Uf march

Mission Statement: North Dakota Farmers Union, guided by the principles of cooperation, legislation and education, is an organization committed to the prosperity of family farms, ranches and rural communities.

UNION FARMER www.ndfu.org

In this issue

6. Guest column from PSC

9. National Wheat Show

18. Restaurant of the year

23. President’s message

March 2014 – Volume 61 • Number 3

Expert Worksite Assurity at Work® What happens when talented teams from two companies work closely with you to design insurance protection?

YOU WIN! Critical Illness | Disability Income | Hospital Indemnity | Accident Expense Cancer Expense | Term Life | Whole Life | Universal Life

North Dakota Union Farmer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: EDITOR: Anne Denholm President: Mark Watne 800-366-8331 • www.ndfu.org The UNION FARMER is published monthly by Vice President: Bob Kuylen adenholm@ndfu.org North Dakota Farmers Union at Secretary: Ellen Linderman 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown N.D. 58401.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Treasurer: Terry Borstad Annual subscription is $30 annually with NDFU PO Box 2136 AAW-0214 • All policies and any associated ridersJamestown underwritten

by Assurity Life Insurance Company N.D. 58402-2136 James Kerzman; Wes Niederman Jr.; NDFU membership. Periodicals postage paid at of Lincoln, rates, provisions and34,786 features may vary by state.

Copies mailed this issue: • USPS 016-211 Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen; Ronda Throener Fargo, N.D. Nebraska. Policy and rider availability,

2

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

NDFU joins coalition to oppose conservation amendment North Dakotans for Common Sense Conservation (NDCSC) announced its opposition to the proposed Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks Amendment. NDCSC is a coalition of more than 20 North Dakota industry, agriculture, business and government associations committed to common sense stewardship and enhancement of North Dakota’s natural resources.

NDCSC opposes the proposed amendment because it would spend too much money with too little flexibility, according to Jon Godfread, vice president of governmental affairs for the Greater North Dakota Chamber.

The proposed amendment would commit five percent of North Dakota’s oil extraction tax to a new massive conservation fund.

Five percent is conservatively estimated at $300 to $400 million per biennium, based on projected oil production rates. That totals an estimated $4.8 billion over the 25-year life of the amendment.

Under the proposed amendment, at least 75 percent of the fund must be spent each biennium.

“The spending requirement in this initiative means that whether or not there are legitimate conservation needs, some $3 million per week on average would have to be spent on conservation projects, regardless of needs in other critical areas like schools and our children’s education,” said Godfread.

Godfread also noted that the supporters of the proposed constitutional amendment are being funded primarily by out-of-state special interest groups. Reports filed with the Secretary of State’s office show the group received 96 percent of its contributions for 2012 and 2013 -- $662,000 -- from groups outside the state. Their campaign is also being run by the Washington, D.C., firm Hamburger Strategies LLC. Speaking out against the proposed amendment, North Dakota Farmers Union President

Mark Watne said, “One of the most alarming aspects of this measure is that the massive conservation funding it would provide could be used to buy farm land. It would drive up land prices and make it more difficult for agricultural producers to compete, especially new farmers and ranchers.”

Watne noted that once the nonprofit groups purchase land, they would be able to do whatever they want with it, including taking it out of production agriculture, restricting public access or closing the land to hunters and fishers.

“No one cares more about taking care of our land than farmers and ranchers, but we believe in a balanced and responsible approach,” said Watne. “This measure is neither balanced nor responsible.”

For more information about the North Dakotans for Common Sense Conservation Coalition, visit www.

NDCommonSenseConservation. com. s

Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks Amendment Funding 2015-2039 $ 4.8 Billion

$ 5 Billion

$ 4.3 Billion $3.6 Billion

$ 4 Billion

$2.7 Billion

$3 Billion $2 Billion $1 Billion

$1.9 Billion $1 Billion

$500 M $ 400 M $300 M

$391 M

$427 M

$427 M

$403 M

$296 M

$356 M $142 M

$200 M 2015

2019

2023 LEGEND

2027 per biennium

2031

2035

2039

total-to-date

This graph shows the amount of money the Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks Amendment Fund would receive over 25 years, based on projected oil production rates.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

3

Potential CHS Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant at Spiritwood CHS has been meeting with North Dakota government officials, regulatory agencies, partners and community members regarding a potential fertilizer manufacturing plant at Spiritwood, N.D., and has started permit applications. As a good corporate citizen with a heritage of stewardship in North Dakota, CHS is pursuing this project carefully with a strong focus on safety.

Fertilizer is essential for feeding the world’s growing population. There is significant need for nitrogen fertilizers within a 200-mile radius of the potential fertilizer plant site – and that need continues to grow as U.S. corn production moves northward. The CHS plant would provide consistent supplies of domestic fertilizers needed for corn, wheat and other crops.

Designed for safety

Helping North Dakota farmers feed the world

Preliminary plans call for a state-of-the-art plant operating 24/7 and supplying anhydrous ammonia, urea and UAN. Producing more than 2,400 tons of ammonia daily, the plant would use an estimated 80,000 MMBTU/day of natural gas, 20-30 megawatts/day of electricity and 2,300-2,800 gallons/minute of water.

CHS has a long history of serving North Dakota agriculture. Based in Minnesota, CHS currently has more than 1,300 employees in North Dakota. We serve customers through N.D. agronomy, energy and convenience store locations and we have a leading sunflower operation based at Grandin, N.D.

• Construction: Fully instrumented and monitored, the proposed plant would have Safety Instrumented Systems for fail-safe shutdown. Loading facilities would be designed to minimize exposure, and occupied buildings would have multiple emergency exits. CHS would strive to maintain the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program’s “Star” program status.

• Operations: CHS plans to adopt “Target Zero” safety program principles. All personnel would have OSHA HazCom training and select personnel would have OSHA Hazwoper training.

Minimal diesel fuel would be stored on-site.

• Fire station: Plans call for a fully-trained, on-site emergency response team for fire and EMT services; an emergency response plan developed with community responders; and a fire water loop with strategically placed hydrants and monitors as well as diesel-powered pumps in case of power failure.

• Traffic: CHS is partnering with the North Dakota Department of Transportation and Stutsman County to determine the impact of additional truck and rail traffic to the plant and surrounding areas. Vehicle and driving rules will be clearly posted, communicated and enforced.

4

4

EMPLOYING ABOUT

150-170 PEOPLE Once operational, as well as during construction, the proposed plant will spur new, local spending for workers’ food, lodging, clothing, entertainment and other items.

SPIRITWOOD, N.D.

Located 10 miles northeast of Jamestown, the potential 583-acre site is located in an area with high crop nutrient needs, abundant natural gas supplies, and rail and truck access. It would serve retailers and farmers in the Dakotas and parts of Minnesota, Montana and Canada.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

CHS PATRONAGE CASH DISTRIBUTIONS IN NORTH DAKOTA, 2000–2013

390 million

$

Proposed Plant Chronology February 2012 • North Dakota Farmers Union approached CHS about plant ownership • Began preliminary site selection and scope review

September 2012 • Joint press announcement by North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple and CHS President and CEO Carl Casale • Retained CH2M HILL as owner’s engineer • CHS Board of Directors approved $5 million for Phase 1 study (pre-FEED), including: economic feasibility, technology and safety considerations

December 2012 • Phase 1 study completed • Selected technology providers: Haldor Topsoe, Saipem, Uhde and Weatherly • Initiated site selection process • Commissioned fertilizer supply and demand study by Informa Research Services

business. For decades, CHS and the CHS Foundation have made substantial contributions to North Dakota programs (including flood relief)North to help build vibrant communities, improve agriculture Strong Dakota stewardship safety develop to future leaders.the Since 2011, CHS has also we do CHS isand committed supporting communities in which business.and Forrewarded decades,individuals CHS and the CHS Foundation have made honored in North Dakota through our substantial to North Dakota programs (including Cenex® Tankscontributions of Thanks® program.

September 2013 • Held second town hall meeting at Jamestown

December 2013 • Began recruiting and hiring permanent staff • Continued financing and equity strategy consideration

January 2014 • CHS Board of Directors approved funding for plant design and early equipment purchases • Finalize design parameters • Determine final costs • Complete Phase 2 study

February 2014 • Engineering, procurement and construction contracts

Spring 2014

Feb

•N ow •P Be

flood relief) to help build vibrant communities, improve agriculture safety and develop future leaders. Since 2011, CHS has also Sharing success with area farmers honored and rewarded individuals in North Dakota through our As a farmer-owned cooperative, CHS shares a portion of its Cenex® Tanks of Thanks® program.

Fe Sep

• •JoN o Ja •B • Re Se • CH •J (pJ •saR

earnings directly with farmers, ranchers and local co-ops. success with area farmers InSharing the last five years, CHS has returned nearly $2 billion to its As a farmer-owned cooperative, CHS shares a portion of its owners across the country.

earnings directly with farmers, ranchers and local co-ops.

In the last fiveto years, CHSoperations has returned nearly $2 billion to its Dedicated safe owners across the country.

•C

De(

CHS is a Fortune 100 company and the nation’s leading farm supply cooperative, supplying crop nutrients, grain marketing Dedicated to safe operations CHS is alivestock Fortune 100 andingredients, the nation’sbusiness leading solutions farm services, feed,company food, food supply cooperative, nutrients, grain marketing and energy products supplying (includingcrop Cenex® brand refined fuels, services, livestock feed, food, food ingredients, business solutions lubricants and propane). For more than 80 years, CHS has served and energy products (including Cenex® brand refined fuels, the petroleum and agricultural industries with a strong track lubricants and propane). For more than 80 years, CHS has served record of safely and handling chemicals.

Visit chsinc.com to learn the petroleum agricultural industries with a strong track more about and visit chsstewards.com to read about the and recordCHS of safely handling chemicals. Visit chsinc.com tohealth learn more aboutcommitment CHS and visitatchsstewards.com to read and about the facilities. health and safety our refineries, pipelines other

• Ph s • Se De Uh •P • •InS U • Co •Re I

•C

Feb R

• Fe CH •(FC pr( pe p p • Co C • •He

safety commitment at our refineries, pipelines and other facilities.

If you have questions, please contact Annette Degnan, If you have questions, please contact Annette Degnan, Marketing Communications Director, at (651) 355-6126 or Marketing Communications Director, at (651) 355-6126 or annette.degnan@chsinc.com. annette.degnan@chsinc.com.

•H

Sep Se

• •He H

CHSand andCHS CHSFoundation FoundationGiving Giving CHS

February 2013 • CHS Board of Directors approved $25 million for Phase 2 study (FEED), including preliminary engineering and facility layout; product handling/logistics; air, water and natural gas use permits; safety processes, and construction planning and prep • Considered electricity, gas and water sources and costs • Held first town hall meeting at Jamestown

C

Pr

De De

B • •Be C • •Co

$$2.7 MILLION TO

2.7 MILLION TO

Ja

Jan •C

NORTH DAKOTA COMMUNITIES

NORTH DAKOTA COMMUNITIES SINCE

CHS stewardship in 2013:

• CH e •ea F • •FiD C • •De • Fe Co

2008

SINCE 2008

$ CHS stewardship in 2013: 573,200 Support for North Dakota State University

573,200 195,750

$$

195,750

$

114,000

$

114,000 21,250

$

$

10,000

$

•E

Feb

Sp

Support for North Dakota StateCamping University North Dakota Farmers Union and

• En

•S

Generation KEY Programs

•E Sp

North Dakota Farmers Union Camping and Scholarships at Programs Bismarck State College, Dickinson Generation KEY

• Su Su • •EsG

State University and NDSU

•C

North Dakota 4-H, FFA and College Club Mini-Grants

10,000

Rural Leadership North Dakota Program

5,000

North Dakota Winter Show Foundation

5,000

$

$

• Gre • Ju Co • •ToF •em O

Rural Leadership North Dakota Program

21,250

$

Sum •T

Scholarships at Bismarck State College, Dickinson North Dakota 4-H, FFA and College Club Mini-Grants State University and NDSU

North Dakota Winter Show Foundation

Jul

• Fi •O

© 2014 $ CHS Inc. January

5500 CENEX DRIVE

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55077

651-355-6000

CHSINC

© 2014 CHS Inc. January

5500 CENEX DRIVE

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55077

651-355-6000

CHSINC.

• Submit final proposal to CHS Board of Directors • Establish field office at Jamestown

Summer 2014 • Groundbreaking • Construction begins • Town hall meetings with community and local government, emergency, fire and safety officials

July-November 2017 • Final operational and safety procedures tested • Official plant opening during November Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

5

5

New study on world food production The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has released a new study titled, “Food Security in a World of Growing Natural Resource Scarcity.” The study details the needs of feeding nine billion people by 2050, and shows that demand will require farmers to produce 80% more meat, 52% more cereals and 40% more root vegetables by mid century.

According to the study, climate change during the same period will decrease yields of corn by 9-18%, rice by 7-27%, and wheat by 1836% compared to a no climate change scenario.

World Farmers Organisation President Robert Carlson said the report was a “challenging opportunity that shows a bright future for farmers around the world.”

Prices for grains are projected to increase 79% for corn, 88% for rice, and 104% for wheat by 2050.

The report proposes adoption of 11 innovations that will allow farmers to improve yields despite climate change and declining supplies of

World Farmers Organisation President Robert Carlson gave a presentation on Feb. 12 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

water and land resources. These changes include more intensive agriculture including biotechnology and pest control, and crop management techniques such as no till farming, efficient irrigation, and precision fertilizer application.

“One of the most useful tools the study developed for farmers

is an interactive geographical grid model that permits individual farmers to see how these innovations would affect yields in their local area,” Carlson added.

The study, which is the result of two years of research, can be found at: www.ifpri.org/ourwork/ researcharea/crop-technology.s

Oil pipeline inspection and safety - a new approach GUEST COLUMN BY BRIAN KALK, CHAIRMAN, NORTH DAKOTA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Most North Dakotans believe the development of our energy resources has been good for our state. Oil, coal, wind, and natural gas, along with our booming agricultural sector, and the best workforce in America, have combined to make us the envy of the nation. Our entire state has prospered, but with every opportunity comes challenges.

One challenge is public safety as it relates to the transportation and delivery of oil. Currently, we do not have adequate pipeline capacity, a situation that is exacerbated by the refusal of the Administration to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. So, our producers have had to rely on rail transit to move our oil. The answer is to increase our pipeline capacity.

But, as the oil pipeline spill at Tioga demonstrates, there are challenges to ensure that our citizens and their property are safe.

6

Your Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates natural gas transmission and distribution lines in North Dakota.

These lines are inspected on a yearly basis and more often if required. The regulation of oil and hazardous liquid pipelines is handled, for the present, by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, or PHMSA. They inspect these pipelines roughly every three years.

Currently, PHMSA does not have a federal inspector stationed in North Dakota.

Recently, a meeting was held between PHMSA and the PSC. One of the items discussed was the possibility that the PSC would institute, with the approval of PHMSA, a state controlled safety program for oil and hazardous liquids pipelines within North Dakota. The federal officials said they would support such a program should the state meet federal requirements. It would mean that we would adopt existing federal

pipeline standards and have qualified, trained state inspectors just like we do for our natural gas pipeline safety program.

We are not looking for new regulations. It will be our intention that these pipelines will be inspected by North Dakota inspectors and have a local “touch point” on the program.

We need to have the ability to move product, via pipelines, so as to lessen the dependence on rail transportation. The Casselton accident was too close for comfort. Pipelines, properly sited, constructed, and maintained, are the best option to move our energy products. Our agricultural producers are being hampered by the lack of rail transportation of their products. We will be in consultation with the Governor’s office and the Legislature as we consider this proposal. The Governor and the Legislature share our determination to improve and enhance safety and security as it relates to our pipelines, both natural gas and oil. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Celebrate Ag Day on March 25 Where does food come from?

Many Americans think the answer is the grocery store. Far too many people are unaware of the role of American agriculture and what it really takes to have food on the dinner table.

That’s one of the reasons the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host National Agriculture Day on March 25, 2014. This will mark the 41st anniversary of National Ag Day, which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country.

According to North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne, “Ag Day is a good time

to reflect and be grateful for American agriculture. Please join North Dakota Farmers Union in celebrating Ag Day and salute our family farmers and ranchers!”

The theme for Ag Day 2014 is “365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths to Feed.”

National Agriculture Day is an opportunity to tell the true story of American agriculture. It’s time to educate Americans that agriculture is responsible for providing the necessities of life. People with a rural background know that agriculture provides food, fiber and fuel for the world and that grocery stores are just distributing

the goods and services. Just a few generations ago, most people were involved with agriculture. Today, that’s no longer the case.

American farmers are working harder than ever. Today, each American farmer feeds more than 144 people. And the need for food produced in the United States is dramatic. Agriculture is the nation’s #1 exporter and vitally important in sustaining a healthy economy.

And it’s not just the farmer who makes our food possible. The entire agriculture industry, all the way to the grocery store, are vital links in a chain that brings food to every citizen. s

Truck weight workshops to be held The North Dakota TruckWeight Education and Outreach Program addresses concerns from state, county, city and township transportation authorities regarding damage from heavy trucks. The program promotes voluntary truck-weight compliance, to reduce damage to public roads and highways from overweight vehicles.

The goal is to provide information and explanations to attendees on how to haul the most legal weight, without violating the truck-weight laws. How you configure your truck, with proper axle spacing and tire size makes a difference.

Topics covered include: • An update of road-weight limits and differences between the state interstate systems.

• Laws governing gross weights, axle weights, tire weights, road-restriction weight and seasonally increased weights.

• Road damage issues.

• Classroom exercises to help identify legal weights on trucks.

• Issues to consider when purchasing a new truck or altering a current truck.

• Professional, easy-tounderstand “take home” materials to assist in configurations and options.

This is not a “permitting” class for those who haul overdimensional or overweight Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

equipment that requires an oversize permit from either the state or county agencies. The class does cover basic permitting information.

All workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and preregistration is required.

Upcoming dates:

• March 5 and 6 – meet in the basement of the Williams County Courthouse, 205 E. Broadway Ave., in Williston.

• March 13 – meet at the Morton County shop, 2916 37th St. N.W. in Mandan.

• March 20 – meet at the Stark County Shop, 52 30th Ave. W. in Dickinson.

• March 26 – meet at the Cass County Shop, 2101 W. Main Ave. in West Fargo.

Please call or e-mail to register by contacting Denise Brown at 701-328-9856 or denise.brown.1@ ndsu.edu. s

Community Stewards Program donates to McLean County

The Turtle Lake Ambulance Department posed for a picture during a community dinner. McLean County Farmers Union hosted two community stewards events for the Turtle Lake Fire Department and the Turtle Lake Ambulance Department.

Each department received $500 for various equipment upgrades. The McLean County Board of Directors served a meal for the ambulance department on Jan.14 and a meal for the local fire department on Jan. 21. Both events were held at the Fire Hall in Turtle Lake.

7

Farmers Union Insurance employee Troy Grade gets ready to “walk the plank.”

Walking the plank

BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU

Grade holds perfect form.

He makes a big splash.

Outside temperatures were at 10 degrees Fahrenheit but Grade survived!

Troy Grade isn’t a pirate and he isn’t afraid to walk the plank into a pool of freezing water. He proved it on Saturday, Feb. 1, during a special fundraising event.

The Polar Pig “Walk the Plank” event has been held for the last eight years in Jamestown and raises funds for Jamestown Regional Medical Center Hospice.

This year, JRMC Medical Director Dr. Brad Skari challenged area leaders and volunteers to compete for the plunge champion title. The event also featured live music, auction and a chili feed which raised over $20,000 to support patient end of life care.

About 18 jumpers participated in the icy plunge. Grade works for Farmers Union Insurance and volunteered last year, too. “It was all for a good cause and it was actually colder last year,” Grade joked.

According to Grade, there were a lot of Farmers Union Insurance employees cheering him on and that made the jump a lot of fun.

“I would recommend this to

anyone. I’ll do it again next year. It’s nice to do something to help a local charity,” Grade added.

Temperatures dropped to 10 degrees Fahrenheit this year, compared to 4 degrees in 2013.

Farmers Union Insurance agent Jeff Andersen helped raise money for the event as well. Andersen provided the soup and fixings for a special lunch held at the state office in February.

JRMC Home Health and Hospice Manager Tamie Gerntholz thanked all participants and said, “It is our hope that the news about the availability of hospice care will continue to spread and that people who would benefit from this service will have the opportunity to receive it. Your financial support and the outpouring of community support is such a blessing to those of us who have a passion to serve and those who receive our services. Thank you again from our hearts and home to yours.”

The Harley Owners Group, ABATE and Stutsman Harley Davidson sponsored the event. s

Look for these upcoming events!

FARM BILL INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS Jamestown • Devils Lake • Minot • Bismarck mid-March

COMMODITY MARKETING MEETINGS March 27 – Kenmare March 28 – Valley City

8

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

National wheat show a success

BY MEGAN BERGER, NDFU

For 61 years, farmers from across western North Dakota and eastern Montana have been traveling to Williston for the National Hard Spring Wheat Show. The show began in the early 1950s as a way to get local farmers to travel to town and showcase their crop for the year. “In those days, farmers didn’t come to town very often. This was a chance for them to showcase their pride in their crop. For several years, the winner of the competition received a trip to Chicago to visit the grain exchange,” said former Williams County Extension Agent Warren Froelich.

The show evolved over the years, adding an educational component by bringing in speakers.

Eventually, a second day was added to the show to allow for more educational opportunities for farmers. In the early 1980s, the bread fair was added.

This year, the National Hard Spring Wheat Show, held February 3-5 at the Grand Williston Hotel, had the opportunity to host a oneday session of North Dakota State University’s Best of the Best. This program offered information on topics facing wheat growers, which was presented by researchers from North Dakota State University and Montana State University. Topics included herbicide resistance and strategies to overcome it, various types of diseases in wheat and how to treat them, marketing wheat and barley, different rotational crops to use with wheat, and increasing

One of the events at the wheat show is a bread fair that brings in more than 350 area fifth grade students for a hands-on learning experience on how to make bread from scratch.

durum yields and managing cadmium levels in durum.

Attendees were also separated into four groups and rotated among four different hands-on demonstrations. The demonstrations, led by various NDSU Extension staff members, included in-field sensors, soil salinity, nitrogen additives, and how the application of certain pesticides affects the germination of wheat as well as early seedling growth.

More than 140 people attended the first day which featured a lunch sponsored by Williams County Farmers Union.

The second day of the event featured two keynote speakers.

Michael Baron of Great Plains Diversified Services in Bismarck discussed how to manage the newfound wealth of farmers and ranchers in western North Dakota.

He also discussed farm succession

planning. His website, www. keepthefamilyfarm.com, features a helpful online calculator to assist in distributing assets fairly and equitably among second and third generations.

Elizabeth Hagen, professional speaker, author and business coach, spoke about successful farming through organization and being courageous to build a legacy within your operation.

The event also featured a photo contest for novice and advanced photographers. The photos were displayed in the trade show area among other vendors.

Winners of the competition were awarded at the luncheon on the second day.

Entertainment for the luncheon featured Steve Stark, performer and illustrator. Stark told the history of North Dakota and the role that wheat played in history. As he spoke, he created a large mural that illustrated the story.

“We are very happy with our turnout this year. We figure there were roughly 220-240 different people who attended this event throughout the two days. We begin planning the event in July each year and feel very fortunate that we were able to host NDSU’s Best of the Best this year,” said Wheat Show President Brian Keene. s Steve Stark illustrated a story about the history of wheat during the show.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

9

On a mission for Special Olympics

BY PAM MUSLAND, NDFU

Valley City hosted the 2014 Special Olympics North Dakota State Winter Games for the third straight year Jan. 10-11. Athletes competed in many different events including cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Fans lined up to cheer on the athletes during the competition.

10

sons, Ryan, Cory and Jason. A family commitment that started By the light of the moon, Kay with family – her nephew Josh, Metcalf of Valley City will strap on who has an intellectual disability. a pair of snowshoes on March 15 “When Josh was of age to and trek late into the evening. Her be involved in Special Olympics, path is uncertain. But that’s when I really got her vision is clear. involved,” remembers She’s on a mission Kay. “Our boys would to raise funds for run with him during Special Olympics. track practice. During Joining her will be eight competitions, Josh’s other volunteers – all mom and dad would members like Kay of stand at the end of the the Special Olympics track and he would run Area 8 management to them.” She giggles team in Valley City – Kay Metcalf as memories come for the group’s annual flooding back, “Oh, he’d stop and Snowshoe-A-Thon, a longstanding tradition in this community look over his shoulder to see who was behind him and wait for them where sponsors pay them to to catch up.” snowshoe.

There is joy in “watching For 23 years, Kay has been athletes cross the finish line,” she a Special Olympics volunteer. In says, especially when “doctors all those years, her enthusiasm told the family Josh had a major for the program hasn’t waned. It’s disability and would never walk or brought others on board including talk. The first time Josh crossed her husband Paul and their three

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

About the Organization Athlete Betty Hansen, in center, had lots of family support during the Winter Games in Valley City. Pictured from left to right is niece Brinley Rufsvold, Ashley Rufsvold, Betty Hansen, Rochelle Hansen and Hannah Rufsvold of Litchfield. Betty competed in the snowshoeing event and has participated for many years.

the finish line, that was my favorite Special Olympics moment.”

Metcalf is a long-time employee of the Open Door Center in Valley City. The center works with individuals who have intellectual disabilities, mental health issues or traumatic brain injuries. She manages the center’s gourmet foods branch, called Thunderbird Ranch Gourmet Foods. They manufacture various lines of products, including dry mixes, meat rubs, and desserts, which support the center’s activities for the disabled.

Many of the individuals at the center, who are also Special Olympics athletes, help in the kitchen weighing products and packaging. Products are sold online and through the Pride of Dakota program. (Go to thunderbirdranchgourmet.com for product information.)

In January, the state’s Special Olympics Winter Games were held in Valley City for the second year in a row. Athletes competed in snowshoeing, cross country skiing,

and team handball.

“Some of our athletes could play high school sports,” says Kay of the higher functioning athletes.

“It’s a lot more competitive. But some have a niche… it’s what they were born to do.”

In North Dakota, nine area programs exist for Special Olympics (Williston, Minot, Grand Forks, Fargo, Wahpeton, Valley City, Jamestown, Bismarck-Mandan, and Dickinson). Community support is important to the survival of each program and fundraising is ongoing.

It also takes selfless commitment from volunteers.

So if you happen to pass by Valley City’s golf course in the late evening hours in mid-March or by an old orchard grove on the Metcalf farm, pay attention to moving deer or coyotes… and look for Kay Metcalf and her crew as they rely on the moon to light a path to their fundraising goal.

The inspiring human spirit of Special Olympics lives on in its volunteers, as well. s

Volunteer and Help

Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics North Dakota.

Volunteer roles are based on interest and availability, as well as the needs of the teams and programs. Please consider the options below: • Coach • Area Management Team Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

• Administrative volunteer • Chaperone • Fund-raiser • Official, Scorer, Timer • Organizer of local events • Public Relations To volunteer, call 701-772-1265 or contact: Special Olympics 2616 S. 26th St. Grand Forks ND 58201

Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, ages 8 and up.

Athletes of all ability levels compete, from people with low motor skills to highly skilled individuals.

The idea behind the program began in the early 1960s, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw how unjustly and unfairly people with intellectual disabilities were treated. Her vision took shape when she held a summer day camp for young people in her own backyard. The goal was to learn what these young people could do in sports and other activities – and not dwell on what they could not do.

Since its founding in 1968, Special Olympics has grown into a worldwide movement with four million athletes.

The program’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports, giving participants the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and their community. s

11

Farm bill signed by the President

On Friday, Feb. 7, President Obama put his signature on the Agricultural Act of 2014, a comprehensive, bipartisan, fiveyear farm bill that provides a farm safety net in times of need, aids the hungry, protects the environment, creates jobs, keeps Country-ofOrigin Labeling (COOL) intact and helps bolster rural economies.

The following is a breakdown of NFU’s priorities and the outcome in the 2014 farm bill:

Main priorities

Do not rescind existing permanent farm bill law Outcome: Permanent law remains in the farm bill and will be suspended through 2018 upon enactment, as previous farm bills have done.

Include fixed reference prices Outcome: Fixed reference prices are part of the final bill, just as in the House version. The Senate’s farm bill included reference prices that were based on a five-year Olympic average price, which would not have provided true protection against long-term price collapse. Price Loss Coverage and the Agricultural Risk Coverage programs are included.

Include a dairy program that provides protection against rising production costs and market collapse and establishes an inventory management program Outcome: A dairy margin insurance program is included in the agreement, but without the stabilization or supply management component that NFU requested.

The margin program is significantly altered from the House and Senate version, and sets a base production 12

level for each dairy farm to prevent additional milk produced in a rapid expansion of a dairy farm from being eligible for the program.

USDA is provided with authority to adjust these caps throughout the life of the program. Furthermore, margin program premiums are more expensive for milk production in excess of four million pounds per year. Additionally, California is allowed an opportunity to join in the Federal Milk Marketing Order.

Provide $900 million of mandatory funding for renewable energy programs Outcome: The conference report includes $900 million of mandatory funding so that these programs can continue to help farmers produce clean, homegrown energy on their farms and in their rural communities.

Oppose the House version’s additional, unnecessary studies on the implementation of Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) Outcome: Although the final farm bill directs USDA to conduct an economic analysis of COOL, it also extends COOL to goat and venison and makes no changes to the underlying COOL statute. This is a huge victory, as there was a significant attempt by meatpackers and processors to use the farm bill to repeal COOL.

Reauthorize and fund the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program at the House bill’s level Outcome: This program, which supports the improvement and expansion of direct marketing opportunities, was funded at the higher House level of $30 million per year, with the authorization for an additional $10 million per year of discretionary funding.

Additional NFU Priorities

Defend and strengthen livestock disaster programs, which were included in both the House and Senate bills Outcome: Livestock disaster programs are included in the final bill and are made retroactive to fiscal year 2012.

Keep limitations on eligibility and the amount of farm payments individuals or farms may receive.

Outcome: Payment limits for farm programs are set at $125,000 per individual and $250,000 per married couple, with some caveats.

Ensure that conservation programs are fully funded Outcome: The streamlined set of conservation programs are part of the final bill and funded at levels similar to the House and Senate bills.

Defend both retirement and working lands programs: the Conservation Reserve Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and Regional Conservation Partnership Program Outcome: All of these programs are included in the bill.

Include a national sodsaver provision, as in the Senate bill Outcome: Sodsaver was not included in the final bill.

Maintain funding for the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development program Outcome: These programs are included and funded.

Although NFU does not support cuts to farm bill nutrition programs, any nutrition cuts included in the conference report must represent a compromise Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

that can be ultimately accepted by both houses of Congress and signed into law by the president Outcome: The final bill included a compromise of $8 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which compares to $4 billion cut from SNAP in the Senate-passed bill, and $39 billion cut from SNAP in the House-passed bill.

Support funding for Rural Cooperative Development Grants at the Senate bill’s level Outcome: The final bill authorized funds to be appropriated at the lower House level of $40 million/ year, although the bill includes NFU-supported language directing the administration to create an Interagency Working Group on cooperatives.

Support mandatory funding for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative at the House bill’s level.

Outcome: Included and funded at the House level of $20 million per year.

Support mandatory funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program at the Senate bill’s level Outcome: Included and funded at the Senate level of $20 million per year.

Include eligibility for blender pumps under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), as in the Senate bill Outcome: Eligibility for blender pumps under REAP is not part of the final farm bill.

Include eligibility for feasibility studies under REAP, as in the House bill Outcome: Eligibility for feasibility studies under REAP is not part of the final farm bill.

Include establishment of matching payments for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), as in the Senate bill Outcome: This provision was included in the final bill, with up to a 50 percent match for a period of two years.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Reauthorize Specialty Crop Block Grants at the House bill’s level Outcome: Included and funded at the House level of $72.5 million per year, increasing to $85 million per year.

Support language in the House bill that clarifies that federal law does not require water permits for otherwise regulated pesticide applications Outcome: This provision was not included in the final bill.

Support fair and competitive markets for independent family farmers and ranchers and eliminate House language that would undercut enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act Outcome: The NFU-opposed House language is not included in the final bill.

Direct payments Direct payments are repealed.

Sugar policy The existing sugar program is extended through 2018.

Soon the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin to implement the farm bill’s directives, and Farmers Union will once again be at the table to ensure these programs provide a truly effective safety net for family farmers, ranchers and the less fortunate.

Farm Bill is a Victory for COOL Supporters

Multinational meat processors and packer-producer organizations tried to kill the farm bill, in spite of all of the positive livestock provisions included in the bill. Fortunately, members of Congress heard the voices of NFU and all U.S. family farmers and ranchers and did not make any changes to COOL in the farm bill. Livestock provisions in the farm bill include: • $4 billion in livestock disaster that is retroactive to help those caught in the Atlas storm in October 2013; • Funding for the Livestock Indemnity Program and funding for the Livestock Forage Program; • A 10-year baseline for livestock programs for the first time

and 60 percent of EQIP funding going to livestock operations; • Numerous disease prevention and eradication programs.

Policy Committee Meets in Washington

NFU commenced its grassroots policy revision process in late January with the 2014 Policy Committee meeting in Washington, D.C. This year’s committee is comprised of Tim Velde (chairman) of Minnesota, Tom Coudron of Missouri, William Downs of Montana, Vern Jantzen of Nebraska, Joel Keierleber of South Dakota, Kim Klose of North Dakota, Aaron Heley Lehman of Iowa, Harvey Schroeder of Oklahoma, and Tom Wingfield of Colorado. The committee members are all outstanding leaders in their state/regional Farmers Union organizations and were nominated by their respective state president to serve on the committee.

The committee heard from Brian Baenig, chief of staff, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); Sarah Bittleman, senior agricultural counselor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Doug McKalip, senior policy advisor for rural affairs, White House Domestic Policy Council; and staff from the Senate Agriculture Committee to ensure they have a broad working knowledge of current legislative and regulatory issues as they revise NFU’s organizational policy.

The January meetings are the first part of a two-step process. The second part of the process will take place in March during NFU’s convention. During the convention, any Farmers Union member may propose changes to the policy. The committee then considers those proposals and submits a final copy of the suggested policy to the state delegates at the convention for consideration and adoption.

NFU Convention

NFU will host its 112th anniversary convention March 8-11 in Santa Fe, N.M., Look for updates at www.nfu. org.

13

THE

AROUND STATE Excitement and production increased for two Farmers Union families in the month of January. Lucas and Becki Schumacher, Farmers Union Insurance agent from Crosby, welcomed their daughter, Luca Belle, (left) born Jan. 10. District 2 manager, Dennie and Renae Stratton of Devils Lake, received a double bonus on Jan. 20 with the arrival of Stella Dawn (in center) and Carter Jay (at right).

NDFU has a new bus! The bus is 45 feet long and seats 56 passengers.

It is equipped with the latest technology with two electrical outlets at every seat.

Fuel economy improves to about 1000 miles per tank.

Many Farmers Union members traveled to Texas to cheer NDSU to victory in January. Back row, left to right: Justin Rott, Kale Van Bruggen, Ron Van Bruggen, Kevin Kamphius, Shane Lebahn, Trent Lebahn, Tyler Van Bruggen, Wendy Lebahn, Rick Lebahn, Randy Lebahn. Front row, left to right: Gayann Van Bruggen, Carly Van Bruggen, Keela Lebahn, Marilynn Lebahn and Colleen Lebahn.

Members in Richland County got together for a Shop Talk this winter. President Rodrick Lentz hosted the event. To schedule a Shop Talk, call the state office at 800-366-8331 ext. 110.

Fourth graders across North Dakota are learning about the production and distribution of food through the Living Ag Classroom program. NDFU Member Relations Specialists, Megan Berger, top, and Amanda Martin, bottom, taught a group of students at the KMOT Ag Expo in Minot.

Farmers Union Insurance agents presented a check to AID Inc. of Bismarck/Mandan, a group that helps the working poor. Pictured from left to right are agents Jed Geer, Jamie Ressler, AID Inc. Director Patti Regan, agents Tim Johnson and Chuck Wolfgram.

14

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

National Farmers Union Hosts 2014 College Conference on Cooperatives

Students from Lake Region and North Dakota State University toured CHS headquarters and learned about the cooperative business model during the National Farmers Union’s collegiate conference. Pictured from left to right: Travis Mettler (Lake Region), Drew Spooner (NDSU), Brian Axeman (Lake Region), Lance Logie (Lake Region), Kristi Scheweiss (NDSU), and Cliff Vanteenvoort (Lake Region).

CHS leads tour of main facility About 140 students from across the nation gathered in Minneapolis Feb. 14 -16 for National Farmers Union’s (NFU) College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC).

Participants learned how cooperative businesses operate for the benefit of their customers. The annual event focuses on how and why cooperatives succeed in America’s competitive business environment.

“This was an opportunity for Farmers Union and the cooperative community to teach young people about cooperative business principles and history, to introduce them to a wide variety of co-ops, and to show them that there are great careers in strong, ethical and community-minded businesses,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Cooperatives continue to be viable and successful business models in almost every sector of the U.S. economy.”

North Dakota Farmers Union Member Relations Specialist

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Amanda Martin attended the event and said, “The students toured various cooperatives including REI, Mississippi Market, CHS, 7500 York Housing and Mill City Museum to learn about the history of the flour industry in Minnesota.”

The participants heard from cooperative leaders, farmers and government experts who explained current challenges facing memberowned cooperatives.

Presenters ranged from members, directors, employees and managers of traditional and value-added agricultural cooperatives; speakers from electric, housing, and workerowned co-ops; as well as consumer cooperatives such as credit unions, REI, and natural food co-ops.

Representatives offered insights

on cooperative development here and abroad including efforts involving the Peace Corps and the Minnesota National Guard, which completed a mission to Afghanistan to work with farmers and their cooperatives.

“Our own history is very closely tied with the cooperative movement,” said Johnson.

“Farmers Union has a strong commitment to providing cooperative education not only to our own members, but also to the general public, and especially to young people.”

The CHS Foundation, CoBank, Farmers Union Industries Foundation, National Farmers Union Foundation and others sponsored the conference. s Students listened to CHS representatives during a tour.

CHS is the nation’s largest agricultural cooperative.

Students heard from co-op leaders, farmers and government experts who explained the challenges they face.

15

n F m s h a o r t ni e r U w ' Soarin i 201 4

Camp!

REGISTER NOW! Junior Camp Dates for completed grades 3-6

Wesley Acres, near Valley City

June 8-11 Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster,

Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina,

Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, Steele, Towner,

Walsh, Wells

June 11-14 Cass, Traill

July 13-16 Dickey, LaMoure, Ransom

July 16-19 Emmons, Logan, McIntosh, Richland, Sargent

July 20-23 Barnes, Kidder, Stutsman Heart Butte, near Elgin

June 8-11 Adams, Bowman/Slope, Grant, Hettinger,

Morton, Sioux

June 11-14 Billings/Golden Valley, Dunn, Mercer,

McKenzie, McLean, Oliver, Stark

July 13-16 Bottineau, Burke, Divide, McHenry,

Mountrail, Renville, Ward, Williams

July 16-19 Burleigh, Sheridan

Senior Camp Dates for completed grades 7-12

June 16-20

June 23-27

July 7-11

July 21-25 July 28-Aug. 1

August 6-9 16

Heart Butte, near Elgin Camp #1 • Grades 7-12 Camp #2 • Grades 7-12 Camp #3 • Grades 7-9 Camp #4 • Grades 7-12 Camp #5 • Grades 11-12 Rolling Camp • Grades 9-12

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: water games • skits four-square sports • campfires talent show • banquet camp project • crafts & more THEME NIGHTS: Junior: “When I grow up...”

Senior: “America” & “Be Who You’re Not” $75 Junior Camps $125 Senior Camps $225 Rolling Camp

For more information: www.ndfu.org or 800-366-8331

“North Dakota Farmers Union Youth Program” Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Bring a friend to camp and win a prize Campers do the best job of promoting camp and getting their friends to attend camp.

Here’s a way for those campers to receive a prize - depending on the number new campers they recruit: # of FRIENDS PRIZE 1-2 NDFU t-shirt 3-4 NDFU hoody 5-9 $50 gift/VISA card 10-14 Nintendo 3DS 15-19 iPad 20 and up Apple laptop There are some guidelines: - The camper referring a new camper must attend camp to qualify.

- The new camper must attend camp to qualify.

- A new camper is categorized as a youth who has never attended camp OR a youth who has not attended camp in the last four years.

- Awards will be given out at county conventions.

- The new camper must write the name of the person referring them on the “Referred by” line on their camp registration form. s

A new camping experience on the bus Senior youth have a chance to try something new this year.

Instead of camping at Heart Butte, youth will have the opportunity to camp on the bus.

A “rolling camp” is scheduled for Aug. 6-9 and will feature all the fun activities of camp but on the road. Nights will be spent at hotels along the way and meals will be offered at restaurants.

Campers will learn by visiting and touring sites related to the senior camp project on renewable energy.

The camp will start and end in Bismarck. The bus will take campers to Beulah to learn about coal, to Garrison to hear about water power, and Wilton to visit about wind power. A detailed agenda will be sent out closer to camp dates.

Space is limited on the bus so advance registration is required.

Cost is $225 for the week and includes the cost of hotel rooms and food expenses. s

Camp registration opens up

It’s time to register for North Dakota Farmers Union summer camp! Camps are divided by junior and senior level age groups and early registration is advised.

Each camp features many traditional activities like campfires, sports and swimming while teaching an interactive curriculum that builds teamwork and leadership skills.

At North Dakota Farmers Union camps, attendees learn about the cooperative business model by organizing and operating their own store and selling snacks, beverages, and camp souvenirs.

Campers are educated on real-life issues affecting their generation through hands-on lessons in: • Volunteerism & government Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

• Cultural diversity • Legislative process • Patriotism Campers enjoy a variety of games and activities that round out the camp experience: • Swimming • Singing • Theme nights • Sports • Dancing • Campfires Nearly 1,000 young people were involved with camps last year, learning about cooperatives, leadership, citizenship and community. This year’s camp theme is “Soarin’ with Farmers Union Camp” and was selected by members of the State Youth

Advisory Council (SYAC). Each council member serves as a liaison for the NDFU youth program and helps define issues that impact youth. This year’s elected leaders include Nicollette Bitz of Napoleon, Karly Held of Egeland, Sierra Jundt of Rugby, Nick Stevens of Valley City, Nick Watne of Jamestown, and Lexie Weber of New Rockford.

In addition to SYAC members, specially trained counselors from all around North Dakota will facilitate activities and supervise campers this summer.

Registration forms are available through the state office or online at www.ndfu.org. For more information, call 1-800-366-8331 ext. 105. s 17

Warm and wonderful

Beignets

BY FOUNDING FARMERS RESTAURANT

Have you ever enjoyed Founding Farmers’ Uncle Buck’s Beignets? What a perfect winter indulgence!

We don’t know if it’s the warm, lightly fried dough, the subtle sweetness in the sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar, or the fresh chocolate, caramel, and raspberry dipping sauces this yummy dessert is served with, but beignets are a big hit and are one of the most popular menu items.

Winter is the perfect time to share this muchloved sweet treat to try at home and turn your dining table (if for only one meal) into a corner bistro banquet along Paris’ famed Champs-Élysées, or the ultimate breakfast treat enjoyed with some strong coffee a la Café du Monde in New Orleans.

And remember, call the NDFU state office at 1-800-366-8331 ext. 127 to get your Founding Farmers cookbook today! Members pay just $20 for the book – Bon appétit! s

Uncle Buck’s Beignets Makes about 30 beignets

4 cups canola oil, for frying 1 1/4 cups water 1 1/4 cups non-fat milk 1 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 3 1/3 cups bread flour 11 large eggs confectioners’ sugar, for dusting Chocolate Sauce 1 cup heavy cream 11 oz semi sweet chocolate 1/3 cup light corn syrup Caramel Sauce 1 cup heavy cream 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup water

Heat oil in 4-quart pot or electric fryer (to 325°F). Place water, milk, butter, sugar, salt in large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat. Add bread flour. Stir vigorously until batter pulls from sides and a film forms on the bottom of pan. Immediately remove pan from heat. Transfer batter to stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Mix on low for 30 seconds. Crack eggs into bowl and slowly add to mixer. Once eggs are incorporated, mix batter for one additional minute. Portion dough with a 1-oz scoop (2 tablespoons) and place dough directly into hot oil. Fry beignets for about 20 minutes, turning over half-way through cooking, until golden brown.

Remove beignets from oil carefully. Drain on wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar; serve warm with sauces.

Place cream, chocolate, and corn syrup in medium stainless steel bowl.

Place bowl over a pot of simmering water. Heat until sauce is smooth and ingredients are fully combined.

Place cream in medium saucepan, bring to boil over medium heat.

Decrease heat to low to keep warm. Place sugar and water in medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan and place pan over medium heat. Do not stir.

Let cook down until sugar melts and mixture turns a golden amber color.

Remove pan from heat; stir in heavy cream until well mixed. Let cool.

Farmers Fishers Bakers wins “Restaurant of the Year” award The prestigious travel publication Andrew Harper has recognized Farmers Fishers Bakers as a winner in the 2014 Grand Awards. The Washington, 18

D.C., based restaurant was named "Restaurant of the Year" in the United States in the Informal category, making special note of the restaurant's relationship with

NDFU, green-minded interiors and locally-sourced menu items.

The annual awards recognize top restaurants, hotels and travel experiences across the globe. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

BUY THE COOKBOOK

County Calendar BURLEIGH

March 17 • Family Fun Night 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Tumbleweed Bar & Grill • Lincoln, N.D. Supper and snacks provided.

Speaker – BisMan Food Co-op Representative Do not need to be a NDFU member to attend!

Please RSVP to: Denise Brown - dbrown@ndfu.org • 701-471-7369 Arlene Olson - dnaolson@bektel.com

RICHLAND

March 9 • Fairmount Local membership meeting 4 p.m. • Fairmount Fire District Hall

WARD

March 4 • Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. • Minot Pizza Ranch

ALL COUNTIES

$20 for NDFU members

Call Eunice at 800-366-8331 ext. 127

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Time to register for summer camp.

Call the state office at 701-952-0105 for information or go to: www.ndfu.org

WATCH FOR DETAILS ON UPCOMING MEETINGS:

FARM BILL INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS in Jamestown • Devils Lake • Minot • Bismarck COMMODITY MARKETING MEETINGS March 27 – Kenmare March 28 – Valley City

19

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS Classified ad space is free and available to NDFU members. Ads will run one time only.

Ads must be mailed, e-mailed or faxed.

NO ADS WILL BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. Include your name, address, phone number and mail to: NDFU Classifieds PO Box 2136 • Jamestown ND 58402-2136 e-mail: bthoms@ndfu.org Fax: 701-252-6584 • 701-952-0102 EARLY DEADLINE IN MARCH Contact us to place or repeat your ad by 3/10/14

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 2588 IH combine, Pro X 600, 12 row, ready, 1,500 hrs., very nice, loaded; 2388 combine, ‘02, hyd. reverser, 2,500 hrs., updated tires, yield and moisture monitor, loaded. 228-6571 or 366-4588, Greg Sletto, Valley City.

FOR SALE MacDon 3600 Prairie Star Model, pulltype swather; Cenex 2,200 bu. grain bin to be moved; 1973 900 Series 1 Versatile; truck mounted drill fill auger, could be used to fill air seeder cart; misc. parts for N6 or N7 Gleaner combine - filters, belts, sickle sections and sickle guards. 2283161, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

FOR SALE Lo-Boy Mill, electric, 3/4 hp. motor, 250 bu./hr., roller size 6 1/2”x9”, $400; rock box to fit Case 1070, will fit others, $150; Westgo 7”x51’ and Brandt 7”x45’ pto augers, both have new flex tube down spouts, choice - $350; 1 lg. round rubber hopper, $100; drywall panel lift, new, $200. 543-3843 leave message, Doug or Deb Hanstad, Hatton.

FOR SALE 2007 CL120 Freightliner, 430 hp. Cat., Ultrashift, red, jake, cruise, all alum., air ride cab & susp., 496,680 mi., very nice truck; 2001 IH 9900 I Eagle, 450 Cummins ISX, 10 spd. autoshift, cruise, jake, sliding 5th, air ride susp.,, 363,991 mi.,, like new; 2000 IH 9900 I Eagle, 450 Cummins ISX, 51” hi-rise Pro sleeper, autoshift, 240” WB, air ride cab & susp., jake cruise, tilt, telescope, excellent; 1999 IH 9200, C12 Cat, 430 hp., autoshift, 201 WB, all alum., air susp, cruise, jake, Pro sleeper, Spraymate fenders, 5,800 mi. on new motor, alt., air comp., air dryer & starter and batteries, 624,720 total mi.; 2 Titan 12.5L-15 SL tubeless 10 ply on 6 hole Bourgault rims; 1979 Chevy 1 ton dually service truck with 6,000# auto crane, 300 gal. diesel and 100 gal. gas tank, air compressor and tank, excellent rubber, nice inside and out, service records for all. 693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

FOR SALE Quick Kleen grain cleaner; 500 gal. LP tank, 80% full; CIH PT crumbler, made to pull behind 7 shank DMI; 2 -1015 & 1-810 pickup head; 25’ Wil-Rich stalk chopper; 20’ Fox Brady chopper; 13’ Reiten plow packer; 40,000 lb. Jentz combine trailer; 1020 30’ flexhead; 2-250 gal. saddle tanks; 2004 12-20 Gerringhoff corn head.

640-0728, Ray Schroeder, Wahpeton.

FOR SALE Gear box drive from Westfield auger, secondary drive for jump auger w/reverser, 20

$400; garbage compactor for 1 ton truck, 6 yd. garbage compactor; 9’ New Holland sickle mower, 3 pt., Model 456, new drive box, 2 new sickles, new u-joints; 4 - 30 lb. suitcase wts; 240 bu. feed wagon, 2 hoppers, 2 augers, hyd. drive, with or without heavy trailer; 400 amp Airco welder, 3 ph. electric, welds steel or aluminum, $300 of new tips and cones, rolls wire, on heavy cart, $1,200: 9’ New Holland sickle mower, 3 pt., Model 456, new drive box, 2 new sickles, new u-joints; 4-30# suitcase weights. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.

FOR SALE 235 Owatonna swing tongue windrower; 400 IHC tractor, new paint; 560 Hesston baler, good condition. 348-3486, Donald Hoerner, Glen Ullin.

FOR SALE H-106 Haybuster rockpicker, $5,500; Rowse double 9’ mower, $5,000; 276 New Holland baler with S&H bale accumulator & forks to go on loader, $4,000; Melroe Gysler 37’ chisel plow with mounted harrow, $1,000; 37’ IHC Vibra Shank cultivator w/mounted harrow, $1,000; Hesston round baler, $1,000; Concord hyd. soil probe, $750; M&W rotary hoe, $500; JD rotary hoe, $500; JD 21’ drill, $500; JD 24’ drill, $500; Dahlman 28’ heavy duty harrow, $500; 60’ Melroe harrow, $500; Concord 40’ air seeder, $8,000; 2 trailers 2/gravity boxes, $1,000 ea.; 2 hyd. drive augers for gravity boxes, $250 ea.; older New Idea manure spreader, $250; Lark 28’ low rack trailer, $1,500; trailer house frame trailer, $500; truck frame trailer, $250; power unit with 460 Ford engine w/C-6 transmission with 540 pto. and 1,000 pto. out the back, $1,500; 230 Cummins engine, $1,500; 238 Mack engine, $1,500; 1978 Versatile Model 400 windrower, $1,500; 1976 Chevy tandem truck with 21’ Reiten aluminum box in good condition, $12,000; 8 JD corn planter units, $125 ea.; complete straw spreader for JD 8820 combine, $250; 1957 Dodge gas truck w/ hose reels, $1,000; 30’ 3 pt. anhydrous applicator, $500; 45’ pull type anhydrous applicator, $500; 4 wheel windrower transport for self-propelled windrowers, $250; JD drill boots with discs, $10 ea.; factory made hitch to go on toolbar, $100; Berkeley pto. irrigation pump w/ hand primer - 900’, 4” aluminum pipe with sprinklers and 30’ 6” suction pipe, $3,000; Valmar 160 granular applicator w/covercrop seed roller, $500; 6 wheel Vicon hay rake, $800; 28’ Glencoe cultivator w/new shovels, $500; 18’ Glencoe cultivator, $400; 30’ bat reel for New Holland combine, never used, $600; 750 gal. fert. tank on trailer w/ground drive pump & hyd. drive agitating pump, $1,000; 45’ rod weeder to mount on tool bar w/3 hyd. motors, $750. 845-3594, Donald Jorissen, Valley City.

FOR SALE JD 9450 grain drill, 30’, 7” spacing, on a Kuhn transport with rear steering. 5725559, Jerry Selby, Williston.

FOR SALE 851 late model New Holland round baler, always shedded, nice condition, $1,500; farm house, 2 story, to be moved, make offer. 321-0629, Markus Wangler, Napoleon.

FOR SALE IH 7200 press drills, new Eagle beaks, self transport, always been shedded, reasonable. 664-2292, C. E. Redmond, Tioga.

FOR SALE JD 924 header with batt reel and lifters for downed crop, works great, $2,000 obo; 1,000 gal. NH3 tanks, $3,000 ea. 7646410, Casey Lund, Killdeer.

FOR SALE Summers 80’ pull-type Supersprayer, Hypro hydraulic pump, Raven controller, 500 gal. tank, windscreens, dual tip 5 and 10 gal., fence row end nozzles, foam markers, hydraulic tip lift, clean water tank, good clean low acre sprayer, shedded. 884-2446, Terry Strobel, Denhoff.

FOR SALE 930 John Deere header with Crary air reel and new header trailer. 925-5711, Bill Joyce, Noonan.

FOR SALE Vermeer 605 J baler, always stored inside, new pto. shaft, pickup good, belts fair. 522-3263, Jeff Striegel, Carson.

FOR SALE 2 JD 9760 rims, 10 bolt, 31x32, will fit 35.5, 800 or 900 metrics, $1,250 ea. obo.

520-2513, Bill Wagner, Neche.

FOR SALE Degelman rock picker, 4 batt reel, pto. driven. 948-2241 or 870-2240, Walter Morast, Zap. FOR SALE IHC 50T baler; Schulte RS hyd. rock picker; F10 Farmhand w/weigh all Snoco bale loader; h.d. Russell Reliance 10’ grader; 10’ h.d. V packer; 5 bottom packer w/hitch; 8 steel grain bins w/steel floor, 1,000-12,400 bu.; Peterson dual rims, 18.4-34 to 232.1-30; Letz 163 burr mill; 11’ wide push-all hay basket for Du-Al loader; push-off hay basket or Du-Al loader; Versatile 8”x50’ pto. auger. 5842025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.

FOR SALE 28’ - 53’ semi van trailers, many nice southern trailers, good for spray trailers; tanks and spray parts; 45’ - 53’ storage trailers; 36’ new hopper bottom trailer.

474-5780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

FOR SALE 5’ belly mount mower for Farmall B. 3522246, Gene Estad, Grafton.

FOR SALE Pair of 23.1x34 duals with factory hardware, $300; 1 – 24.5x32, 10 ply, real good tire, $550; 3 pair of 18.4x34 duals; part of 20.8x34 tires, good for duals’ pair of 13.6x24 duals for an older Oliver FWA; pair of 18.4x38 duals. 391-6865, Ron Gessele, Bismarck.

FOR SALE 2590 Case tractor, 8,010 total hrs., new turbo, injectors & rod & main bearings and fuel pump gone through - $5,000 in repairs, 20.8x38 radial duals, nice tractor.

824-2936 or 928-1380, Gordon Bader, Mott.

FOR SALE CIH 45’, 8500 air hoe drill, run monitor; 12” pto. water pump; CIH 721 pt. swather; Kirschmann spray coupe, for parts. 2835178, Marc Greening, Wales.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

FOR SALE Kingman bale processor, trailer type, 540 pto., 2 bale capacity, nice condition. 9834445, John Flemmer, Golden Valley.

FOR SALE 1,000 gal. horizontal water tank, used with chemical. 465-3673, Bill Nitz, Anamoose.

FOR SALE JD 910 pickup; JD 924 rigid; JD 7720 combine; JD 930 w/pans; 2 – 605C Vermeer balers; lick tank; 400 Versatile 20’, for parts; hyd. drill fill; hyd. drag auger; jump auger, electric; GB loader, 4010 mounts; 2,000 gal. NH3 tank. 6267180, Daryl Verbitsky, Butte.

FOR SALE 2011 - 13”x71’ Farm King auger with hyd. hopper lift and mover, reverser, never been used on corn or beans, $15,000.

208-0961, Maurus Brossart, Barton.

FOR SALE 2004 Bobcat S185, 2,900 hrs., cab, air, heat, diesel motor, 60 hp., 64” bucket, good tires, owners manual, no leaks, excellent condition, just been thru the shop, $18,500. 535-0348, Kevin Raugutt, Edgeley.

FOR SALE Tee GPS guidance system, number 570G with rear camera, very little use,$1,000; 1996 Ford 2 ton truck with 20’ flatbed, no hoist, Allison transmission, 125,000 mi., good tires, good appearance. 883-5889, Milton Ostby, LaMoure.

FOR SALE 590 John Deere pull-type swather, 30’ w/ canola roller and Saber end cutter, low acres, always shedded, $7,500; LaForge front mount 3 pt. hitch for 8000 Series JD tractors, $5,000; Beline granular applicator, complete with hose and monitor, $250; 2 steel bin roof stiffeners for 27’ diameter bins, $150; pickup topper for full size 1989 Chevy pickup box, $50; 12”x72’ Feterl grain auger, $2,500; barn stanchions, $5 each; fifth wheel plate, $125; John Deere Accudepth monitor, $100; Motomco Model 919 moisture tester with digital scale, $500. 247-3058 or 259-2373, John Steffan, Michigan.

FOR SALE 535 JD baler; Bush Hog 14’ offset; 23’ Hesston chisel plow; 9 wheel rake; JD 450 9’ sickle mower; 26’ Vibra Shank w/ harrows; 6 - 16’s JD 3200 plow w/packer; 903 Melroe 8 - 18’s plow; 12’ Melroe drill; 14’ Melroe drill. 483-7892, Louie N. Hendricks, Dickinson.

FOR SALE Melroe plow #903, 6 bottom, 16”, heavy duty with reset mechanism; Flexicoil packer, 8‘ wide, made in Canada, very good condition. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott.

FOR SALE 1996 33’ Flexicoil 5000 air drill with 1720 between air cart 7.2, Spacing 3-5”, steel press wheels with markers, $20,000; set of 1,000 gal., side by side, NH3 tanks on Horvick trailer, $13,500. 337-6363, David Schliching, Garrison.

WANTED Hay conditioner for cereal implement, #722 hay machine, Hay Lead #716, same as MF 200, #205 hay head, could use Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

just conditioner or complete hay head.

575-4036 or 690-7034, Steve Demaniow, Belfield.

WANTED IHC M and H tractors, running or for parts. 974-3644, Loren Myran, Taylor.

WANTED 2 - 23.1x34 rear 8 ply tractor tires, no breaks. 50% tread; 2 - 18.4x34 rear tractor tires, 8 ply, no breaks, 50% tread.

273-4125, Ronald L. Moser, Woodworth.

WANTED Good used 11-28 spiral adjust tractor rim, old rim has 28x210 stamped on it. 4623693, Ken Job, Washburn.

WANTED 2 – 14-30 rear tractor tires in good shape, can be a radial tire. 947-5927, John B. Lee, New Rockford.

WANTED 2 row cultivator for Farmall B. 352-2246, Gene Estad, Grafton.

WANTED IH pto grain binder transport, axles and wheels for storage purpose or moving on the road length way. 327-4240, Verle Marsaa, Tappen.

WANTED IH tractors, 806, 1206, 856, 1066, 1466; John Deere 5010, 6030; Minneapolis Moline 1355, a nice one for my collection; will consider all, even non-running. 628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

WANTED Large wheel rake, 12 wheels or larger. 8981876, Bob Andes, Parshall.

WANTED A set of good used tractor tires, 12 or 13 x 38. 270-0184, Harold Severson, Lakota.

WANTED A and C International tractor for parts or any condition. 442-3524, Dennis Folden, Underwood.

WANTED Air seeder hopper for Flexicoil 2320; Wilson 40’ or 42’ hopper bottom grain trailer with ag hoppers. 465-3719, Loren Isaak, Drake.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Home hospital bed, excellent condition, push button adjustable, includes vinyl covered mattress, $350. 488-2288, John or Gladys Aasen, Clifford.

FOR SALE Lennox Lo-Boy oil fired warm air furnace, Model DMR, w/manual, $250 obo; Sports Trainer - a remote training system for dogs, 100 yd. range, brand new. 845-2300, Bjarne Bredke, Valley City.

FOR SALE Women’s full length fur coat, size 8, dark color, by State Fur Co.; Resistol Triple X hat, Beaver dark color, size 7 3/8, like new.

228-3161, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

FOR SALE 12’ hard wood stock rack, red, factory made, like new; Worksaver 3 pt. fence post digger, 3 augers; 2 cream separators, electric #518 and #S16 with crank, both with complete attachments. 597-3730, larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE 1970’s set of World Book encyclopedias; 2 Surge milking buckets, 1 large, 1 small; Self washer IHC cream separator with box of filters. 465-3235, Tom Weninger, Drake.

FOR SALE Calf puller, ratchet type, $100; OB chains & handles, ear taggers, syringes, other misc. - $50. 543-3843 leave message, Doug or Deb Hanstad, Hatton.

FOR SALE Great Pyrenees puppy, born Oct. 4, female, purebred, both parents are working livestock guard dogs, “Rosie” has all shots and is used to being with sheep, cows, other dogs and cats, we would like her to go to a farm with livestock. 4352927, Anne Osborne, Wimbledon.

FOR SALE Husqvarna zero turn lawnmower, 24 hp.

Kohler engine, 54” deck, 3 bag collection system, $2,650. 661-0551, Mike Krueger, Garrison.

FOR SALE 6500 watt generator, 16 horse Vanguard, Briggs & Stratton twin OHV engine, Chicago electric gas engine, key start & pulley, receptacles – 4 - 15 amp, 120V, 1 - 25 amp, 240V, 1 - 25 amp, 120/240V, 8 hrs. run time, always kept inside, very good condition, original manual and paperwork; 1992 31’ Avion 5th wheel w/14’ slideout, AC, new double door fridge, new toilet, main awning, washer/ dryer connections, cassette radio, 2 TVs (1 new flat screen), VCR, microwave, 4 burner range and oven, all original paperwork on trailer and appliances, new tires, not a man camp trailer, many extras, $11,200. 701-628-6949, 314-640-1884, 314-799-6949, Rose LaRocco Ryan, Stanley.

FOR SALE Fishing supplies, summer and winter, rod, MN auger, 2 man portable, filet knife, rod rack and more, $300 for all, most is new and never used. 238-3145, Gary Lammer, West Fargo.

FOR SALE John Deere Model 826 snow blower; Craftsman scroll saw, 16”, variable spd., new in box, never used; Standard Oil Co. of Indiana, 30 gal. tank with pump; old spinning wheel; 3 pc. doll size ice cream table (14” high, 10” dia.) and 2 chairs (seats 9” from and 6 1/2” dia.). 524-1395, Peder or Carole Mikkelson, Aneta.

FOR SALE Horse collars & related items; 45 used utility poles, 35’-50’ long; used tires - 6 Bridgestone tires 245-75-R16; 4 - 22560-R16 M&S; 4 used Firestone P26570-R16 M&S; 3 Michelin P225-60-R16 M&S; 4 Hercules Ultra 215-70-R15; 2 Co-op Ready Grip G78-15 MS studded, less than 2,000 mi. on Ford wheels; 2 Firestone L78-15 studded; 2 P25-75 R15 Cooper Weathermaster studded, less than 2,000 mi.; 2 P125-75 R15 Goodyear studded on Ford wheels; 2 P215-75 R15 Sears Snow Handlers. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.

WANTED Prairie dog hunters to come and hunt on my land, make reservations now. 5973730 or larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

21

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS MISCELLANEOUS WANTED Deer rifle and pistol, reasonable prices please. 628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

WANTED Need to have small weed sprayer, about 200 lbs., transported from Brookings, SD to Kingman, AZ or vicinity. 928-753-8925, Arnold Seibel, Kingman, AZ. WANTED Crocks, jugs with store advertising; old metal advertising signs, gas pumps, old metal oil cans, old advertising clocks or thermometers; old road signs, traps, knives, shell boxes, guns, old pop or old medicine bottles; old highway road signs; old 1 lb. coffee tin cans; ND pottery, carnival glass; ND books - 50 yrs. in the Saddle. 258-0420 or 220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

WANTED Complete windmills that work or parts for windmills. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.

WANTED 1923 King Markham New Chicago, Number 24 BB gun; history of Griggs County or Cavalier County. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2001 Dodge Dakota, 4 dr., 4 whl. drive, PW, CD player, A/C, power locks, 4.7 V8, 5 spd. manual transmission, white, new front rack & pinion steering, $6,700 obo, excellent shape inside and out, can text pics. 360-6108, Don Staskivige, Drayton.

FOR SALE 1992 Ford F250 XLT, air, lockout hubs, 5 spd., less than 2,000 mi. on tires, 82,000 mi, rubber mat in box. 948-2241 or 8702240, Walter Morast, Zap. FOR SALE 1981 Buick Century, auto on floor, bucket seats, air, factory installed V8, 4.3 liter motor, mint cond.; 1951 straight eight Buick. 597-3730 or larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE 110’ boom truck, 2 buckets, 1974 Ford, gas, tandem axle, approx. 85,000 mi., obo; 55’ boom truck, 1984 Ford, offer.

653-5230, Wes Miller, Carrington.

FOR SALE 1945 Chevy 1 1/2 ton truck, runs and drives good, $1,500; 1987 Ford Ranger pickup - front clip with V6 motor, radiator, 5 spd., OD trans., no box or rear end, 8’ long all metal topper fully enclosed side doors, vertical rear doors, white in color, $1,200; new windshield and new left front fender for a 93-97 Dodge Intrepid, $125 each; 4 wheels for 2007 Jeep Liberty, 255-75R16; Austin Western front axle w/ tires and wheels from road grader. 7890966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.

FOR SALE 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad cab, 5.7 Hemi, automatic, 4 WD, remote start, PW, PL, power rear window, bed liner, 89,500 mi., $19,900, clean pickup. 471-9623, Michael Bechtle, Wishek.

22

FOR SALE 2005 Buick LaCrosse, excellent running and driving car, 3.8 eng., driver information center, auto. on floor, steering whl. controls, air, cruise, tilt, tach, 93,500 mi., silver, pics. available. 206-0082, Marcus Fischer, Bowman.

FOR SALE 1989 Mercury Marquis; 1985 F350 Ford dually, diesel. 228-3161, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

FOR SALE 1951 Ford F600 truck with hoist, runs great; 1981 Freightliner with sleeper. 4837892, Louie N. Hendricks, Dickinson.

FOR SALE 1963 GMC grain truck, 1 1/2 ton with 13’ Knapheide box, hoist, and stock rack, 65,000 mi., very good condition, always stored inside. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott.

WANTED 1953 - 1960 Ford pickups and panels, running or for parts. 347-5234, Mike Eberhardt, Casselton.

WANTED Chevrolet cars and trucks from 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s. 974-3644, Loren Myran, Taylor.

WANTED Ford Flathead V8 engines in any condition.

680-1079, Dylan Ekstrom, West Fargo.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Barn camera system, works great for calving, everything you need is included - cameras, switch box and all cables, you can add more cameras (up to 8) anytime, very easy setup, $320 for 2 cameras, a very good investment. 391-2531, Matt Heinle, Mandan.

FOR SALE Ringneck pheasant chicks, mostly hens.

653-5230, Wes Miller, Carrington.

FOR SALE 5 bred Quarter Horse and Quarter Horse cross mares, bred to a Haflinger stallion, due end May into July, all have been vet checked, $500, all shots current last summer; 1 open mare, $500; 3 yr. old Red Roan filly, $300; most of these mares are broke to ride but have not been ridden in the last year and a half, Roan filly is not broke. 543-3843 leave message, Doug or Deb Hanstad, Hatton.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE or LEASE Commercial Property - Alamo, ND school building and all of block 9, Williams Co., ND, located in the Bakken, 36 mi. NE of Williston, gymnasium renovated into a 66’x120’ shop with 18’ overhead door, has 400 amp., 3 phase service. Use it for your oil field business or renovate the school into housing/motel, school is 3 floors, floors are approx. 80x80, all brick construction, potential for commercial water development as there is a high producing well on the property, willing to lease shop. 5704660. Rockey Hewson, Bismarck.

FEED AND SEED FOR SALE 2013 1,100 lb. mixed grass round bales, never rained on, $40/bale; also have about 70 2012 bales. 764-6410, Casey Lund, Killdeer.

FOR SALE Certified and Registered Prosper and Barlow wheat, registered Elgin, ND. 5202513, Bill Wagner, Neche.

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

FOR SALE 2013 grass hay, net wrapped, 1,450 lbs. average. 983-4445, John Flemmer, Golden Valley.

FOR SALE Elgin, Barlow, Prosper HRSW; Innovation barley; Frontier, Alma chickpeas; NuTech corn, soybeans - early discount still available; salt tolerant alfalfa and grass seed; Radiant, Decade, Broadview HRWW; full line of cover crops. 529-4421 or finkenseeds@gmail.com, Bob Finken, Douglas.

NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

2014 Excursion Tours!

The Sweethearts of Branson

Monday, April 28, 2014 Denny and Shelia Yeary will perform country music and NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION gospel songs, with comedy provided 2014 Excursion Tours! by Cowboy Comedian“Tucker” 2:00 pm at the Belle Mehus Theater, Bismarck, N.D. The of Only Branson $29Sweethearts Concert Tickets NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS Monday, April 28, 2014UNION DennyExcursion and Shelia Yeary 2014 Tours! ???

Mystery Tours ??? will perform country music and #1 April 28-May 1 gospel songs, with comedy provided #2 May 12-15 The of Branson

by Sweethearts Cowboy Comedian“Tucker” #3 May 2:00 Monday, pm at the April Belle19-22 Mehus 28, 2014Theater, Bismarck, N.D. (Full Denny but accepting names for standby) and Shelia Yeary $29perform Concertcountry Ticketsmusic Only and will Go to www.ndfu.org for details gospel songs, with comedy provided or call 800-366-8331 by Cowboy Comedian“Tucker” ext 108, Susan,Mystery or ext 111, Jeff Tours ??? ???

2:00 pm at the Belle Mehus Theater, #1 April 28-May 1 Bismarck, N.D. #2 May 12-15 $29 Concert Tickets Only #3 May 19-22 (Full but accepting names for standby)

??? Mystery Tours ???

Go to www.ndfu.org#1 for April details 28-May 1 or call 800-366-8331 #2 May 12-15 ext 108, Susan, or ext 111, Jeff

#3 May 19-22 (Full but accepting names for standby)

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Go to www.ndfu.org for details

Message from

the President

BY NDFU PRESIDENT MARK WATNE

Working for change on railcar issues When considering the work that North Dakota Farmers Union does as an organization, a quote

by Margaret Mead comes to mind: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Yes, we are an organization of more than 40,000 families; and as our recent work on railroad issues in the state demonstrates, we are thoughtful, committed and successful in affecting change.

North Dakota Farmers Union began hearing from a number of members last month about a lack of availability of grain railcars at their elevators, with delays anywhere from 17 to 40 days. After talking to farmers and co-op managers from around the state, we believe the problems with car delivery are primarily related to the following causes: • The rail industry seems to have made shipping agricultural goods a low priority. We believe railcars are prioritized as follows: oil (with 1,600 cars per day moving out of North Dakota), coal, container shipments, and then agriculture.

• During the cold weather months, trains take more horsepower to operate. BNSF has explained to us that trains are usually around 7,000 to 8,000-ft. long in good weather conditions.

But when it is negative 20 or 30 degrees, they can only run 5,000ft. long trains (air lines freeze up among other problems).

Even though agriculture groups had heard in previous meetings with BNSF that they were making attempts to “harmonize” agriculture and oil shipments, it appears that ag has fallen down

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

on the list of priorities. When the oil boom was just beginning, BNSF officials seemed to believe that oil shipments would not affect agriculture shipments because oil goes south and grain goes east and west. Obviously, no one could have known the significant impacts oil would have on our rail infrastructure, as we have oil heading in all four directions.

Without engines to pull cars to and from elevators, elevators have a difficult time marketing grain because of scheduling.

NDFU also believes that the “secondary market” issue is a side effect of both the prioritization of agriculture exports and lack of horsepower. The rail industry sells the rights to elevators to receive cars on a given date in the primary market (usually around $300/ railcar). If the elevator does not need the cars, it can sell them in the secondary market. When the supply of cars is tight, as it has been lately, those cars are being “sold” at a premium, which widens the basis for the farmer hauling to these elevators.

We have heard from co-op managers who believe that 85 percent of this year’s corn crop is still in either on-farm or warehouse storage. They also believe there is a good chance that this year’s crop will not be moved before the new crop has to go into storage.

This “perfect storm” could create huge problems down the road; add in oil trains and you have a huge

bottleneck on the tracks.

On Feb. 11 at the invitation of Sen. Hoeven, I was given an opportunity to meet with BNSF railroad officials, Sen. Heitkamp, and Congressman Cramer.

BNSF shared with us their plans to address the challenges they face in moving product from North Dakota. The plan included 125 additional engines, the hiring and movement of key employees, and the hope that the subzero weather would moderate so train size could be increased to full-sized trains.

I was able to share the thoughts of our members and cooperative managers that the railroad should not prioritize oil over grain. I also indicated that all the cars that are currently delayed were grain cars and oil cars were not currently being limited. There were nearly 200,000 less grain cars shipped by Class I railroads in 2013 compared to the average since 2005. We shared with BNSF that the huge costs to the secondary market for cars has impacted the potential profitability of our elevator system, and how they create demand in the secondary market when car delivery is delayed. We also reminded BNSF of the dollars in assets that elevators and their farmers have spent to make rail more efficient. We are confident that our congressional delegation will keep the pressure on BNSF to keep agriculture a priority.

This issue demonstrates the power of our organization’s grassroots. Members spoke; we listened; and our North Dakota congressional delegation acted.

Don’t doubt that your voice can be heard; collectively, it’s what makes your organization successful. s 23

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

DRIFTING SNOW

A poem written by NDFU member Terry Jacobson The snow moves listlessly across the fields and the roads of a listless nation.

But trees and tall-grass prairie give the snow a place to rest, a home, meaning, nestled quietly around the trees or grass protecting it, nurturing life come spring.

A simple thing, snow.

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

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