Randy & Mary Ellen Cammack will Represent South Dakota for the 2015-2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program

Ranching together for almost 40 years, Mary Ellen and Randy Cammack look forward to sharing a bit of what they’ve learned with younger couples as well as gaining knowledge they can bring back to their Sturgis ranch through their participation in the 2015-2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program.

 “History does repeat itself and we¹ve learned a lot over the years which we can share. And, we still have more to learn from others,” Mary Ellen says

The Cammack’s are third generation ranchers. They operate a cow/calf operation, Flying C Ranch, near Sturgis; with their daughter, Shelby. Their other three grown children, Tyler Cammack, Loni Brown and Paige Komes, still have cattle on the ranch, but they have lives and careers off the ranch.

 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program 

Developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union, the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program provides training and hands-on experiences which enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders.

 “This is the first time either of us have participated in a leadership-focused program together,” Mary Ellen explains. “As producers, we spend our days working side-by-side, but that doesn¹t mean there isn¹t room for improvement.”

 Mary Ellen and Randy have been involved in Farmers Union for several years.

Currently Mary Ellen serves as one of three SDFU members to represent Farmers Union on the Beef Industry Council.

 “We respect the fact that Farmers Union continues to focus on supporting family farming and ranching operations, as well as catering to the social needs and well being of the families involved,” Mary Ellen says.

 Along with South Dakota, farm couples from the states of North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota are also involved.

Throughout the year, the couples involved meet five times. The sessions begin with a summer family session where the 2015 participants and their families get to meet with the 2014 class.

The second gathering will be held at one of the participating state’s State Conventions. The third gathering is held during National Farmers Union Convention. The fourth gathering is again the Family Session, with the final gathering held in conjunction with the Washington, D.C. Fly-In.

 “We have been so impressed with the quality of the individuals who have completed the program and I think Farmers Union and each of their respective communities and states will benefit from these young couples,” said Harley Danielson, Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program Coordinator.

 Following each Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program events, Mary Ellen and Randy will share what they learned with Union Farmer readers.

 To learn more and find out how you can participate in the 2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program, contact Karla Hofhenke at [email protected].  

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Last Modified: 08/06/2015 7:23:29 am MDT