Patriots, Raise Your Voices & Fight for American Agriculture

North Dakota Senator, Heidi Heitkamp called upon family farmers and ranchers to demand action beyond the market trade adjustment, when it comes to resolving the trade war.

“I want all patriots to raise your voices and fight for American agriculture. Stand up. Enough is enough. We have been patient long enough and demand resolution. We demand action, action beyond what we have been given,” said Heitkamp discussing the current trade war and its devastating impact on soybean farmers throughout the nation. “Patience is running thin with every combine that loads another load of soybeans that have no place to go.”

Heitkamp made these remarks during a meeting with more than 350 farmers and ranchers during a rally with Farmers Union members participating in the national organizations’ D.C. Fly-In. “You took those pennies (checkoff dollars) and invested them in trade promotion and, an amazing thing happened, after three decades we got into the Chinese markets with our soybeans. Then, in one year the market collapses.”

Her message resonated with Chris Johnsen, a soybean farmer from the Wessington area. In fact, depressed markets brought Johnsen to DC, along with more than 30 South Dakota family farmers, ranchers and their supporters.

“I have friends and neighbors who are having a hard time making ends meet. It’s important that we get the message out that if prices stay where they are, we can’t make it. Farmers cannot do this year-in and year-out,” explains Johnsen, who also speaks with the future in mind, as his son, Ryland also farms with him.

Providing a platform for South Dakota family farmers and ranchers, like Johnsen, to have their voice heard is an important focus of South Dakota Farmers Union, said SDFU President, Doug Sombke.

“Our organization unites farmers and ranchers, so that our message has the power of numbers behind it. This is true, in good times and bad. Today, times are tough. The timing of this trade war makes what were bad commodity markets, worse. This week, by sharing our story of its impact on us with those in power, we hope will make a difference,” said Sombke, a fourth generation Conde farmer.

North Dakota Senator, Heidi Heitkamp called upon family farmers and ranchers to demand action beyond the market trade adjustment, when it comes to resolving the trade war. Her message resonated with many, including the more than 30 South Dakota family farmers, ranchers and their supporters who are in D.C. this week for the National Farmers Union Fly-In.

Ronalee and Chris Johnsen farm near Wessington, S.D. They are among the more than 30 South Dakota family farmers, ranchers and their supporters who are in D.C. this week for the National Farmers Union Fly-In.