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Categories:New Legislation: What you need to know about the Young and Beginning Farmers Act
What is it?A bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Sean Patrick Maloney, NY-18 and Ryan Costello, PA-6, onNov. 4.Why is it relevant?Now more than ever, young farmers and ranchers are struggling to get their foot in the door of agriculture. The average age of farmers in the U.S. is 60 years old and steadily increasing. This […]
Read MoreThree Ways Jr. REAL Creates Community Leaders
Junior Rural Economics and Leadership (Jr. REAL) is an innovative leadership development program that invests in high school juniors and seniors and presents a comprehensive one-day seminar to students from various high schools in different locations across South Dakota. Student participants engage in hands-on exercises focused on leadership development, credit issues and identity theft, life […]
Read MoreSDFU Honors Cancer Awareness Month with H.O.P.E.S. Bags
The motivation behind the launch of H.O.P.E.S. (Helping Our People Encourage Survivors) was more than just a way to recognize October’s Cancer Awareness Month. For SDFU and its staff, it was a way to reach out to members and show them that that they are not alone during their fight.”In the course of a week […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union is Deeply Disappointed by USDA Decision to Terminate Farmer Fair Practices Rules
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it would be terminating the Farmer Fair Practices Rule on Competitive Injury, a rule that would have provided the most basic of protections to American family farmers and ranchers as they endure increasingly concentrated markets and unfair treatment from multinational meatpackers. South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) President […]
Read MoreHealthcare is a Real Rural Issue
The Kenzys struggle to find affordable healthcare is not unique. According to a recent survey of 1,000 farm families from seven states (South Dakota was not included in the study), 40 percent say health insurance is a barrier because of out-of-pocket expenses. One in five farmers surveyed said they were carrying medical debt or incurred […]
Read MoreShare the Road this Harvest Season
South Dakota Farmers Union would like to remind farmers and rural community members to keep their best safety practices in place this harvest season. As farmers are out working their fields, motorists are more likely to find themselves sharing the road with large farm equipment. For farmers and motorists, knowledge is key, when it comes […]
Read MoreA Unique Take on How the Cooperative Business Model Serves Today's Needs
Now that local authors know each other, Kurtz, along with his business partner Sion Lidster, is expanding his mission to provide a brick and mortar venue where South Dakota authors and other artists can gather, share and market their works. To bring this lofty dream to fruition, Kurtz turned to the cooperative business model. “This […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Hanson Farm Family of Sisseton
By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union When it comes to his farm, it doesn’t take much to make Gary Hanson smile. “I just enjoy going out and putting in fence. The posts are straight, the wires are tight – it gives me joy,” explains the fourth-generation Sisseton farmer. “I tell people that when […]
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