Members Prepare to Bring S.D. Policy to 2020 NFU Convention

The opportunity to advocate for the needs of South Dakota family farmers and ranchers is the main reason, Gettysburg farmer and small business owner Gerri Eide is taking time away from her family, farm and business to attend the National Farmers Union Convention held in Savannah, Ga., March 1-3. 

“I’ll be advocating for South Dakota’s needs as well as gaining a better understanding of the concerns of other states and how we can work together to achieve the best outcomes for producers in South Dakota and nationwide,” explains Eide, who together with her sister and cousins, is the fourth-generation to raise cattle and crops on the family’s farm. 

Eide is one of seven South Dakota producers and Farmers Union members to bring the state’s policy, developed during the SDFU 2019 convention, to be discussed by delegates from member states across the nation. Other delegates include Jeff Kippley, Aberdeen; Terry Sestak, Tabor; Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Brian Cain, Miller; Rachel Kippley, Aberdeen; and Amber Kolousek, Wessington Springs. 

“Serving as a delegate gives you insight into not only issues impacting farmers in your state, but issues that impact other producers,” explains Aberdeen farmer, Rachel Kippley. “Sometimes the issues discussed may not impact you or your farm, but in the bigger scheme of things, we as agriculture producers realize we need to work together on all issues. I’m excited to be on the floor and see firsthand how everything works.” 

Topics voted on by delegates to become part of the NFU policy book serve to guide the national organization in its D.C. lobbying efforts. “Like our state organization, the policy the national organization follows is developed at the grassroots level,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President. 

COOL, IMSET, E30 

Reflecting on the current challenges facing South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers and the policy developed during SDFU State Convention to address these challenges, Sombke says South Dakota’s delegation will be calling on NFU to continue its work in advocating for: 

Country-of-origin labeling (COOL): In order for cattle producers to receive fair prices, many issues need to be solved, including truth in labeling. Only U.S. beef should be labeled as Product of the USA. Mandatory COOL would ensure producers receive fair prices and consumers know where their food comes from. 

Cell-Cultured Protein: A major issue with this new technology is how the proteins will be labeled. SDFU and the livestock industry does not support labeling foods produced using animal cell-culture technology as meat. We also believe consumers have the right to know what they are eating. A product that has been developed in a petri dish or other media with the same label as livestock – cattle, pork, chicken, turkey, fish – raised and harvested in the traditional way, could dissolve trust between consumers and livestock producers. 

Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET): A farmer-led solution to poor markets developed by Salem farmer Craig Blindert and tested by North Dakota State University economics professors. IMSET is designed as a Risk Management Agency product farmers could use alongside crop insurance with incentives for building soil health.

E30: Studies show that higher ethanol blends not only work in all gasoline vehicles, but when fueled with E30 vehicles are more efficient. E30 also replaces carcinogenic additives – proven to be a cause of premature births, birth defects and various cancers. 

Farm bill: Delegates will begin discussions on what should be contained in the next farm bill. 

“Farmers and ranchers are faced with many challenges today. I have confidence in our delegates. These members are equipped with the background and information necessary to to advocate on all our behalf,” Sombke says. 

2020 National Convention Delegates (left to right): Amber Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Brian Cain, Miller; Gerri Eide, Gettysburg; Jeff Kippley, Aberdeen; Rachel Kippley, Aberdeen; Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs and Terry Sestak, Tabor .