april union farmer

In this issue

www.ndfu.orgUNION FARMER

Mission Statement: Guided by our cooperative, legislative and educational goals, North Dakota Farmers Union is a grassroots organization committed to the advancement of

family farm and ranch agriculture and quality of life for people everywhere through member advocacy, educational programs, cooperative initiatives and insurance services.

April 2015 – Volume 62 • Number 4

Sunset near Jamestown. Photo by Bri Sorensen, NDFU

4. 12.How did they vote? 23.6. National convention New registration process for summer camp

President’s message

North Dakota Union FarmerThe UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. Annual subscription is $30 with membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:President: Mark WatneVice President: Bob KuylenSecretary: Ellen LindermanTreasurer: Terry BorstadJames Kerzman; Wes Niederman Jr.; Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen; Ronda Throener

EDITOR: Anne Denholm800-366-8331 • [email protected]: Send address changes to: NDFU, PO Box 2136,Jamestown, ND 58402-2136Copies mailed this issue: 34,046 • USPS 016-211

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org2 April 2015

3Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org April 2015

Farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States shared in an estimated $518 million cash distribution from CHS Inc. The distribution is among the largest in CHS history and extends its record of significant cash returns to owners.

“The ability of our owners, who are also our customers, to directly share in the financial success of CHS is a distinct advantage of being part of a cooperative business,” said David Bielenberg, CHS Board chairman and a Silverton, Ore., farmer. “And, this is cash that returns to local communities, enabling farmers, ranchers and cooperatives to invest in their own futures.”

Bielenberg added that the CHS Board, which consists of 17 producers, strives to “take the long view” in regard to the company’s future, balancing significant investments in the company’s future, direct cash returns to owners and a commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet.“It’s about making sure that we’re not only serving our owners and other customers with the products, services and marketing opportunities they need today, we’re investing in what they’ll need years and even decades from now,” he said. “And we do it with

Cooperative returns $518 million

an unwavering commitment to keeping CHS strong.”

The 2015 cash return to owners is based on CHS net income of $1.1 billion, the company’s second highest on record, for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2014. Over the past six years, CHS has returned more than $2.6 billion in cash to its agricultural producer and member cooperative owners, an amount equal to that returned over 33 prior fiscal years (from 1977 through 2009).

The distribution beginning this month to about 1,100 member cooperatives and nearly 59,000 individual members and others includes cash patronage paid based on their fiscal 2014 business with CHS. CHS is also distributing cash to member cooperatives that redeem equity in the company they earned in prior years. In addition, CHS will redeem equities of eligible individual members throughout 2015 and also will pay quarterly dividends to owners of its five

STATE # OF CHECKS TOTAL

Alabama 14 $428,000

Alaska 15 7,700

Arizona 99 88,000

Arkansas 67 4.7 million

California 235 129,000

Colorado 2,842 10 million

Connecticut 7 1,000

Delaware 1 190

Florida 58 16,000

Georgia 24 30,600

Hawaii 8 2,500

Idaho 1,701 4.7 million

Illinois 1,043 8.3 million

Indiana 235 3.9 million

Iowa 1,398 28.2 million

Kansas 1,823 29.2 million

classes of CHS preferred stock.Patronage is based on

business done with CHS by member-owner cooperatives and individual farmers and ranchers during fiscal 2014, while equity redemptions and preferred stock distributions represent retirement of ownership in CHS earned in past years.

CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to helping its customers, farmer-owners and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS, a Fortune 100 company, supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain marketing services, animal feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products.s

Kentucky 7 668,000

Louisiana 37 483,400

Maine 4 590

Maryland 11 2,400

Massachusetts 11 6,200

Michigan 567 1.9 million

Minnesota 14,052 58.5 million

Mississippi 72 1 million

Missouri 216 11.5 million

Montana 7,122 19.1 million

Nebraska 2,846 27.3 million

Nevada 16 18,200

New Hampshire 3 770

New Jersey 4 780

New Mexico 36 25,400

New York 25 43,300

North Carolina 17 3,600

North Dakota 12,699 71.5 million

Ohio 77 2.3 million

Oklahoma 828 6.5 million

Oregon 427 3.3 million

Pennsylvania 10 2,540

South Carolina 8 3,300

South Dakota 8,777 30.2 million

Tennessee 20 976,100

Texas 1,040 4.8 million

Utah 27 94,800

Virginia 27 103,800

Washington 2,540 8.4 million

West Virginia 3 620

Wisconsin 1,904 32.9 million

Wyoming 66 1.8 million

The chart below lists the state, number of checks to member co-ops, individual members and others along with total cash patoronage and equity redemptions.

CHS distribution numbers by state


District Representative Vote on SB 23511 Honorable Patrick R. Hatlestad Yes1 Honorable Gary R. Sukut Yes2 Honorable Bert Anderson No2 Honorable Robert J. Skarphol No3 Honorable Andrew G. Maragos No3 Honorable Roscoe Streyle Yes4 Honorable Glen Froseth Yes4 Honorable Kenton Onstad No5 Honorable Roger Brabandt Yes5 Honorable Scott Louser Yes6 Honorable Dick Anderson Yes6 Honorable Bob Hunskor No7 Honorable Rick C. Becker Yes7 Honorable Jason Dockter Yes8 Honorable Jeff Delzer No8 Honorable Vernon Laning No9 Honorable Tracy Boe No9 Honorable Marvin E. Nelson No

10 Honorable Chuck Damschen No10 Honorable David Monson Yes11 Honorable Ron Guggisberg No11 Honorable Kris Wallman No12 Honorable Jessica Haak No12 Honorable Alex Looysen Yes13 Honorable Kim Koppelman Yes13 Honorable Christopher D. Olson Yes14 Honorable Jon O. Nelson No14 Honorable Robin Weisz Yes15 Honorable Curt Hofstad Yes15 Honorable Dennis Johnson Yes16 Honorable Ben Hanson No16 Honorable Ben Koppelman Yes17 Honorable Mark S. Owens Yes17 Honorable Mark Sanford Yes18 Honorable Eliot Glassheim No18 Honorable Marie Strinden No19 Honorable Gary Paur No19 Honorable Wayne Trottier Yes20 Honorable Richard G. Holman No20 Honorable Gail Mooney No21 Honorable Kathy Hogan No21 Honorable Mary Schneider No22 Honorable Wesley R. Belter Yes22 Honorable Peter F. Silbernagel Yes23 Honorable Bill Devlin No23 Honorable Don Vigesaa No24 Honorable Dwight Kiefert Yes24 Honorable Naomi Muscha No25 Honorable Alisa Mitskog No25 Honorable Cynthia Schreiber Beck Yes26 Honorable Bill Amerman No26 Honorable Jerry Kelsh No27 Honorable Thomas Beadle Yes27 Honorable Randy Boehning Yes28 Honorable Mike Brandenburg Yes28 Honorable William E. Kretschmar No29 Honorable Craig Headland Yes29 Honorable Chet Pollert Yes30 Honorable Diane Larson Yes30 Honorable Mike Nathe Yes31 Honorable Karen M. Rohr No31 Honorable Jim Schmidt No32 Honorable Mark A. Dosch Yes32 Honorable Lisa Meier Yes33 Honorable Gary Kreidt Yes

33 Honorable Jay Seibel Yes34 Honorable Todd Porter Yes34 Honorable Nathan Toman Yes35 Honorable Karen Karls Yes35 Honorable Bob Martinson Yes36 Honorable Alan Fehr Yes36 Honorable Mike Schatz Yes37 Honorable Mike Lefor Yes37 Honorable Vicky Steiner Yes38 Honorable Larry Bellew Yes38 Honorable Dan Ruby Yes39 Honorable Keith Kempenich Yes39 Honorable Denton Zubke Yes40 Honorable Robert Frantsvog Absent or Not Voting40 Honorable Matthew M. Klein Yes41 Honorable Pamela Anderson No41 Honorable Al Carlson Yes42 Honorable Corey Mock No42 Honorable Kylie Oversen No43 Honorable Rich S. Becker Yes43 Honorable Lois Delmore No44 Honorable Joshua A. Boschee No44 Honorable Blair Thoreson Yes45 Honorable Mary C. Johnson Yes45 Honorable Tom Kading Yes46 Honorable Kathy Hawken Yes46 Honorable Jim Kasper Yes47 Honorable George Keiser Yes47 Honorable Lawrence R. Klemin No

House & Senate - Voting Records

Here’s how your elected officials voted on SB 2351 that exempts dairy and swine op-erations from compliance with the state’s Corporate Farming Law, allowing non-cor-porations to own farmland in North Dakota

and set up these facilities.HOUSE VOTED 56-37 TO PASS SENATE VOTED 27-18 TO PASS


District Senator Vote on SB 2351 1 Honorable Brad Bekkedahl Yes 2 Honorable David S. Rust No3 Honorable Ole Larsen Yes 4 Honorable John M. Warner No 5 Honorable Randall A. Burckhard No 6 Honorable David O'Connell Absent or Not Voting 7 Honorable Nicole Poolman Yes 8 Honorable Howard C. Anderson, Jr. Yes 9 Honorable Richard Marcellais No10 Honorable Joe Miller Yes11 Honorable Tim Mathern No12 Honorable John Grabinger No13 Honorable Judy Lee Yes14 Honorable Jerry Klein Yes15 Honorable Dave Oehlke Yes16 Honorable Tyler Axness No17 Honorable Ray Holmberg Yes18 Honorable Connie Triplett No19 Honorable Tom Campbell Yes20 Honorable Philip M. Murphy No21 Honorable Carolyn C. Nelson No22 Honorable Gary A. Lee Yes23 Honorable Joan Heckaman No24 Honorable Larry J. Robinson No25 Honorable Larry Luick Yes26 Honorable Jim Dotzenrod No27 Honorable Jonathan Casper Yes28 Honorable Robert Erbele Yes29 Honorable Terry M. Wanzek Yes30 Honorable Ron Carlisle Yes31 Honorable Donald Schaible No32 Honorable Dick Dever Yes33 Honorable Jessica Unruh Yes34 Honorable Dwight Cook Yes35 Honorable Erin Oban No36 Honorable Kelly M. Armstrong Yes37 Honorable Rich Wardner Yes38 Honorable David Hogue Yes39 Honorable Bill L. Bowman Yes40 Honorable Karen K. Krebsbach Yes41 Honorable Kyle R. Davison Yes42 Honorable Mac Schneider No43 Honorable Lonnie J. Laffen Absent or Not Voting44 Honorable Tim Flakoll No45 Honorable Ronald Sorvaag Yes46 Honorable George Sinner No47 Honorable Ralph Kilzer Yes

House & Senate - Voting Records

North Dakota Farmers Union actively lobbied against passing SB 2351. By bus, car and pick-up, Farmers Union members traveled to both the Senate and House Ag Committee hearings to listen and testify against the bill. A rally was also held at the capitol.

Many testimonials were heard during both the Senate and House Ag Committee hearings.

NDFU President Mark Watne spoke during both the House and Senate Ag Committee hearings.

NDFU General Counsel Kristi Schlosser Carlson gave her legal opinion about the bill.


National convention held in Wichita

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy addressed convention attendees and discussed upcoming legislative and regulatory issues in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Temple Grandin gave a keynote presentation, signed books and answered questions from the audience.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was on hand Monday, March 16, during the convention.

National Farmers Union (NFU) held their 113th anniversary convention on March 14-17 in Wichita, Kan. The four-day event drew more than 480 family farmers, ranchers and fishermen from across the country and featured grassroots policymaking and a number of high-profile speakers and workshops.

NFU President Roger Johnson said, “Members not only heard from key policy makers but were personally involved in shaping future policy for American agriculture that will make family farmers and ranchers more successful while they continue to be the best stewards of our nation’s lands.”

He went on to say, “When I tell others about Farmers Union, I often discuss the triangle but without members, the triangle is nothing but an empty structure and our mission is nothing but a pipe dream. For me, the triangle has been with me throughout my lifetime: education, cooperation and legislation. Taken together, these three sides have built an organization that has truly driven the future of agriculture.”

NFU’s number one goal is to use the triangle principles with membership and communication, he said, “We will continue to build on these goals and that’s one of the reasons we unveiled our new website.”

Highlights of the convention included a keynote address from United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy and Dr. Temple Grandin, whose movie was shown during a break-out session.

During his keynote address, Vilsack announced the addition of $97 million in programs to support the continued development of farmers markets, farm to school efforts and rural economies and will also expand risk management tools for specialty crops and limited-resource farmers.

“Increasing market opportunities for local food producers is a sound investment in America’s rural economies, while also increasing

access to healthy food for our nation’s families,” Vilsack said.

For the nation’s specialty crop farmers, beginning farmers and limited-resource producers who have lacked adequate risk management tools for generations, Secretary Vilsack also announced changes in the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) to help increase access to much-needed resources.

Johnson praised the additional funds, noting, “The secretary has been a very good friend to family farmers and ranchers and these new investments in rural America will pay off in spades.”

“As always, NFU delegates took the policy discussion and adoption process very seriously, considering

the needs of family farmers and ranchers and planning the best path forward for them and the future of American agriculture,” said Johnson.

Johnson and Donn Teske, Kansas Farmers Union president and NFU vice president, will both remain in their respective offices until their terms expire in 2016.

Delegates to the convention adopted six special orders of business on family farming and country-of-origin labeling; the Renewable Fuel Standard; transparency in livestock markets; cotton and the 2014 farm bill; animal disease protection; and trade policy. s


NFU President Roger Johnson presents the Outstanding Service Award to NDFU President Mark Watne.

RaeLyn Leier, Nicollette Bitz and Lexi Weber helped out at convention as part of their National Youth Advisory Council duties.

The North Dakota Farmers Union delegation at the national convention.

Awards received

National Farmers Union (NFU) recognized members, county and local organizations and state divisions for excellence in membership recruitment and outreach in the past year during its 113th anniversary convention. North Dakota earned the following awards for membership growth:

County/Local and years received:Burleigh - 21Dickinson Happy Co-op Local - 5East McLean - 4Rolette Local - 2Dickey County - 6Eddy - 8Foster - 3Grand Forks - 4Griggs County Countywide - 12McLean County - 13Ransom County - 9Sargent - 8Ward -16Williams - 13

North Dakota Farmers Union was also recognized and presented with an award for its level of membership activity and outreach.

For more information on convention, go to the newly- designed website for National Farmers Union at www.nfu.org. s


Robert Carlson accepts the award from NFU President Roger Johnson.

Sue and Robert Carlson

Carlson presented with NFU awardBY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU

National Farmers Union (NFU) honored Robert Carlson with an award for meritorious service during its 113th anniversary convention.

The Meritorious Service Award for American and World Agriculture honors those who have made particularly noteworthy contributions to agriculture, humanity and Farmers Union. This honor is the highest award the NFU Board of Directors can bestow on an individual.

“Honestly, you would be hard pressed to find many individuals as dedicated to the interest of family farmers and ranchers at the national and international levels as Robert Carlson,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “As a lifelong Farmers Union member and a farmer who grew up on the family farm near Glenburn, North Dakota, he has lived the ideals of cooperation, legislation and education his entire life.”

Carlson served as president of North Dakota Farmers Union from 1997-2011. He served as NFU vice president of international relations, United Nations Special Ambassador of the International Year of Family Farming and was the first president of the World Farmers’ Organisation.

During his acceptance speech, Carlson said, “I really wasn’t expecting this at all. It is very humbling to accept it. When Roger phoned to tell me that the NFU board had voted to give me this honor, the first thought I had was of my father and how proud he’d be if he could be here.”

He went on to explain that he learned a lot during his career and credited Alan Bergman, Gaylord Olson and Stanley Moore in particular, for their guidance. “I learned how to be a good board member from all the other directors with whom I served. I thank them for an education. No one who gets this award achieved it alone. I had a lot of good people and a great NDFU staff to work with that helped me along the way,” Carlson said.

Under Carlson’s leadership, North Dakota’s agricultural reach was extended well beyond the

state’s borders through Dakota Pride Cooperative, which markets identity-preserved crops globally. He also initiated the Carbon Credit program and launched a farmer-owner restaurant in Washington, D.C., called Agraria, which has since evolved to four “Founding Farmers” restaurants.

Reflecting back, Carlson said, “On the various NDFU initiatives that occurred during the 15 years I was president, the most important to me was an ongoing effort to get emergency funding to help during the farm crisis of 1997 through 2005. We faced natural disasters, flooded crops and low prices during that time and we continued to get some financial assistance after our successful lobbying.”

Regardless of the project, Carlson said he always kept one thing in mind. “To every issue, I asked, how does this help farmers? I wanted to keep the focus on farmers. We wanted to be a reasoned voice for agriculture and to always be intelligently informed.”

Carlson has participated in World Trade Organization talks in Japan, Switzerland and Mexico; represented family farm interests at world food summits

and International Federation of Ag Producers’ gatherings in Rome, Japan and France; and went on trade missions to Cuba, China and Brazil. He also implemented a number of humanitarian efforts including delivery of North Dakota wheat to starving widows and children in Afghanistan and on-the- ground rebuilding in Mississippi for producers impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Carlson earned a master’s degree in history from the University of North Dakota and has co-authored several works including “The Legacy of North Dakota’s Country Schools.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Minot State University and is a Vietnam veteran. He and his wife, Sue, reside in Jamestown.

Carlson concluded, “Sue is a top notch networker and partner. I couldn’t have done it without her!” s


Sixty North Dakota Farmers Union members traveled Feb.10-24 to see the South Pacific during a special excursion trip. Led by travel hosts Jeff and Maria Willer, the group visited many places in Australia and New Zealand including the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, Christchurch, Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Arrowtown. Members learned about the region at a local winery and took a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. They explored the agricultural region with visits to an alligator farm, two sheep farms and a winery. Some members took a deep sea fishing excursion and the more adventurous travelers went bungee jumping and paragliding. The trip was coordinated through North Dakota Farmers Union.

For information about upcoming excursions, contact Jeff Willer at 800-366-8331 ext. 111 or Susan Paulson at 800-366-8331 ext. 108. More photos can be viewed on Facebook/ND Farmers Union tours. s

Destination ... South Pacific

Fiji Island deep sea fisherman left to right: Ken Bykonen, Lori Carlson, Judy Werner, the skipper, Becky and Ed Mrachek, Cleo Bykonen, and the captain.

Maria Willer paragliding in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Ed Mrachek at the tour of Gibbston Valley Winery,Queenstown, New Zealand.

Riding on a jet boat across the falls.

The TSS Earnslaw is the only commercial passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the southern hemisphere.

Part of the travel group stopped to pose for a photo in the hotel lobby.


Mary Mertens, a North Dakota Farmers Union member relations specialist, was selected to be part of Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Class VI and recently experienced a 10-day study tour in Costa Rica and Panama.

Mertens learned about the country’s agriculture, trade and culture. The 17 class participants flew into San Jose where they met their Costa Rican guide, Vinicio. The group’s first experience was a walking tour of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. San Jose is an old city dating back to the middle of the 16th century. The group had lunch at a local restaurant and had their first of many meals with rice and beans.

Mertens said, “We learned about the history of Costa Rica and how the United States has been involved in that history.”

Julio Fernandez Amon, a history teacher who owns and operates Sibu Chocolate outside of San Jose, led the history lesson and provided an evening meal for the class at Sibu Chocolates along with George Soriano, his business partner, sharing the history of cacao (cocoa plant) as the group sampled various chocolate treats made at Sibu Chocolates.

The group also traveled to Earth University located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica near La Argentina. Earth University started in 1990 and has been preparing young people from across the world in an undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management.

Class VI participants toured the Urban Prairie gardens with a senior Earth University student.

Mertens commented, “We heard about the practice of gardening with various garden beds (raised beds, hydroponic beds and layered beds) that allow people with small spaces to grow food for themselves.”

She said that their visit to the banana plantation was very educational, too.

“We learned the banana ‘tree’ isn’t really a tree. It’s an herb. Profits from selling the bananas to the company Whole Foods goes back into the university.”

Class VI participants were divided into five groups and taken to five farms near La Argentina. The farm hosts provided a tour of their farms where the group observed raised beds for various plants (lettuce, tomatoes, various herbs, etc.), cacao plants, bananas, pineapple along with cattle,

chickens, hogs and tilapia. Class members learned a lot

about Costa Rican farms and how similar and different they are from North Dakota farms.

The group also traveled from the Caribbean side of Costa Rica to the Pacific side where they spent the next two days in a national park. The group went on a jungle crocodile safari tour and hiked in the rain forest.

Costa Rica, about the size of West Virginia, has 50 percent of the land in national parks or private preserves.

The next experience was crossing into Panama from Costa Rica.

Mertens said, “It was a long process and made us appreciate how easy it is to travel between the U.S. and Canada.”

Next, the group traveled to Boquete, Panama, which is in the cloud forest bordering Panama and Costa Rica. A guide led the group on a hike into the cloud forest where beautiful flowers, plants and waterfalls were seen and watchful eyes kept a “look out” for monkeys.

Participants also traveled to Casa Centenario, a coffee plantation started in 1917, in the higher elevations of the mountain.

International seminar held in February

The 2013-15 Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Class VI participants include: Sam Arndorfer, Corey Dathe, Deb Dressler, Julie Gem-mill, Kyla Kinzler, Lowann Krueger, Robert Lawson, David Lehman, Stacey Lilja, Mary Mertens, Will Meyer, Holly Miller, Darren Olafson, Laura Rutherford, Stacey Rzaszutak, John Samdahl, Mara Solberg and Michelle Wall. The group has been attending special seminars to enhance leadership skills and to prepare participants to be engaged in issues they are passionate about. RLND creates a network of people across the state who will be effective in communication, self-awareness, leadership, decision-making, strategic planning and rural issues.


AT LEFT: A look inside the Panama Ca-nal. The group traveled by boat through the canal and was able to view the lock system.

BELOW: A close-up look at one of the native plants in Costa Rica.

The group toured a banana plantation while in Costa Rica. They learned how bananas are grown, harvested and marketed.

Participants observed how labor intensive harvesting and drying the coffee beans can be.

Mertens explained that the native Panamanians come to the coffee plantations to pick the coffee beans to earn money for their families. On average, a coffee picker earns $24 to $36 a day; $2 per bag are earned when they bring the beans down from the hills.

The coffee bags can weigh from 80-120 lbs. and the men carry them down the hill on their backs. The women pick the ripe, red beans and put them into the bags. The coffee beans take up to four months to dry and be ready for market.

The next experience in Boquete was a walk around their fairgrounds to see the beautiful flower arrangements that were planted there. The final experience

was a visit to the hot springs, about a 30-minute drive from Boquete. Participants enjoyed the hot springs after a full day of walking in the mountains.

The group took a bus trip to Panama City, about six hours by bus from Boquete. Participants saw the countryside of Panama as the bus drove on the PanAmerican Highway. Once the group was in Panama City they had a walking tour of the old city and learned about the history of Panama City. The evening dinner was at the Casa Blanca Restaurant in old town Panama City.

The last day in Panama City was spent learning about and experiencing the Panama Canal. The tour of the canal started at the Gaillard Cut where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The

Gaillard Cut was carved through the Continental Divide and has a lot of historical significance as the canal was built. The French started building the Canal in 1881 with around 40,000 people working on the canal. In the first seven years of building the canal, 1881-1889, over 22,000 workers died due to diseases such as yellow fever and malaria. The U.S. government took over the building project in 1904. The Panama Canal opened for business in 1914. The group went through three lock systems on their tour of the Panama Canal, ending in the Bay of Panama.

Mertens concluded, “It was a great trip and so educational. I learned a lot and am so happy to have participated in this experience.” s

2015 BRANSON Christmas Express

Tour #1 Nov. 2-7 Tour #2 Nov. 30 - Dec. 5

See seven spectacular shows including: Pierce Arrow,

Twice Adopted, The Duttons, Shoji Tabuchi, Brett Family, 70s Music Celebration with

Barry Williams (Brady Bunch) and the Haygoods.

Ask about the Wisconsin Dells trip! Go to www.ndfu.org for details

or call 800-366-8331 ext 108, Susan or ext 111, Jeff


Online registration for camp is brand new this year. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register using the new system. You must use the member identification number and password mailed to you. Remember, if you have any questions, please contact the state office at 800-366-8331.

1. Go to ndfu.org and click on the camp registration link.

2. Log in using the Member ID and password listed on your letter. You will be prompted to change your password after your first log in. Your member ID can also be found on your NDFU membership card.

3. Click on “Members” on the left-hand side. Click on a member name to view their full information. Update any incorrect information by clicking on a member name. If you do not see a member of your family listed, select “add member record” to add a new member. Once your member information is correct, select “youth events” on the left hand side.

4. Click on the name of the youth you want to register.

5. Click on the camp you would like to register for.

6. Click on the preferred bus stop for pick up to camp.

7. Click on the preferred bus stop for drop off from camp.

8. Click on the t-shirt size for your camper.

9. Complete the necessary health information listing any

medication, medical issues or allergies your child has. Include as much information as necessary to properly treat your child in an emergency. Select “none” if your child does not have any medication, medical issues or allergies. Select “next” when done.

10. The media agreement is shown. If you allow your child’s photographs to be used for promotional purposes and added to the memory book for senior camp, select “next.” If you would prefer that your child not be photographed at camp, due to privacy concerns, select “I do not agree” and then “next.”

11. Complete the camper incentive information if another camper referred your child to camp. An older sibling can refer a younger sibling who has never been to camp before. If you were not referred to camp by another camper, leave blank. Select “submit enrollment request” when finished.

12. You will now have the option to enroll another child in camp or proceed to check out. If you enroll another child, follow all steps. When you are done enrolling, select “proceed to check out.”

13. The next screen will review the information you provided. If any information is incorrect, select “edit enrollment.” This will take you back to the previous screen. Select “delete” on the right hand side of the youth you would like to edit.

This will take you back through the registration process. A $30 fee for membership dues will be added if your dues are not current for 2015. If all of the information is correct, select “next.”

14. Enter contact information for parent(s)/guardian(s) and emergency contact, then select “next” when done.

15. Enter insurance information and use the drop down menu to select the best option as to how you heard about North Dakota Farmers Union Camp. Select “next” when done.

16. Read the camp terms and conditions. You will not be able to move forward until you have agreed to the terms and conditions. Select “next” when done.

17. Enter your credit card information and billing information. Once complete, select “submit payment.”

18. Print a copy of the receipt for your records.

You have now successfully registered your youth for camp!

Bus schedules and more camp information will be sent out a week before the start of camp. s

Register online at ndfu.org and call if you have

any questions at 800-366-8331

New process for camp registration


HELP WANTED

Camp positions:Assistant CookCamp Caretaker

Qualifications: Having a Farmers Union background is not necessary but an interest in youth is required. Location is at the NDFU Heart Butte Camp, near Elgin, N.D. Applicants must exhibit the following characteristics:• Ability to work independently • Positive attitude • Responsible • Dependable • A Leader• Patient • Mature • Ability to show integrityFor application, go to:www.ndfu.org/uploads/SS_AP2015_enabled_ distributed2.pdf or for more information contact Mary Mertens by e-mail: [email protected] or call (218) 791-1561. s

Tri-Energy Cooperative will be offering six $1000 scholarships for graduating seniors and college students who are continuing their education.

All applicants must be a patron member or their parent/guardian must be a patron member of Tri-Energy Cooperative. To be a patron member, you must have done at least $1,500 worth of business in the current year (Jan. - Dec. 2014).

Any graduating high school senior or college student patron member planning to attend college in the fall is encouraged to apply for a scholarship. The applicant must attend college for both the fall and spring semester of the year the scholarship is awarded.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the honors they have achieved, extracurricular activities, community involvement, career objectives, academic transcripts, and their essay. Letters of recommendation will also be

reviewed in the selection process. The reviewing committee consists of the Tri-Energy Cooperative board members.

Tri-Energy Cooperative is dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality fuel and products. We are committed to serving central and southwest North Dakota communities by investing in education for the future of rural America.

To be considered, the application must be post-marked by Tuesday, April 15, 2015. Applications are available at co-op locations and online at: http://www.cenexofbismarck.com/#!scholarship/c1qlg

Please mail the completed application to:

Tri-Energy CooperativeScholarship Committee219 N 20th StBismarck, ND 58501 s

Scholarship available

Want a chance to go to camp for free and help others? Now’s the time to apply to be a junior NDFU camp counselor!

Junior counselors attend junior camp free and assist summer staff with management of campers. Each counselor will also receive $10 in camp bucks to use at the camp co-op store.

Applicants must have completed 9-12 grade in May of current year to apply.

Duties of a Junior Counselor:• Assist all state staff with

assigned responsibilities.• Exhibit a positive attitude

that welcomes an atmosphere of growth, creativity and learning.

• Assist in small and large group education projects.

• Be an example of maturity, leadership and professionalism in all camp experiences.

• Be open-minded and self-disciplined in all actions.

• Provide all campers with a safe, comfortable and caring

environment.• Act appropriately in all actions

and thoughts.• Abide by the same rules and

policies as the state staff.• Participate fully in all camp

activities.• Supervise campers on the

bus to and from camp. • Learn and grow through

the junior counselor experience to further leadership, decision-making, problem-solving and

communication skills.Apply today by going to http://

www.ndfu.org/youth-camps.php. s

Be a junior camp counselor


Experience fun ... friendship ... memoriesat NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION CAMP!

JUNIOR CAMPS • for completed grades 3-6Wesley Acres, near Valley City Camp #1 • June 14-17 • Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, Steele, Towner, Walsh, Wells

Camp #2 • July 12-15 • Cass, Traill

Camp #3 • July 15-18 • Dickey, LaMoure, Ransom

Camp #4 • July 19-22 • Logan, Emmons, McIntosh, Richland, Sargent

Camp #5 • July 22-25 • Barnes, Kidder, Stutsman

Heart Butte, near Elgin Camp #1 • June 14-17 • Adams, Bowman/Slope, Grant, Hettinger, Morton, Sioux

Camp #2 • June 17-20 • Billings/Golden Valley, Dunn, McLean, Mercer, McKenzie, Oliver, Stark

Camp # 3 • July 12-15 • Bottineau, Burke, Divide, McHenry, Mountrail, Renville, Ward, Williams

Camp #4 • July 15-18 • Burleigh, Sheridan4 DAYS,

3 NIGHTS

ONLY $75

SENIOR CAMPS for completed grades 7-12

June 22-26 Grades 7-12July 6-10 Grades 7-12July 20-24 Grades 7-9July 27-31 Grades 7-12Aug. 3-7 Grades 11-12

5 DAYS,

4 NIGHTS-

only $125

NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION CAMP IS A GRASSROOTS COOPERATIVE CAMPING PROGRAM PARTIALLY FUNDED BY CHS FOUNDATION & COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL FUNDS.

REGISTER ONLINE ATwww.ndfu.org

800-366-8331$30 membership fee required

(Check out our camper incentives!)


ACTIVITIESwater games • skits

• four-square • banquet sports • campfire

• talent showbanquet • camp project

crafts & moreTheme Nights:

Junior Camp: DisneySenior Camp: “Nerd” &

“Hawaiian”

Trained counselors encourage campers to develop positive and

constructive attitudes about their own capabilities through cooperation and teamwork. Our program, exercises and

activities are designed to highlight the individuality

in all of us.

CHECK THISOUT!

Refer 1-2 new campers to earn an NDFU T-shirtRefer 3-4 new campers to earn an NDFU hoodieRefer 5-9 new campers to earn a $50 gift card

Refer 10-14 new campers to earn a Nintendo 3DSRefer 15-19 new campers to earn an iPad

Refer 20 new campers to earnan Apple Laptop

CAMPER INCENTIVES• The camper referring a new camper must attend

camp to qualify.• The new camper must attend camp to count as

a referral.• A new camper is categorized as a youth who

has never attended camp OR a youth who has not attended camp in the last 4 years.


AROUND STATETHE

Mohall High School juniors and seniors from Renville County visited the state capitol on Feb 18.

Williams, Divide, and Burke County Farmers Union members toured the state capitol on a recent legislative trip.

North Dakota Farmers Union members participating in the 2015 Mini Fly-in met with Senator Heidi Heitkamp at her office in Washington, DC. The group also met with Sen. Hoeven, RMA, USDA and EPA officials.

Farmers Union Insurance helped purchase special “shakers” to help cheer on the Bismarck High School Demons during the basketball state tournament. Pictured on right is Keith Highley who was at the civic center cheering on his granddaughter.

NDFU members stopped at the South Dakota Farmers Union state office on their way to the national convention. SDFU fed the bus riders with a lunch including this farm-decorated cake.

Employees of Farmers Union Insurance and the Farmers Union state office participated in the New Year New You program.

“Grow to Lead” participants met in Bismarck to learn more about lobbying and developed their communication skills.

Farmers Union Insurance agents from all over North Dakota participated in state tournament activities as part of their sponosrship of the North Dakota High School Activities Association.


Fun Farmers Union night out for Morton, Grant and Sioux counties

Morton, Grant and Sioux County Farmers Union joined forces to sponsor a special Casino night at the Baymont Inn in Mandan. Guests enjoyed a meal and played Black Jack along with other “Minute to Win It” games. Door prizes were given away at the end of the night. s

Making a difference in LaMoure

Connie Bitz of LaMoure

BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU

Connie Bitz has been volunteering her time and talents to the community of LaMoure for many years.

In addition to her farm wife duties, she has volunteered as a 4-H leader, served on various boards including Dakota Valley Electric, Farmers Union and the local credit union. She has been a first responder with the local ambulance service, helped coordinate Relay for Life activities, worked with the alumni association and organized many church functions.

For the last 41 years, she has also been the local youth leader in LaMoure County. LaMoure County is a very active site for youth activities.

“I believe in Farmers Union,” she said. “I never went to camp as

a child. We had a local organization but it wasn’t very active. When I was 19 years old, I was asked to help out with the senior youth program. I didn’t know the Farmers

Union spirit songs or anything about the curriculum but I learned.”

Over the years, Bitz has done more than just learn about co-op principles. She has embraced those core values by instilling a sense of community and co-ops to her family members.

Connie and her husband, Jim, are the parents of four children: Kimberly Robbins, Kelli Just, Kari Tews and Kasey Bitz. All four children earned the Torchbearer Award and Just, Robbins and Bitz are all youth leaders as well.

Bitz said, “I love working with kids. I like to teach them the co-op principles

and show them what Farmers Union can do for them. It all comes down to grassroots. That’s the key to everything. We have to think outside the box and energize our kids. They are our future.”s


FROM FOUNDING FARMERS RESTAURANT

The positive messages of hard work, dedication and supporting sustainability for a better tomorrow are being instilled within all of us at Founding Farmers as we partner and learn from the American family farming community every day.

That same message is being shared with the world during Earth Day set for April 22. The work of our U.S. farm communities is only one great facet of the overall Earth Day movement to better our environment.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, the Earth Day Network (EDN) works with 22,000 organizations in 192 countries on various campaigns including: promoting climate change education and prevention, supporting sustainable efforts, protecting and preserving natural lands and working with local schools to provide educators with green practices information/resources to funnel down to our children.

In support of Earth Day, here are a few program ideas to bring families and communities together for the cause:

Clean & Play – Gather some family friends and commit to cleaning a local park. Children will learn

the importance of picking up trash safely (i.e. provide gloves) in order to better their environment.

Grow & Learn – Work with the local school board to create small vegetable and/or herb gardens in area schools where children can till the land under the supervision of a team of NDFU volunteers. Also, we recommend that this process become part of the curriculum. Produce/herbs can be sold at school fundraisers in order to satisfy school initiatives.

Create & Donate – Mobilize area kids to create innovative fundraising efforts (i.e. hosting a fun art show, complete with their own framed designs or selling baked goods for $1 each at a local farmers market or pledging to read to local pre-school children for $1 per minute) in support of the Earth Day Networks’ Canopy Project. Trees are planted in impoverished areas worldwide to help reverse the impacts of land degradation and provide residents with food/energy/income and also filter the air to ward off the effects of climate change.

For more ideas on what you and your community can do to support this important movement, go to www.earthday.org/takeaction/campaigns.html. s

Earth Day set for April 22

FROM FOUNDING FARMERS COOKBOOK 2 tbsp. olive oil1 cup diced yellow onions, diced to 1/4 inch1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated or packed in oil, drained and julienned)6 ounce jar artichoke hearts, drained andcut into one inch pieces1 tbsp. minced garlic2 cups halved grape tomatoes, cut lengthwise1/4 tsp. cracked black pepper1/4 tsp. kosher salt1/4 cup julienned fresh basil1/4 cup finely chopped fresh oregano10 large eggs, beaten1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat the oil in a 12 inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, garlic and grape tomatoes. Stir and saute for 3 to 4 minutes until onions are translucent. Season with the pepper, salt, basil and oregano. Arrange the vegetables in the pan so they are evenly distributed (you want to get all of the flavors in each bite). Pour the beaten eggs over the top and around the vegetables. Using a rubber spatula, continue to push the cooked egg mixture into the center of the pan, allowing the liquid to run out of the edges of the pan and cook. Continue this process until

the eggs appear half cooked. Place the skillet in the oven and cook until the eggs are set and have slightly browned, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and garnish with the Parmesan cheese. Cut the eggs into wedges, like you would a pizza) and serve hot. s

Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Skillet Eggs


National conventionNational Farmers Union (NFU)’s 113th anniversary convention was a huge success in Wichita, Kan. Members set the family farm organization’s policy for the next year, participated in breakout sessions and heard from top officials in the agriculture and energy sectors.

RFS continues to be delayedThe Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires that a minimum of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel be blended into the U.S. transportation fuel supply by 2022, has proven extremely beneficial to the U.S. economy. The RFS saves American consumers $100 billion per year at the pump and has drastically reduced the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. Thus far, the majority of renewable fuel is derived from corn-based ethanol, which has significantly increased the price of corn and other commodities. This has also been an efficient process, as a byproduct of ethanol production is Distiller’s Dried Grains (DDGs), used as a feed source for the cattle and poultry industries.

The Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015 aims to eliminate corn-derived ethanol as an option in reaching the RFS volume obligations. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson expressed the organization’s concerns with the proposed act by emphasizing the role corn-based ethanol has played in bringing “a level of prosperity and hope that rural Americans have not seen in generations.”

The bill would not only be a step backward for U.S. agriculture, but also a major setback to the environment and the ability of the U.S. to manage its carbon emissions. NFU has urged Congress to reject that policy and continue to embrace the vision of a robust renewable fuels industry as a component of the nation’s overall energy portfolio. NFU also continues to press EPA to set target levels for 2014-2016.

Opposing Trade Promotion Authority

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson voiced the organization’s opposition to Trade Promotion Authority, or “Fast Track,” in a recent letter to members of Congress. NFU’s major concerns with fast track include lack of transparency, opportunity for currency manipulation, and the nation’s enormous and growing trade deficit.

Trade Promotion Authority (TPP) would grant President Obama the power to enter into trade

agreements without any review or input from those elected to represent the interests of the American public – the members of Congress. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, which have taken place behind closed doors (and with little input from Congress), should serve as a glimpse into the future, if Trade Promotion Authority is granted. Several countries involved in the TPP negotiations are known currency manipulators, thus the reason for NFU’s concern. Currency manipulation played a significant role in creating the 2013 U.S.-Japan trade deficit of $80 billion, which resulted in the elimination of nearly 900,000 U.S. jobs. NFU believes all future trade agreements, including TPP, should contain provisions addressing currency manipulation. Finally, while the agriculture sector generally fares well in trade agreements, NFU’s members are more concerned with the overall trade deficit, which reached $505 billion in 2014 – nearly 3 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. National Farmers Union advocates for the prosperity of the nation’s economy, and is therefore strongly opposed to Trade Promotion Authority.

Restoring relations with CubaNational Farmers Union has voiced its desire

many times to Congress to see the 50-year long trade embargo on Cuba lifted, which would open new markets for U.S. agricultural products. In January, NFU joined other members of the U.S. food and agriculture community in the launch of the new U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC), with the common goal of re-establishing normalized trade relations with Cuba.

Cuba’s close proximity, 90 miles, and relatively large population, 11 million, make it an optimal location for U.S. exports. While the U.S. sold nearly $349 million in agricultural goods to Cuba in 2014, current trade restrictions prevent this figure from reaching its full potential. On Feb. 12, a bipartisan group of senators addressed these issues by introducing the Freedom to Export to Cuba Act of 2015, a bill that would end the embargo. The bill, which was spearheaded by Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Debbie Stabenow D-Mich., Jeff Flake R-Ariz., Patrick Leahy D-Vt., and Dick Durbin D-Ill., would eliminate both the financial and logistical barriers to trade, and would pave the way for increased exports of U.S. goods, including farm commodities. This would allow U.S. markets greater access to Cuba’s $1.7 billion market, and greatly increase the opportunities to prosper for private Cuban citizens. s


CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

FARM EQUIPMENT

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 ClassifiedsPO Box 2136 • Jamestown ND 58402-2136

e-mail: [email protected] Fax: 701-252-6584 • 701-952-0102

The next deadline is May 15Contact us to repeat your ad. Limit-175 words.

FOR SALE70’ Summers mid-mount self-leveling sprayer, Raven control, light bar and foam markers, flush tank, mix cone, shut-off end jets, mounted on 3/4 ton Chevy 4x4, lift kit, big flotation tires, bucket seats, center control console, rear air bag assist, good working unit, $5,000. 862-3450, Bob Andes, Parshall.FOR SALE2-1,000 gal. fuel tanks. 763-6210, J. Carlson, Cleveland.FOR SALE1998 2920 Premier self-propelled swather with 25’ MacDon 960 header w/finger reel; IHC 1688 combine; JD 8450 tractor; JD 8430 tractor; JD 4640 tractor. 256-5010, Dwayne Kram, Langdon.FOR SALEUsed IH press drill parts, everything you should need - press wheels, hitches, fert. parts; also complete IH drills - 7’, 8’, 10’, 12’ & 14’ or combinations. 667-2077 or 400-5742, Jerry Miller, Mandan.FOR SALE1996 9600 JD combine, 930R head w/finger reel, 2005 914 pickup head, 224 sunflower head, 2013 36’ tricycle style header trailer w/lights, $55,000; 1460 IH combine, Case IH 1010 head w/finger reel, 810 pickup head, $10,000; 8640 JD tractor w/ez-steer and 2002 Summers 1500 gal. 100’ boom sprayer, $40,000; 895 Versatile tractor, $22,500; 2000 Case IH Concord 3010 air hoe drill w/2300 air cart w/NH3 kit, $35,000; 1,000 gal. NH3 tanks. 764-6410, Casey Lund, Killdeer,FOR SALE90’ Brittonya wheel boom sprayer, 1,000 gal. tank, 13.8-38 tractor tires under tank, Raven 440 auto-rate controller, 3-way nozzle bodies, drift reduction tips, windscreens, foam marker, hyd. boom unfold, $3,000. 870-5372, Russell Walters, Hazen.FOR SALEFour Michelin 650/65R42 radial tires, never mounted, $10,500; choice of four 8820 combines & D930 rigid heads w/finger reels & 930 flex heads w/Crary air reels. 341-2937, [email protected], William Ongstad, Harvey.FOR SALE1950 JD MT tractor, restored, new paint, runs like new. 347-4803 or 367-9646, Donald Cramer, Amenia.FOR SALEVersatile 800 and 875 tractors; antique tractors, some on steel wheels. 626-7627, LaVerne Anderson, Voltaire.

FOR SALE936 Versatile tractor with 855 Cummins engine, 6,100 total hrs. with new transmission installed about 500 hrs. ago, 20.8x42 tires, good strong running tractor, $36,000. 743-4479, Keith Sethen, Garrison.FOR SALEFlexicoll 5000 airseeder with 1720 TBT, 7.2” spacing with capped steel press wheels, single shoot with full monitor system, nice condition, $26,000. 743-4479, Keith Sethen, Garrison.FOR SALEWooden feed box, 20’x3’, 10” deep, very strong built, $100; calf puller with chain, like new; windmill, 60’ high, very good shape, $800; wooden granery, 25x14’, new roof and foundation, $1,000; rock picker, good shape, $150; pole barn, 32’x24’, 2 big doors, 1 small door, $1,000. 324-2459, Clarence Hoffer, Harvey.FOR SALE2 JD 12’ LLA press drills, 6” spacing with grass seeders and hitch, always been shedded; 3600 JD 6 bottom moldboard plow, good condition; 21’ Oliver disc. 756-6166, L. Wilbur Johnson, Mohall.FOR SALEIH 806, runs great, clean engine, metal ex-cellent shape, wheel weights, $4,000; 6-14 IH Model 70 plow, backup reset, $500. 263-5516, Jim Willis, Souris.FOR SALE28’ IH press drill w/factory transport; ‘75 Ford Ranger XLT, 460 engine, no rust, 2WD, automatic; ‘59 IH 3/4 ton, restorable condition. 693-2308, Stanley Pedersen, Harvey.FOR SALE9170 Deutz Allis tractor, FWA, 5,900 hrs., 16 spd., 3pt., 3 hyd., $18,000, obo. 529-4881 or 337-6810, Paul Kastner, Douglas.FOR SALELahman 15’x22’ cable stackmover, good working cond., 540 pto, push-off works fine; 7.50-16 tires, 4 of 6 in good shape, 1 wheel has new bearings, races and seals, $900. 220-8010, Kevin Price, Tuttle.FOR SALEModel 8500, 45’ IHC air drill, motor drive, nice shape, $6,500; Set - 30’ Morris M-10 disc drills, $675; 22’ IHC bean header with Sund pkup., $400; 4 new 1/2 hp., 3 ph. electric motors, still in box, $30 ea.; 930 Case motor, setup for irrigation pump, not used since rebuilt, $1,000; industrial vertical coring machine w/ self-contained Ford motor, for drilling 6” and 12” holes; 1928 L Case tractor, good running. 447-2467 or 226-4798. Russell Makeeff, Mercer.FOR SALEIHC #540 185 bu. manure spreader w/pto, good shape; Gehl #55 feed grinder, 14” pto w/screens, no mixer tank, good condition; 2-100 gal. plastic water tanks. 430-2330 or 786-2647, Gilman Knudson, Portland.FOR SALEWestfield fertilizer box, fits in regular truck box. 679-2135, Terry Kohler, Benedict.FOR SALESemi water trailers for spraying and spray parts; used 42’ Cornhusker hopper bottom trailer; storage van trailers, containers and dollies; flatbed curtain van trailers, $2,500. 474-5780, rydelltrailers.com, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

FOR SALEFlexicoil packer, 8’ wide, made in Cana-da, like new; Melroe 6 bottom 16” plow, #903, heavy duty w/reset mechanism. 527-2656, Esther Kuehn, Mott.FOR SALE1983 IH 5288, approx. 8,500 hrs., 3 hyds., 1 owner, $13,500; 1971 Ford F600, single axle grain truck, hoist, plumbed, $1,500; JD 653 all-crop header, set up for a CIH combine, $750. 668-2530 or 799-9380. Marvin Thorson, Page.FOR SALE836 Versatile tractor, 5,188 hrs., 4 hyds., pto., 15 speed; 800 Cyclo air planter, 8 x 30 row; Kiefer stock trailer, 6’x16’; swather transport for 400 Versatile swathers; Crown rock picker, prong type. 438-2482 or 341-0764, Milton Wisness, Maddock.FOR SALESummers field sprayer, 90’ extended wheel booms, very good cond. 884-2743 or 884-2649, Clifton Dockter, Denhoff.FOR SALEL3 Gleaner combine with Meroe pickup and 24’ straight head, field ready, good condition; 27’ JD chisel plow; 36’ field cul-tivator. 873-4401, Duane Walz, Beulah.FOR SALE4 dome tops off Int. Pro-Star semis; will sell cheap. 693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.FOR SALE4855 New Idea baler w/monitor, auto-tie, auto lift pickup, makes 5’x5’ bale. 547-3237, Mark Schmitz, Fessenden.FOR SALEJD 3600 6 bottom plow w/8’ packer & pony drill, $5,500; 751 MF combine, $5,500; JD pickup header, new concaves, near new cylinder bars & chaff spreader; Brandt sprayer, 1,000 gal. tank, 100’ booms, 2 tips - 5 and 10 gal. TeeJet controls, new TeeJet monitor, controls measure acreage covered & volume from magnate wheel controls, $4,500; White 426, 24’ chisel plow, $5,000; all field ready. 222-3788, Roger Branning, Bismarck. FOR SALE2009 JD 7830 M 4WD., 6,253 hrs., IVT Trans., 4-Hyd, 3-pt., 18.4R46 radials/du-als, all new rubber, front weights, deluxe cab, $85,000, obo; 2003 Cat D5NXL High Track, 10’ 6-way blade, rear mounted ripper, undercarriage & tracks excellent cond., 5,660 hrs., excellent working order, $65,000, obo; 2006 JD 544 w/Grabtech loader, 5,000+ hrs., 3rd valve, 85% tires, $95,000 w/grapple or $88,500 with option of other buckets, good glass, Quick tach, well kept. 471-5974, Val Gross, Streeter.FOR SALE12 row, 30” NH3 side dresser; IHC 9 bottom 800 plow, IHC 1063 6 row corn head; Wilrich 38’ cult., single wheel on wings; IHC 4000, 20’ swather; IHC #58 6 row planter; IHC 6 row vibra shank cult. 435-2239, Les Koll, Wimbledon.FOR SALEIHC 50T baler; Schulte RS hyd. rock pick-er; 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; 11’ wide push-all hay basket for DuAl loader; push-off hay basket for DuAl loader; Versatile 8”x50’ pto. auger; Feterl 6 “x36’ electric auger. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.


CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

FOR SALEFull size accordian, 120 base; Brother knitting machine, Electroknit K H 930, Model # KR-850E with table and ribbing attachment. 763-6210, Norma Carlson, Cleveland.FOR SALEGerman Wirehair pointer puppies, ready to go, 5 females, $550 ea., 4 males, $550. 799-8634, Todd Berg, Chaffee.FOR SALE2-3 rib tractor tires on rims for 1370 Case, 95% rubber. 628-6949; Studebaker hood for a 1949-1953 truck, off white - eggshell color, with the original hood ornament and name plate. 628-6949 or 314-640-1884, Mike Ryan, Stanley. FOR SALE2013 JD X754 all wheel steer, diesel engine, 60” high capacity mower deck. 701-486-3456, James Kleven, Medina.FOR SALELarge Avon collection; wide variety of de-canters and other items, need to sell soon, best offer. 524-2180 or 789-1063. Pam Amundson, Finley.FOR SALEDorm fridge; 2 - tractor type traveling water sprinklers; push type Red Devil fertilizer spreader; 2 - men’s Schwinn 26” mountain bikes; 2 1/2 gal. cast iron sausage stuffer; 2 - iron implement seats; 2 - cream separator bowls. 462-3227, Dale Kuball, Washburn.FOR SALEMaytag washer & dryer set, well main-tained, new motors, drive belts and 1 timer switch-3 yrs. ago, good tubs, almond color, $80 ea. or $150 for both, 327-8156, L Rudolph, Dawson.FOR SALEMinnesota sewing machine in very ornate cabinet; sheet press; 1956 livestock brand book; 2 man saws; 6’ ice saw; vintage record players; vintage console radio with beautiful cabinet; Terry Redlin print; Kleinsasser autographed picture; Lori Morgan autographed picture; large wooden ship’s wheel; John F. Kennedy’s chef’s cookbook. 500-9522, Monte Reiner, Minot.FOR SALEHewlett Packard 6300 printer, scanner, fax (3 in 1), all CDs, wire hookups and ink car-tridges: QuickBooks, etc.; old LP records, cassette tapes, Rolling Stones magazines, baseball cards, many collectibles. 240-4998, Perry Miller, Minot. FOR SALE2 yr. old Blue Heeler named Bow that needs a good home with cattle; wants to herd our horses (even tries to herd grandson), has had all shots and is fixed, $100, need to find another home because of conflict with other 2 dogs. 840-8348, Randy Duckworth, Litchville.FOR SALEArctic Cat Prowler snowmobile, very low mileage; average size V-belt elecric drive cement mixer. 597-3730, [email protected], Larry Nagel, Shields.FOR SALENew Holland GT20 garden tractor hydro mower/tiller/snowthrower. 993-8418, Gary Mathiason, Edinburg.

MISCELLANEOUSFOR SALETractor parts for Case (LA, DC, D, SC, VAC); some MM tractor parts; variety of magnetos & carburetors; radiators, other parts for ‘62 Rambler & older Chevys; oval 265 gal. fuel tank; shop built 8x14 flatbed. 845-4303, Henrik Voldal, Valley City.FOR SALE1941Philco working upright wooden radio, #41-260; working Arvin tabletop wooden radio/reconditioned player; all glass showcase w/flourescent light & removable glass shelves. 628-2319, Deanna Haugen, Stanley.FOR SALEAntique 1940s drum table, round with leather top, curved legs, Lion’s claw feet, Lion’s head pulls in drawers and doors: Stever radio, tube type, record player, must see, $650; 2 authentic handmade Ballady dance costumes - 1 is royal blue, trimmed in gold, 1 is gold trimmed in gold, original cost $250 ea., will sell for $125 ea. 628-6949 or 314-640-1884, Rose LaRocco Ryan, Stanley.FOR SALE2-25 hp. U.S. electric motors, 3 phase, 1800 rpm, $675; 30 hp., U.S. electric motor, 3 phase, 1800 rpm, $750; 20 hp. U.S. electric motor, 3 phase, 1800 rpm, $550; GX 390 Honda 13 hp. gas motor, like new, $475; 11 hp. B&S gas motor, used about 11 hrs., $375; 1949 IHC 1 1/2 tn. truck w/good 130 bu. box, stored inside, ran when parked. 447-2467 or 226-4798. Russell Makeeff, Mercer.FOR SALEWhirlpool stainless steel dishwasher; 2 twin captain beds, Shaker style, natural wood color, 1 used w/drawers on 1 side, other new w/drawers on both sides; GE electric self-cleaning stove w/electric touch pad & 220 cord; stainless steel wa-ter distiller. 693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.FOR SALE8-18.4 R42 Goodyear DT 710 radial tires, 50% tread, $100 per tire, obo. 341-0243 or 547-3210, Scott Schmitz, Fessenden.FOR SALEComplete set of JD gold, serial # belt buckles, 1980-2014, rare, all in boxes. 385-4726, Donald Peterson, Kenmare.FOR SALEGehl hammermill, H50, always shedded; Fargo sprayer, 200 gal. tank, always shedded. 471-9611, Martin Leier, Kintyre.FOR SALEPTO generator on trailer; corral panels & chute on trailer; bale feeders; 5 1/2’ U posts; large round & small square hay bales. 734-2251, Robert Anderson, Wilton.FOR SALENew seat for Model A Int. tractor, $90. 663-5978. G. Schaner, Bismarck.FOR SALEHorse collars, etc.; 45 used utility poles, 35’-50’ long; used tires: 6 Bridgestone, 245-75-R16; 4 - 225-60-R16 M&S; 4 Firestone P265-70-R16 M&S; 3 Michelin P225-60-R16 M&S; 4 Hercules Ultra 215-70-R15; 2 Co-op Ready Grip G78-15 MS studded, less than 2,000 mi.; 2 Firestone L78-15 studded; 2 P25-75 R15 Cooper Weathermaster studded, less than 2,000 mi.; 2 P125-75 R15 Goodyear studded on Ford wheels; 2 P215-75 R15 Sears Snow Handlers; small cement mixer. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.

FOR SALEJD 624E Payloader 4 speed power-shift, new tires, strong unit, excellent condition, $42,500; CIH 9150 20.8x42 duals, powershift looks and runs nice, $29,500; Cat 225LC Excavator $21,500; JD 9400, 7.10x 38 duals, field ready, $64,000; 2200 JD field cult. 6” spacing, 3 bar harrow rear hitch 48 1/2’, $28,500; Krause 38’ rock cushion disk, worn blade, $7,900; Int. 560 diesel, wide front TA, fast hitch, $3,800; 2004 Kenworth W900 ISX Cummins, fully equipped, $32,500; 2030 Load King gravel trailer, dual hoppers, tandem axle, w/tarp $13,500; 1,000 gal. NH3 tank w/trailer, $1,600; single axle converter dolly $1,600; 3 axles, pintle hitch, self-prop. sprayer trailer, good paint and tires, $5,900; 2011 JD 9430, 800 metrics, weights, 1,581 hours, nice tractor $196,000, $25,000 down, remaining due April 1st; 4895 JD swather, 30’ Honeybee header, excellent, $54,000; JD 720 gas, wide front, low hours, $2,800. 549-3420, Shane Heck, Cavalier.FOR SALE2 bottom plow, 3 pt. steel rear wheel for a 9N Ford, $200. 543-3843, Doug Hannes-tad, Hatton.FOR SALE1988 New Holland 855 round baler, makes 66”x 66” bale, 1,000 pto, bale command, like new airbags, newer apron chains, chain oilers, bale kicker, nice shape field ready, $2400; JD 510 round baler, 540, pto, hydraulic tie, good belts, nice straight pickup, field ready, $950; 7 new 16” plow lays for IH 700, $10 each; 4 wheel go kart w/roll cage, 5 h.p., fits smaller adult, very good, $800. 320-8543, Kevin Raugutt, Edgeley.FOR SALEWilrich 42’ field cult.; Herman harrow, 7 sections; 20’ Versatile self-prop. swather. 249-3214, Gordon Smith, Maddock.FOR SALE60’ Gates HD harrow, good cond., $9,000. 871-1293, Mark Solberg, Bottineau.FOR SALE6 row 30” mid mount, always shedded, Raedel hard surface knives. Call 740-4174 for James or 593-6397 for Dennis Erickson, Lankin.FOR SALE2002 JD 9750 combine, duals, Contour Master, single point hook & hopper ext., $49,000. 883-5889, Milton Ostby, LaMoure.WANTED806, 1206, 1256, 856, 1466 IH tractors; JD 5010, 5020, 6030; MM 1350, 1355; others also, running or not. 628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.WANTEDUsed wood feed bunks. 349-4755, Dennis Stebner, Ellendale.WANTEDSmall square hay baler in good condition. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.WANTEDFarmhand hay bucket; 7”x35’ grain auger w/gas motor, in good shape. 465-3845, Paul Rudnick, Anamoose.WANTED3- 6’ sections of 3 bar harrows for chisel plow. 486-3460, Arlen Hillius, Medina.


VEHICLES

FOR SALE2006 F550 Supercab, 4x4, 6.0 L Pow-erstroke diesel, 6 spd. manual trans., Hillsboro flatbed with several toolboxes, 135,000 mi. &10,000 on rebuilt 6.0, unit is in good condition, $14,000 obo. 240-5742, Brown Ranch (Todd), Blaisdell.FOR SALE1999 GMC Sierra K1500, 3 dr., ext. cab pickup. 425-2333, Jan Cooper, Glen Ullin.FOR SALE2001 Chevrolet 1500 LTZ Z71 Silverado pickup, pewter color, tonneau cover, bed liner, bed rails, running boards, grill guard, heated leather seats, 150,000 mi. 587-5091, Virgil Sheggerud, Northwood.FOR SALE1984 Chevy 3/4 tn. 4x4 pickup, good running condition. 873-4401, Duane Walz, Beulah.FOR SALE1974 21’ Frolic camper, bumper hitch, awning, good shape, no leaks, everything works, used very little; can be used for lake cabin, campsite, parted out or will trade for small pickup, $2,000 obo. 852-5598, Jim Zaback, Minot.FOR SALETandem axle flat bed trailer, 15’x8’, new bed,would trade for a skidsteer trailer if possible. 437-2486 or 680-1729, Ernest Stamnes, Enderlin.FOR SALE1983 GMC Brigadier truck, 671+ Detroit eng., overhauled 2,000 miles ago, 13 spd. trans., 22’ Omaha box & hoist w/pin-tle hitch, air lines, 22.5 tires; Wilson 22’ alum. pup trailer, turntable, good cond.; Jantz combine trailer, 20,000 lb., can haul sprayer, swather or hay, has pintle or ball hitch, make offer. 226-6633 or 754-2875. Gerald Rattei, Napoleon.FOR SALE13’ Scamp camper, no bathroom, in good condition, shedded, $2,375. 663-5978. G. Schaner, Bismarck.FOR SALEKawasaki Vulcan 900D motorcycle, 5.700 mi., $4,000 obo; 250 gal. propane tank, $500. 238-5112, George Vollmuth, Buffalo.WANTED1940s-1972 shortbed pickup, any type & cond. 680-1079, Dylan Ekstrom, Forman.

LIVESTOCK

FOR SALEYearling mule colt out of Mammoth Jack & Haflinger mare, $200; small steel feeder for calves, approx. 20 bu., open on both sides-no drop downs, on legs, fill from top, $200. 543-3843, Doug Hannestad, Hatton.

FEED AND SEED

FOR SALERegistered Glenn and Elgin - ND HRSW seed, 98% germination. 218-779-6498 or 218-779-6826, Karl Jodock, Northwood.FOR SALELarge round hay bales, cut with hay conditioner and tied with plastic twine, no rain, can load. 490-0109, BJ Breske, Valley City.FOR SALELarge round bales, alfalfa/broom, prairie hay made by NH 688 baler with thick plas-tic twine, could load. 597-3730, [email protected], Larry Nagel, Shields.FOR SALEFeed oats, test weight 42lbs./bu., very clean, $3. per bushel, have semi, can deliver. 256-2188 or 370-8986, Leon Hiltner, Wales.FOR SALEHard Red Spring Wheat seed, registered Barlow & Elgin, delivery and totes available. 739-0191, Brian Ludwig, New Rockford.FOR SALEHorse, beef quality large round bales, alfalfa brome, brome alfalfa, no rain, new lower prices, $50-$70/ton. 225-2187, Lacy Gutenkunst, Lefor.

FOR SALEFord F100 4 spd. tranny; 283 Chevy 4 barrel intake manifold, muffler & tailpipe from ‘65 Chevy, new; 2-245x75R16 load range E, new; 77 Oliver engine parts, head, crankshaft, pistons; Hesston swather canvas, 44”x128”, new; 12V gererator/power steering pump; bolt on 7’ 3 1/2”x7” cutting edge from JD 640 loader; W9 parts, magneto, generator, starter, radiator, grill, muffler; shop built bandsaw; shop built motor stand; 4W Case farm wagon w/hoist; 3 round bale feeders. 794-3477, Chris Holwagner, Center.FOR SALETurntable Quick pickup tow hitch, front mount, $200; 8’ HD pickup stock rack, $100; Sears Craftsman lawn tractor, 25 hp, turf tires, hydro, 48” mower deck, new blades & serviced, front guard, $900; Sears Craftsman lawn mower, 26 hp, hydro, 48” mower deck, new blades & serviced, front guard, $750; ‘85 maroon Kawasaki Voyager touring bike, fuel inj., 69,300 mi., luggarge compartments, windshield w/flared front, radio, intercom system, air ride, air compressor, gauges work, $1,600; 16’ x 5” hyd. auger, hoses incl., used 2 seasons & stored, $200; beginning of horse cart, body there, mo-torcycle tires, wire mesh floor, framework for bench seat, also new shafts, $500. 543-3843, Doug Hannestad, Hatton.FOR SALEBuilding to be moved. 1930-40s 2-room homestead house, 26’x12’x11’, very sol-id; 16’x12’, sloped roof grain storage or chicken coop. 628-6949, Rose LaRocco Ryan, Palermo.WANTEDUsed 8 - 14.5 MH mobile home tires, must be good useable tires. 246-3469, Randy Hochstetler, Rolette.WANTEDOld advertising signs, gas pumps, metal oil cans, crocks, jugs, clocks or thermometers with advertising, road signs, traps, shell boxes, guns, tokens, marbles, anvils, pop or medicine bottles, tin coffee cans, ND pottery, carnival glass. 220-5746 or 258-0420, Val Ganje, Bismarck.WANTEDLincoln AC/DC stick arc welder. 668-2530, Marvin Thorson, Page.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTSMISCELLANEOUS

WANTEDPrairie dog hunters to come and hunt on my land, make reservations now. 597-3730 or [email protected], Larry Nagel, Shields. WANTEDDouble seat for a double desk used in one-room schoolhouse. 448-2884, Karen Boyko, Ruso.WANTEDBoomin’ in the Bakken Limited Edition Henry Big Boy 45 cal. rifle from Commemorative Firearms. 500-9522, Monte Reiner, Minot.


Message fromthe PresidentBY NDFU PRESIDENT MARK WATNE

This February, I traveled to D.C. with a group of producers on a Mini Fly-in. We call it a Mini Fly-in because we take a small group of farmers and ranchers as opposed to our regular fly-in group, where we maximize participation to be able to carry our message to every member of the U.S. Senate and House.

Mini Fly-ins give us the opportunity to meet with key department heads in a one-on-one setting. This not only allows us to carry our policies and message forward, it helps us build important relationships with administrators and that enhances our ability to influence legislative work and policies.

Those participating in the recent fly-in were Kent and Alyson Myhre of Eddy County, Clint and Jamie Gjellstad of McHenry County, and David Herzig and Jared Lochthowe of Ward County. We were able to meet with Sen. Hoeven, Sen. Heitkamp, and Rep. Cramer’s staff to share our perspective on current issues. We also met with EPA, USDA and Risk Management Agency (RMA) officials.

At EPA, we addressed two issues. The first was Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), as this has the potential to impact all of agriculture

in the U.S. In a proposed rule, EPA has attempted to define navigable waters. In so doing, they have complicated the issue with terminology that appears to broaden the waters covered and jurisdiction, simply by changing definitions within the rule. The rule does allow for “normal” farming practices to continue without permitting, but it creates a series of questions and concerns as to additional water that may be regulated and future interpretation of the law.

EPA indicated that they have heard our concerns and will not overstep the intent of the Clean Water Act. We asked that they use science-based determinations and not simply make water jurisdictional due to a definition change. We also said it is the responsibility of EPA and the Corps to prove jurisdiction, and not the responsibility of farmers and ranchers to prove that their wetlands are exempt from jurisdiction.

The second issue we discussed at EPA was the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). We believe ethanol is an excellent renewable fuel. It achieves environmental enhancement, reduces our reliance on foreign crude oil, and enhances crop prices for farmers. We

encouraged EPA to issue the RFS for 2014, 2015 and 2016 and to encourage the ethanol industry to continue to grow.

The third meeting was with RMA, where we focused on APH yields. As farmers sign up for the farm bill this year, their APH yields are not only important for crop insurance but for updating base yields. Our effort with RMA was to address the concerns we have when farmers have a quality loss. When that occurs, RMA lowers the farmer’s yield to justify a payment.

We asked that the quality loss payment be based on quality loss alone. Otherwise, farmers are forced to live with a lower APH yield for the next 10 years simply because they suffered a quality loss, even though their crop yield was actually higher. The awareness we raised on this issue with department heads and our congressional delegation was positive.

Our Mini Fly-ins are successful. They allow us to have face-to-face discussions with department officials on timely, key issues. Thank you to those who participated and helped influence future legislative action and thought. s

Nine Farmers Union members participated in a Mini Fly-in to Washington, D.C., on Feb. 22-24. The group met with officials from EPA and RMA to discuss WOTUS and federal crop insurance. They also met with staff from the Climate Change Program Office at USDA, and with Sen. Heitkamp, Sen. Hoeven, and Congressman Cramer’s chief of staff. Participating in the fly-in were (left to right): Jamie and Clint Gjellstad of Velva, President Mark Watne, Member Relations Specialist Chelsey Thronson, David Herzig of Burlington, Kent and Alyson Myhre of Sheyenne, Jared Lochthowe (back row) of Minot, and Marketing & Communications Supervisor Pam Musland (not pictured).

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