price Loss Coverage or Agricultural Risk Coverage payments are triggered, and USDA is authorized to spend whatever necessary to fulfill its statutory obligation. Ad hoc programs operate in reverse. Congress appropriates a set amount of money, and USDA “right sizes” a program to fit that appropriation. The ad hoc process leads to uncertain, inconsistent and inequitable relief, a challenge that was magnified with the ERP 2022’s gap between funding and need. Above all, ERP 2022 is a reminder that our current reliance on ad hoc programs is not sustainable. Changing the program’s methodology would treat the symptom, not the disease. The long-term solution is for Congress to enact permanent disaster protection through crop insurance improvements and other farm bill disaster programs. — Matt Perdue, Gov. Relations Director iii Clayton, C. (2023, Dec. 8). USDA Offers More Details on ERP Dollars. DTN/ Progressive Farmer. Retrieved from https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ ag/news/article/2023/12/08/usda-pushes-back-congressional-erp. iv Farm Service Agency, United States Department of Agriculture (2023, October). Emergency Relief Program (ERP 2022): Disaster Recovery Assistance for Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers [Fact Sheet]. Retrieved from https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/ usdafiles/emergency-relief-program/pdfs/fsa_erp_2022_track_1_factsheet. pdf. v Id. vi Senate Agriculture Committee Minority Staff (2023, Dec. 6). Disaster of a Disaster Assistance Program. Minority Blog. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/ disaster-of-a-disaster-assistance-program. vii Clayton, C. (2023, Dec. 8). USDA Offers More Details on ERP Dollars. DTN/Progressive Farmer. Retrieved from https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/ web/ag/news/article/2023/12/08/usda-pushes-back-congressional-erp.
The Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture was awarded an $80 million USDA grant to support conservation work in four states: North Dakota, Minnesota, Virginia and Arkansas. North Dakota Farmers Union was chosen to lead the pilot program for North Dakota. The North Dakota Grain Growers Association and the North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association are helping with outreach and implementation. • Delivers roughly $13 million to North Dakota producers to support adoption of high- value conservation practices (i.e. cover crops, no-till, minimum till, prescribed grazing). • Provides $100 per acre for the high-value conservation practices. • Supports roughly 400 producers each year in 2024 and 2025 who voluntarily adopt the above practices. If you reside in one of these eight counties, you are eligible for the program: Billings, Cass, McKenzie, Mercer, Rolette, Sheridan, Stark, Ward. Contact for Matt Perdue at 701-952-0120 if interested.
allianceforcsa.org
NDFU.org • January 2024 • 23
PRF, LRP programs can help ranchers The Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Insurance Program is designed to provide insurance coverage on your pasture, rangeland, or forage acres grown for the intended use of hay or grazing. It is an area-based program that makes claim payments when that area receives less than average rainfall in the time periods you choose. This gives you the ability to buy insurance protection for losses, which can result in more expense for feed, rent, etc. Or maybe even help prevent possible herd reduction sales and other undesirable outcomes. This is a self-sufficient policy. After you sign up for a coverage level and report your acres everything else is automatic. If there is a lack of normal rainfall in the area grid that your land is located, indemnity is paid straight from the insurance company without adjusters. If you are wondering if it would work well for you, I recommend you see your local agent to get a report on the average precipitation and claims history data in your area. Our agents now have the technology to go back several years to show what each area paid in the past all the way up to right now. It is so much easier now for a producer to tailor a coverage plan specifically for them. And while we can’t show you what will happen with our climate and precipitation next year, we can show you how being consistent with a program like this will create a more balanced risk management program for your operation. This program has proven to work best with those who
24 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
Dennie Stratton
Sales Director - Crop Insurance Farmers Union Insurance
stay consistent with their coverage plan year after year and not try to gamble on predicting what the weather will do in the future.
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)
The LRP policy is designed to protect cattle producers from declining livestock prices. It provides coverage for feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine. You may choose from a variety of coverage levels (70% to 100%), as well as insurance periods (from 13 to 52 weeks) that match the time your livestock would normally be marketed. It can be bought after every trading day year-round.
How would this work for you?
It works best if you see a quick coverage illustration to first get a feel for the price guarantees and premium rates for the time period you plan to sell your calves. Then it’s best to let your agent know a price you're comfortable with locking in to guarantee your calf crop revenue. Typically, crop insurance agents run quotes every trading day after the premium rates and coverage level prices
are released in the afternoon (values are based on weighted prices from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group Feeder Cattle Index). If you accepta the coverage, you just have to sign a quick application so it can be submitted first thing in the morning before the markets open again. And just like that, you guaranteed your calf crop revenue. One thing to remember here is you do not have to insure your entire herd at one price. If you want to spread your risk, you have the flexibility to insure a portion of the herd at any time with no minimum. However, we have seen the markets drop and coverages fall making many wish they insured everything when they had the chance. I would encourage anyone buying this the first time to choose a price guarantee you are comfortable with and not hold off hoping for more, as this is designed to help protect you from market declines.
NDFU.org • January 2024 • 25
2023 County convention season!
Grand Forks County Farmers Union held its county convention Sept. 15 at AgCountry Farm Credit Services in Grand Forks. The UND football team’s players and coaches were on hand, capping the event with a game of sports bingo.
Tyler and Lacey Kostelecky (middle) were named Adam County Farmers Union’s 2023 Young Farm Family of the Year during its county convention in Hettinger. The board also handed out the 2021 award, with Sean Seamands and Jenna Innes winning the honor.
Rugby Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael McNeff speaks about an elementary school building project during the Pierce County Farmers Union convention in Rugby. PCFU contributed $1,500 toward an elementary school building project in Rugby. Part of the donation came from NDFU’s Community Stewards grant program. 26 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
Wells County Farmers Union held its annual convention at the Fessenden-Bowdon School. WCFU President Patti Patrie poses with a $500 Kommunity Kids award from NDFU with project director Aynul Dean, left, and Kylie Kukowski, who applied for the award. The award is going to the MakerSpace project for Harvey’s elementary school. WCFU also presented Kommunity Kids and Community Stewards awards for a splash pad project in Harvey.
McIntosh County Farmers Union packed the American Legion with over 70 people in attendance for its annual county convention in Ashley. They heard from Craig Schaunaman from Aberdeen, S.D, as he spoke about his experience dealing with Summit Carbon Solutions. Brandon Meidinger was reelected MCFU president.
Miss Rodeo ND, Lindsey Miller, and Sienna Nygaard, White Earth Valley Saddle Club Little Miss, spoke at the Burke County Farmers Union annual meeting in Powers Lake.
Emmons County Farmers Union board members Darius Aberle (left), Leonard Weichel (middle) and Andrew Vetter run their county convention Nov. 2 at the Linton Community Center. Weichel stepped down as president, and Aberle was voted in as his replacement.
Logan County Farmers Union’s Isadore Gross (bottom) shows off his leg wrestling prowess with Aimee Klein of Aimee-n-Bill and Their Multiple Personalities while Bill Balsley looks on during LCFU’s annual meeting in Napoleon. The duo performed as the event’s entertainment.
Williams County Farmers Union President Dennis Stromme presents a gift of appreciation to former president Kurt Andre for his years of service to the board during the WCFU annual meeting in Williston. NDFU.org • January 2024 • 27
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.
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Login with your email address and password. Use the email address where you receive your NDFU communications.
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!
28 • December 2023 • 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 • December 2023 • 29
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 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. 701-2264055, Lloyd Giese, Steele. VERMEER BALER 605J. 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. Hasn't been used for a few years. Asking $3000 OBO. 701-391-0497, Randy Volk, Shields. MINN. MOLINE UTU, beautiful, completely restored. Original narrow front will come with the tractor, has wide front on it. Brand new tires, paint, alternator, starter (12v). New brakes. Everything was rebuilt or replaced in the engine and on the tractor. Engine is the straight block! Gauges, buttons, stickers replaced. Original oil can with it. Must see runs and drives great! 701429-0528, Casey Holwagner, Horace. TRACTOR, IH SUPER M, 1954, with loader. It’s a gas tractor. Was working to restore it. Decals and misc. parts go with. Was running, been using it this summer. Needs a few electrical parts to get back running. Tires are in fair condition, and new tubes. Six-volt system and new battery, $2700 OBO. Text or email me for more info and pictures. Email redied@westriv.com. 701-2208752, Ed Schwab Hazen. 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; Simer water pump; Bourgault knock on cultivator sweeps; farm scale with steel wheels; used Case IH 8230 feeder chain; used nitrolator w/hyd shut off hoses; combine pickup guards/lifters; old front tine rototiller; used 16" cultivator shovels. 701629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley. GRAIN CART, 400 bu. J-Kraft grain cart, PTO drive, folding auger, flat hopper tank bottom w/auger, new roll tarp, 28L-26 single tires, used this harvest and planting seasons, good condition, pictures available, $4,000 or OBO. 701-9528973, Glen Nagel, Jamestown. TRACTORS, Cockshutt 30, Coop E-3, Allis Chalmers WF tractors and Ford Industrial engine off of Owatonna 35 swather. Need not be running, but complete. 701-226-4055, Lloyd Giese, Steele.
30 • January 2024 • Union Farmer
TRACTOR, 15-30 McCormick Tractor, 1 New Tire LT245-75R-Load Range E. 2- Cream Separators, 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. 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. 20101 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 1620 Coulter (chisel plow converted to vertical tillage), 40', New hoses, cylinder & bearings. Blades 17". 701-321-5711, John Kempf, Ashley. WANTED OLD COMBINE TRANSPORT. One that will haul older combines. Not the heavy large combines we have now; Used rear tractor tires. Sizes 12x38 and 13x26. 701-974-3644, Loren Myran, Taylor.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE SIGNS FOR SALE, Massey Harris 96" by 30" porcelain sign, CO-OP 96" by 54" porcelain sign, Our Own Hardware 20' by 2' porcelain sign, Benjamin Moore Paint 6' by 4' porcelain sign. All signs are in very good condition. Trades welcome. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. VACUUM, Kirby Vacuum/Shampooer G5 series; Kerosene barn Lantern; Vintage 1960s black &white TV; Vintage Christmas lights; Cordoury Men's Winter Coat, Sheep skin fur lining, Size 42; Men's Winter Coat, Pigskin leather man made fur lining, have pictures. Size XL, maybe be bigger, would have to try on; Vintage snowsled with runners; Men's bowling ball, Brunswick, model black beauty; Battery or plug in DVD player with screen; Vintage Brass fireplace screen. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.
FREE Golden Retriever Puppies to forever homes! 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 any-one. Please email me first at: stephaniechristensen59@gmail.com. Can also text. 312-932-7651, Stephanie Christensen, Jamestown. MICROWAVE OVEN, GE white over the range microwave. Used for 10 months and replaced when all the kitchen appliances were switched out with same color. Size is 30” wide x 15.5” deep x 15.75” high. Pictures available. $250. 701-320-1678, Randy Lebahn, Jamestown. MINIVAN, 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan,137,000 miles, nice shape, brakes have just been gone through. Just don't drive it enough. $8000. 701-597-3525, Scott Nelson, Solen. FREE Motorola entertainment center with radio, & phonograph included, room for television -31”H, 67.5”L. 701-252-8452, S. George Spangler, Jamestown. WANTED VW BUS, any condition. Also looking for Conklin Oil advertising, cans, etc. 701-219-5847, Joel Herman, Harwood. OLD STUFF, Advertising signs, old gas pumps, advertising thermometers, advertising clocks, crocks, and Custard glass with small town name. Retired Indian Head road signs, retired Highway Patrol door signs, North Dakota License plates, ND picked arrowheads, and ND small town metal trade tokens. Willing to travel to your location, paying cash. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. WAR ITEMS, WWI & WWII U.S. German and Japanese Military Items. Uniforms, Hats, Helmets, Daggers, Medals, Badges, Insignia, Flags, Equipment, Lugers, Leather Flight Jackets. Also 164th Regiment Items. Email: jgrindahl@ gmail.com. Call or Text: 701-200-7125, John Grindahl, Fargo. 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.
ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT NDFU.ORG/CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds by mail, fax, phone or email will not be accepted.
Teamwork makes the dream work
The holiday season is a busy time of year for Farmers Restaurant Group. An extensive lineup of holiday programming from Thanksgiving through Christmas means they need all hands on deck and collaborating. Farmers Restaurant Group’s dine-in and to go programming for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas has all of their different teams pitching in to make the holidays a joyful and relaxing time for their dine-in guests and athome customers. From the kitchen and front of house to the contact center and marketing to finance and facilities, it is truly a company-wide effort. Open 365 days a year, all of the restaurants are open for Thanksgiving and Christmas, serving everyday and holiday menus depending on the location. In addition, their to go food offerings include both hot, ready-to-eat
holiday meals, as well as Heat & Eat menus for those wanting a delicious meal made in their home kitchens without all the work. The Heat & Eat program specifically brings together the whole company, spending days preparing and portioning food, organizing and reorganizing refrigerated trucks parked outside most of the restaurants, and finally providing curbside service to guests picking up their meals. Coordinating all of this behindthe-scenes magic demands an incredible amount of teamwork, discipline, and of course, a shared love for hospitality. At Farmers Restaurant Group, nobody does anything alone, and their approach to the holidays is a perfect example of how they come together, during the busiest time of the year, to bring joy and scratch-made deliciousness to their guests.
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 • January 2024 • 31
Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402
Riviera Maya
HARD ROCK MEXICO
**pricing is based on availability and subject to change.**