Public Invited to Hear Temple Grandin Speak During 2015 S.D. Farmers Union State Convention in Huron Dec. 9, 2015

– Dr. Temple Grandin, the renowned animal handling researcher, livestock facility designer and author, is the keynote for the South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention held Dec. 9 and 10, 2015 in Huron at the Crossroads Convention Center (100 4th St. SW).

 “When Farmers Union brought Temple Grandin to the state in 2014 the response was so amazing, we wanted to bring her back,” says Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

 Grandin will speak at 1:30 p.m. December 9. The public is invited to attend at no charge.

A Century Strong

This State Convention will be South Dakota Farmers Union’s centennial celebration as 2015 marks a century of service to South Dakota family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

 “We are 100-years-old and have a lot to celebrate,” Somke said. “This historical milestone says a lot about the strength, loyalty and foresight of our membership. Because of the grassroots efforts of our members, we have plowed through some tough times in South Dakota agriculture, as well as reaped the rewards of our labor.”

 Along with Grandin’s presentation, during the two-day convention members will hear from S.D. Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency, Craig Schaunaman; hear from rodeo athlete and motivational speaker, Amberley Snyder; and discuss policy which will guide the focus of the organization moving forward.

 Policy like the Independent Redistricting Commission which will be on the 2016 ballot thanks to Farmers Union members who voted on amending the State Constitution during the 2014 state convention. Farmers Union led the charge, together with volunteers from organizations across the state, to gather more than 40,400signatures to put the Independent Redistricting Commission on ballot.

 “Redistricting reform impacts all South Dakotans,” Sombke says. “This issue, like many of the issues our membership develops our policy around, is an issue which impacts not only our membership, but all South Dakotans. By attending Convention, you get to be in on the development of our grassroots policy.”

 Throughout the convention, members will also have an opportunity to browse through Farmers Union memorabilia saved in the state archive and on loan from members.

 Raising funds for youth education

The centennial convention will wrap up with entertainment from Williams and Ree during the annual A Night on the Prairie Event which raises funds for the SDFU Foundation. All proceeds go to youth educational programs. Each year, more than 3,000 South Dakota youth participate in Farmers Union youth programming which highlights cooperatives, farm safety and leadership development.

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Last Modified: 11/23/2015 3:24:04 pm MST