Union Farmer - February 2026

NDFU union farmer

FEBRUARY 2026 • ndfu.org

ENGAGING YOUNG MINDS

Patrie, Wells County FU use educational bus trips, family fun events to revitalize youth program

I was born and raised in Moorhead, Minn., graduating from Moorhead High School in 2016 and then Minnesota State Moorhead where I earned a degree in business marketing, management and sales. Growing up here, I spent most of my summers at the lakes, and in the winter, you can usually find me yelling at the TV during UND and Minnesota Wild hockey games.

I began my insurance career in the south Fargo office in 2020 as an intern with Dominic Noonan, and then moved into a support role for Shane Kleingartner. In 2023, I became an agent with a focus on group benefits and health insurance. Since stepping into that role, I’ve worked closely with employers across the region to help them build strong benefit packages that support their employees and fit their long-term goals.

What I enjoy most about this work is helping people make sense of health insurance, which can feel complicated and overwhelming. I like being able to simplify the process for employers and employees all while building relationships that last beyond just renewal season.

I’ve taken part in fundraisers with Matthew’s Voice Project, a local nonprofit that supports high school students experiencing homelessness.

Bob

Matt

Tyler

Camp Farmers Union

for a summer of adventure

kids who love adventure, like making crafts, laugh loud & often, enjoy playing sports,

reward lasting friendships unforgettable memories

Kick off your boots and jump into summer fun at Farmers Union Camp!

james river heart butte

June 8-11 .......... Junior 1

June 16-20 ...... Senior 1

June 23-26.......Junior 2

June 29-July 2 . Junior 3

July 6-10 ......... Senior 2

July 13-16 ........ Junior 4

July 20-23 ....... Junior 5

July 27-31 ....... Senior 3

June 9-12 ......... Junior 1

June 15-19....... Senior 1

June 22-25 .......Junior 2

June 30-July 3 Junior 3

July 7-11........... Senior 2

July 14-17 ........ Junior 4

July 21-24........ Junior 5

July 28-Aug 1 . Senior 3

The youth's grade needs to have been the last completed grade. Pricing shown is early bird pricing. After May 15, the price will increase by $24.

GRADES 7-12 (5 Days, 4 Nights) senior GRADES 3-6 (4 Days, 3 Nights) junior $225 $175

Farm woes need real fix

In early January, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with our congressional delegation. I explained the challenges family farmers and ranchers are facing: low commodity prices, high input costs, the rising costs of health insurance and more. I walked away from those meetings a bit surprised by our delegation’s confidence that Congress would provide another round of economic assistance to farmers.

The Farmer Bridge Assistance program, announced in December, will provide $11 billion to offset farmers’ losses. Unfortunately, that amounts to less than one-third of the projected loss. The program also didn’t account for basis, disadvantaging farmers in the Northern Plains. So, there is undoubtedly room to improve on the Farmer Bridge Assistance. Reports since I returned from D.C. indicate bipartisan agreement on that point.

current farm financial woes. Fertilizer prices are well above last year, and seed and chemical costs continue to increase. Unsurprisingly, each of those industries is controlled by a handful of multinational companies. That’s why I asked our Congressional delegation to do more to address corporate consolidation.

We also need to recognize that our current cash flow challenges are exacerbated by the fact that farmers and ranchers are shouldering record debt loads. In 2025, farm debt reached a staggering $590 billion, well above 1980s debt loads even when adjusted for inflation. While we aren’t facing the high interest rates of the 1980s, that farm debt still threatens our resilience in the face of financial challenges. NDFU will continue to be a strong advocate for the programs and policies you need to weather this financial storm. But we cannot do

Soil to supper

Annual summit to focus on producer-consumer relationship

BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

The strain between producers and consumers isn’t subsiding, particularly as consumers strive for more details about the supply chain.

“They’re asking questions every day,” said Dr. Valerie Kilders, professor of ag science and technology for Purdue University. “What are the ingredients? What are these additives that we have? What about sustainability? What do these labels even mean?”

Kilders is one of the featured speakers at the fourth annual Evolution Ag Summit, set for Feb. 17 at the NDFU state office in Jamestown. This year’s event is themed, “Linking Soil to Supper,” focusing on the relationship between producers and consumers, and what growing transparency demands might mean for both sides.

For producers, Kilders said steps to extract a premium from customers should be considered carefully, so the benefits justify the effort.

“For example, I did a study on consumer demand for beef with a lower carbon footprint,” she said. “What we found is that only a very, very small share of consumers really cares about that label. You’re going through all this

Dr. Valerie Kilders, professor of ag science and technology at Purdue, is one of the featured speakers at this year's event. Her presentation is called, "Navigating the Modern Food Value Chain."

effort to get verification and comply, and then you face a market that doesn’t demand that label.”

And it’s not just about consumers being willing to pay a premium for the food they eat, she said. In today’s environment with the added pressure of social media, food trends can change in a hurry.

February 17, 2026 NDFU.ORG/EVOLUTIONAG

February 17, 2026

Join us for the 4th annual Evolution Ag Summit! North Dakota Farmers Union is hosting a one-day event that will address how food production, processing and supply chains are adapting to the growing demand for transparency and information about where our food comes from.

HOSTED BY:

HOSTED BY: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

ADMISSION IS $30

“With every label, there is potential for opportunity, but also risk,” Kilders said. “Now days, when consumer opinions are very much in line with what’s happening around them and what’s happening in the media, what might be the newest fad? It could be an opportunity that’s going to give (a producer) a premium. But maybe, it’s something that’s over in six months, and now they’ve rearranged their entire operation. That’s really the risk they face.”

ADMISSION IS $30

it. And it’s not just coming from regulations. It’s also coming from other supply chain members, like retailers, processors, et cetera. It has a lot to do with traceability and consumer demand.”

The summit features a full day of panels and speakers, with social media personality and motivational speaker Lesley Kelly of High Heels and Canola Fields keynoting the event.

The expectations producers must work under has undoubtedly grown.

“Farming today looks very different than it did 50 years ago,” Kilders said. “There are many more demands on our producers to detail exactly what they’re doing, when they’re doing

Other topics include panels on decommoditizing the supply chain and consumer connections, with the latter focusing on trust, health and affordability. Gregory Jaffe will also be on hand to talk about the Make America Healthy Again movement, and its impact from farm to shelf.

Registration is $30 and can be found at ndfu.org/evolutionag.

the fifth children’s book from North Dakota Farmers Union

$16.95 plus tax

Dusty's class joins in on the fun, as they take a field trip to the farm to dispel common farming myths and learn where food comes from!

POLICY HOPPER

FROM NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

2026 brings changes to crop insurance

The 2026 crop year marks a turning point for federal crop insurance with major updates in USDA’s Expanding Access to Risk Protection Final Rule. The changes, many of which are an outcome of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that Congress approved in July, deliver risk management improvements to producers. These changes represent a significant enhancement to the farm safety net, albeit with some reductions that will impact coverage on the inability to plant a crop.

SUBSIDY INCREASES CUT PREMIUMS

An impactful change comes through increased premium subsidies for area-based coverage options under the OBBBA. Federal support for the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO), and Margin Coverage Option (MCO) has increased to 80% for the 2026 crop year. This is a significant jump from the 65% subsidy in 2025 and the 44% rate seen in 2024, representing a historic shift in farmer affordability.

If a producer spent $15 per acre on SCO coverage in 2025 (at a 65% subsidy), they would pay approximately $8.57 for that same coverage in 2026 due to the new 80% subsidy level. These county-level options work alongside individual policies to fill gaps in protection, providing an additional safety net when county-wide losses trigger payments. For those managing tight margins, these reduced premium costs provide a much-needed financial cushion.

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY

New in 2026, farmers can take the Supplemental Coverage Option and the Agriculture Risk Coverage program at the same time. Previously, producers could only use SCO

if they selected Price Loss Coverage for their acres.

By separating these choices, the 2026 changes allow producers to build the risk management strategy that works best for their operation without sacrificing commodity program benefits. Producers who elect ARC can now layer on county-level SCO protection, creating multiple opportunities for coverage when losses occur.

BEGINNING FARMER SUPPORT

Agriculture producers who are just starting out face some of the steepest challenges. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation is changing the definition of a beginning farmer and rancher from five to 10 crop years, doubling the window for premium support.

Farmers who have operated 10 or fewer crop years will see increased premium subsidies of 15% for two years, a 13% premium subsidy for one year, an 11% premium subsidy for one year, and a 10% premium subsidy for the remaining years. These enhanced subsidies stack on top of the base premium support all producers receive, dramatically reducing upfront costs in early farming years. In the past, beginning farmers received an additional 10% premium subsidy for five years.

STREAMLINED ADMINISTRATION

The rule also removes the "insured" requirement from the "1 in 4" rule for prevented planting payments, improving land access for producers who rent or acquire new ground. Producers must still demonstrate the land was planted and harvested in one of the previous four years, but the simplified requirement makes prevented planting coverage more accessible.

In North Dakota alone, producers are expected to receive $44 million in additional premium support because of these enhancements. These savings come at a critical time when input costs remain elevated, and commodity prices offer little margin for error.

ONE SIGNIFICANT CONCERN

Despite these positive changes, the USDA rules package eliminated one important tool for producers in regions prone to planting risk. The rule removes the option to purchase "buy-up" coverage for prevented planting (PP) that increased coverage by five percentage points above the base level. This marks the second reduction to this coverage — in 2018, the program reduced the buy-up option from 10 to 5%.

The Risk Management Agency justified the rule change by stating that the buy-up option primarily benefits the Dakotas and that the farm safety net paired with ad hoc disaster programs can provide sufficient protection. However, crop insurance functions as immediate relief when weather prevents planting, while ad hoc disaster legislation can take months or years to materialize.

While the Dakotas can experience significant prevented planting claims, the risk extends nationally. Farm Service Agency 2025 data shows nearly 4.9 million acres went unplanted with Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas and Texas also reporting substantial acreage that could not be planted in the normal planting window.

The prevented planting buy-up removal represents a step backward in an otherwise

forward-looking rules package prompted by the OBBBA. NDFU will submit comments opposing USDAs plan to drop the PP buy up, but the option is not available in 2026.

UPDATE BASE ACRES

In addition to crop insurance changes, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act included a provision that allows farmers to update their base acres in 2026 from a national pool of 30 million additional acres. Since the Farm Service Agency uses base acres — not planted acres — to calculate ARC and PLC payments, farmers should visit their FSA office to add any previously unreported land or acquired property to ensure they receive accurate payments if triggered. Acres will be distributed based on availability within the 30 million-acre cap.

WORK WITH YOUR AGENT

North Dakota farmers should work with their crop insurance agents before the March 15, 2026, enrollment deadline to understand how these changes affect their coverage options. The expanded subsidies and beginning farmer benefits represent real money back in producers' pockets at a time when every dollar matters. The key is making sure you're taking full advantage of what's available.

Your Farmers Union Insurance crop insurance agent stands ready to review your situation and help implement risk management options on your farm.

— NDFU

Govt. Relations team

SOURCES

USDA Risk Management Agency MGR-25-006: (2025 August 20) One Big Beautiful Bill Act Amendment https://www.rma.usda.gov/policy-procedure/ bulletins-memos/managers-bulletin/mgr-25-006-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-amendment

Ava Splear, Farm Progress (2025, December 18) 5 Crop Insurance Changes to Understand for 2025. https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-policy/ government-boosts-crop-insurance-subsidies-to-80-for-key-options-sparking-integrity-concerns PRO AG (2025, August 21) Enhanced Crop Insurance Benefits Following Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill. https://www.proag.com/blog/crop-insurance/ enhanced-crop-insurance-benefits-following-passage-of-one-big-beautiful-bill/

USDA Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Prevented Planting Standards Handbook- 2026 and Succeeding Crop Years FCIC-25370 (12-2025) https:// www.rma.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/2026-25370-Prevented-Planting-Standards-Handbook.pdf

AgCountry Farm Credit Services. (2024, June 12). Understanding prevented planting coverage. AgCountry Learning Center. https://www.agcountry.com/ resources/learning-center/2024/june-pp

Flournoy, R. H. (2025, December 3). PM-25-072: Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) final rule changes effective for the 2026 and succeeding crop years (Product Management Bulletin). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency. https://www.rma.usda.gov/policy-procedure/ bulletins-memos/product-management-bulletin/pm-25-072-expanding-access-risk

Scout Nelson, North Dakota Ag Connection (2025, August 26) Enhanced Insurance Benefits Roll Out for U.S. Farmers. https://northdakotaagconnection. com/news/enhanced-crop-insurance-benefits-roll-out-for-us-farmers

Clayton, C. (2025, December 3). New crop insurance rule ends prevented planting buy-up, but aids beginning farmers. DTN. https://www.dtnpf.com/ agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2025/12/03/new-crop-insurance-rule-ends-buy

Chakravorty, R., Turner, D., & Tsiboe, F. (2025, December 22). Prevented planting buy-up coverage: Payments and policy changes. Agricultural Risk Policy Center, North Dakota State University. https://www.arpc-ndsu.com/post/prevented-planting-buy-up-coverage-payments-and-policy-changes

Tell Congress it's time for m-COOL

Do you want to know where your food comes from? Do you want to be able to choose American beef at the grocery store? Join us in telling Congress it’s time to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL).

American consumers deserve honest and transparent labels so they can make informed food choices at the grocery store, and they deserve the right to choose U.S. beef. Likewise, U.S. cattle producers deserve a fair chance to compete for this preference.

Just a handful of multinational corporations control the vast majority of the beef market and take advantage of their power. Without mandatory COOL, they can import beef, repackage it, and sell it as if it was grown by American ranchers. This is unfair to consumers and to family farmers working hard to raise high-quality beef, and it’s time to restore truth and fairness in our food system.

We need mandatory COOL, and we need it now!

Your voice is important, and we need your help to get this done. There is currently legislation before Congress to reinstate mandatory COOL for beef:

• S. 421 – American Beef Labeling Act

• H.R. 5818 – Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act

ACT NOW: Tell Congress to reinstate mandatory COOL. We need fair, transparent and competitive markets that work for farmers, ranchers and consumers.

Scan the QR code below to tell your delegation to support these bills!

Women in Ag study

Women play a vital role in American agriculture, contributing through production, advocacy, education, and entrepreneurship. To better understand their experiences, leadership pathways and future needs, the National Women in Agriculture Study is launching this fall as a comprehensive effort to capture women’s voices from across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The survey, open through March 31, will gather insights from women working in production agriculture, agribusiness, education, and advocacy, as well as from men and others in related fields who can offer perspectives on women’s roles in agriculture. Optional followup interviews and focus groups will provide deeper exploration of leadership, mentorship, barriers, and opportunities.

Key objectives of the study:

• Capturing diverse perspectives from all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

• Understanding leadership pathways, mentorship experiences and advocacy efforts.

• Identifying training needs and preferences for women in agriculture.

• Highlighting opportunities for communitybuilding and representation.

Findings will be shared at the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit in Washington, D.C., in June 2026. Results will inform leadership development, outreach strategies and systems that strengthen support for women in agriculture nationwide.

The survey is open to individuals age 18 and older who are involved in or connected to agriculture, forestry or life sciences, including related industries such as aquaculture, horticulture, beekeeping and more.

Scan the QR code below to get started!

FUN FUELS LEARNING FUN FUELS LEARNING

Youth development, experience part of Patrie's mission in leading Wells County

Patti Patrie of Bowdon remembers the first time she felt the call to leadership.

“I started a petition in seventh grade because we didn’t have lockers,” she said. “We gave it to the school board and said we wanted lockers, and we got them.

“I think that was sort of the beginning,” she said with a laugh.

The longtime Farmers Union leader and retired raspberry farmer, originally from the fruit belt of Michigan, enjoys staying busy. Patrie serves in a dual capacity for Farmers Union, being county president and EPIC coach as she looks to keep the county’s youth program

Story and photos by

riding its recent wave of success.

“Being president and youth coach at the same time works well for me,” Patrie said. “I’m engaged in the whole mission. With being a youth coach, you can be more creative.”

It wasn’t so long ago that Wells County’s youth participation was struggling. That is until Wells County took part in NDFU’s Sparkplug program, which sought to revitalize five county organizations.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Chris Aarhus, NDFU editor

• Some photos submitted

“At that point, our meetings were pretty dull, but that really got us to think outside the box,” Patrie said. “That’s what really turned us around. We had been doing bus trips for a long time, but it got us to do more. And we added more money in for advertising.”

Not only did it help with current events, but it inspired the county to look for more opportunities.

“We needed to engage our people longer throughout the year,” she said. “I asked the school if they did anything for Earth Day. I went into the school and did a lesson with the afterschool program, and we had a park cleanup.”

The bus trips continue to be a staple for the youth program in Wells County, often taking 2030 children to different educational sites around North Dakota. And as always, co-op education plays a pivotal role.

“I’ve learned that it’s important for them to have a good experience, along with the learning,” Patrie said. “We do bus trips for EPIC events, and that works well for them and us as leaders. And we always try to work in a co-op lesson, whether it’s a visit or part of the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

AT LEFT: One EPIC trip included a visit to the Pioneer Village in

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 (curriculum).”

A recent trip involved a visit to CenDak Cooperative’s elevator in Hamburg, followed by a visit to North Star Community Credit Union in Maddock and then to Devils Lake to learn about drone technology from Lake Region State College’s precision ag program.

“And then after all that, we go swimming, and that’s always a big hit,” she said.

Strong participation led Patrie to think about breaking it up by age groups to better tailor the day. The next year, she had separate days for older and younger children.

“We took two trips, and we had 50-something kids combined,” she said. “Older kids didn’t always enjoy being with the younger kids, so we tried to match that up. We did it for one year, but that can get a bit expensive.”

Every experience with youth is also an opportunity to educate on the value of NDFU’s summer camping program, Patrie said. The camp welcomes around 1,200 kids every summer at two locations — Heart Butte near Elgin and on the Jamestown Reservoir.

“We always hand out information and make sure they know about our scholarships,” Patrie said.

Wells County Farmers Union gives two scholarships and Farmers Union Insurance agent Scott Granger of Fessenden also gives two scholarships. Patrie credited Granger for his involvement and said the scholarships help with word of mouth.

“One of the kids who won a junior camp scholarship — her family wasn’t even a member

of Farmers Union, and she got her sister to go, too,” Patrie said.

Wells County does additional events that involve families. A late-winter, early-spring annual family fun day is a regular part of the county’s success, Patrie said. A Splash Bash at the splash pad in Fessenden is also held each summer.

“And (at these events), I often ask those who have gone to NDFU camp to share about the camp, and they all say it’s so much fun and they meet so many friends.”

THANK YOU!

to our EPIC coaches and educators

ADAMS

Rhonda Knutson

BARNES

Tyler Van Bruggen

BENSON

Kelsey Smith

BOTTINEAU

Kaylee Johnson

BOWMAN-SLOPE

George Sivertson

BURKE

Denise Miller

BURLEIGH

Michaela Froseth

CASS

Kristi Brink

CAVALIER

Christopher Lundeby

DICKEY

Pam Henningsen

DIVIDE

Jessalyn Thomas

DUNN

DeEtta Richau

EDDY

Samantha Franke

EMMONS

Paige Hulm

FOSTER

Samantha Franke

GRAND FORKS

Jill Johnson

GRANT

Amanda Petrick

GRIGGS

Ron Halvorson

HETTINGER

Nancy Nadvornik

KIDDER

Stacie Fettig

LAMOURE

Carly Rott

Connie Bitz

Karen Sandness

Mary Schlosser

LOGAN

Megan Berger

MCHENRY

April Marquart

MCINTOSH

Abbey Hoffman

MCKENZIE

Steph Scofield

MCLEAN

Roxann Bloom

MERCER

Ralph Bieber

MORTON

Savanna Horst

MOUNTRAIL

Jodi Obert

NELSON

Sheila Rude

OLIVER

Becky Berg

PEMBINA

Christopher Lundeby

PIERCE

Becky Tofte

Jen Teigen

RAMSEY

Andrea Johnson

RENVILLE

Thurstan Johnson

RICHLAND

Riley McFarland

ROLETTE

Jackie Heinz

SARGENT

Sara Dux

SHERIDAN

Missy Axt

SIOUX

Mary Jean Hunter

STARK

Tina Lefor

STEELE

Megan Vig

STUTSMAN

Ashley Vinje

TOWNER

Karly Held

TRAILL

Jacob Amb

WALSH

Caitlin Kratochvil

WARD

Madelyn Oster

WELLS

Patti Patrie

WILLIAMS

Stephanie Kringen

Bernadette Perdue

NDFU MOBILE APP How to use the

Members can use the same email address and password they use for the NDFU portal to log into the app. If you do not know your password, use the “Forgot Your Password” option. NDFU must have an email address on file for you to use the app. If we do not have an email address for you, please call 1-800-366-6338 or email us at ndfu@ndfu.org to have it attached to your account.

1

Login with your email address and password. Use the email address where you receive your NDFU communications.

If you don’t know your portal password, use the Forgot Your Password option!

2

Follow the on-screen prompts to login. NDFU utilizes two-factor authentication for security purposes.

Choose to receive your two-factor code via text or email!

3

Enter the code to get into the app. If the texting option does not work the first time, try again and choose the email option.

You will stay logged into the NDFU app continually, providing you open the app once a month!

Three of the features of the app include a home screen with notifications, state convention registration and the ability to find and contact your legislators about important issues!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to be a member to log into the app?

Yes. The app is for NDFU members. Those who would like to become members can sign up at NDFU.org!

What if NDFU doesn’t have my email address? Like any online service, we require an email address to use the mobile app. Contact us at 1-800-366-6338 or ndfu@ndfu.org to have an email address added to your account. Additionally, if we have a different email address on file than the one you’re currently using, you can use the one we have on file or contact us with your new address.

NDFU has my email, but I’ve never used the online portal. What’s my password? Search NDFU in the app store or scan the QR code. Download the app, use the Forgot Password link on the login screen and follow the on-screen prompts to set a new password using the email address we have on file for you!

If you continue to have trouble logging in, contact Chris Aarhus in the Communications Department at 701-952-0118 or caarhus@ndfu.org.

Members attend producer event

SAN ANTONIO — North

Dakota Farmers Union took a group of members to San Antonio to participate in the TriState Young Producers event, a collaboration among NDFU, South Dakota Farmers Union and Oklahoma Farmers Union.

The event is dedicated to learning from each other and how Farmers Union members can best go about solving problems in agriculture.

NDFU President Matt Perdue sat on a panel (below) with SDFU President Doug Sombke, while former NDFU President Mark Watne (bottom right) took part in a fireside chat with OFU's Laici Neumann leading the discussion.

The event is held each January and rotates locations.

NDFU took a group of members to the Tri-State Young Producers event in San Antonio.

From left: Jane Opdahl of NDFU, Braden Janz and Emilee Weigel of Max, Marcus Iverson of Langdon, Emily Kratochvil of Grand Forks, Missy Axt of McClusky, Tim Fischer of Bowman, NDFU President Matt Perdue, Amanda McClean of NDFU, Christopher Lundeby of Osnabrock, Dalton Wiest of Barney and Maribel and Jarrett Keith of Sherwood.

FUI expands presence in Arizona

Farmers Union Service Association, Ltd., (doing business as Farmers Union Insurance) announced the purchase of High Country Insurance, a Flagstaff-based insurance agency, effective December 1, 2025.

The agency will continue to be led by Bill Tullis, who is strongly committed to serving clients and building long-term relationships within the Flagstaff community, and will operate from its location at 2724 E. Lakin Dr., Suite 8, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, and continue to provide insurance solutions for auto, home, farm, crop, and commercial needs as the Farmers Union Insurance Bill Tullis Agency.

“This transition reflects Farmers Union Insurance’s continued investment in local communities and our commitment to providing personal service through trusted local agents,”

said Kevin Ressler, chief sales, marketing & branding officer. The purchase of the Flagstaff agency further strengthens Farmers Union Insurance’s presence in Arizona and ensures continued service for area clients.

Operating under Farmers Union Service Association (FUSA), Farmers Union Insurance is part of a broader organization that also includes Insural Insurance Solutions, an independent agency network supporting more than 450 member agencies across 15 states. Through Insural, FUSA provides access to markets, resources and operational support while preserving local ownership and trusted community relationships.

For more information, contact Kevin Ressler at 701.952.1144 or kevin.ressler@fumic.com.

Founding Farmers honored

We're honored to share that Founding Farmers in Potomac, Md., has been named "Best Business Lunch Spot" and "Best Dessert Menu" in the 2026 Best of Bethesda Readers' Poll. The restaurant was also recognized as a finalist in three additional categories: Restaurant in Potomac, Brunch, and Cocktails & Zero-Proof Drinks.

Being voted "Best Business Lunch Spot" speaks to the trust the guests place in Founding Farmers during important meetings and gatherings, while the "Best Dessert Menu" recognition highlights the care their culinary team puts into every sweet creation.

From their scratch-made approach in the kitchen to the thoughtfully crafted cocktails and zero-proof drinks at the bar, these honors reflect the breadth of what they work to

offer their community.

MoCo’s Founding Farmers is located in the heart of Maryland’s Montgomery County, a suburb of our nation’s capital. It also sits off one of the region’s major commuter arteries. Their guests include a healthy mix of local families and businesspeople with many repeat diners.

This recognition wouldn't be possible without their dedicated team, who bring skill and heart to their work every day, and their guests, who continue to choose Founding Farmers for both everyday meals and special occasions. MoCo’s Founding Farmers is thankful to everyone who took the time to vote — and they are grateful to be part of the Montgomery County community and look forward to continuing to serve their neighbors.

CLASSIFIEDS

Ads must be submitted through the online form at www.ndfu.org. Click “Classifieds” at the very bottom of ndfu.org and fill out the online form. Ads must be re-submitted each month. No exceptions! Deadline is the 15th of every month. Limit 75 words. MEMBERSHIP DUES MUST BE CURRENT!

FARM

FOR SALE

CORN HEAD, 8-22 Clark non chopping corn head (JD parts); 8-22 JD all row crop sunflower head; 21 ft Pickett bean head. All fit 1600 series IH or 9600 series JD combines. 701-261-0256, Phil McIntyre, Fargo.

ALLIED 700 LOADER, 7 ft. bucket, grab fork. Tires, one 215-R-15 Hankook. Six 275-65-18 Wrangler. One 215/55R16 brand new never put on rim. 701-824-2260, Albert Luithle, Mott.

F-NH 9480, 1995 Ford New Holland 9480 tractor, 7400 hrs, 310 hp, 855 Cummins engine good 20.8.42 tires, 4 hyd with return, always shedded and in good condition, $26,000. 701520-1251, Lee Menzies, Cavalier.

15-30 MCCORMICK TRACTOR, make offer. 1 new tire T245-75R-load range E; 2 cream separators; 4-wheel steel running gear; 1 covered wagon running gear; 1905 all metal JD hand operated corn sheller, like new, has paint and serial number. larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FLEX HEAD, 2010 635F Flex Head w/ Crary Air Bar, New Transmission and Reel Bushings; 1981 GMC 7000 Tandem Truck, runs good; JD 2014 DB60; 36 JD Pro-Series XP Meters with Mini Hoppers/Trimble True Count Air Clutches/Seed Tub Sensor Wire Harnesses 3 control boxes/Air tanks to run clutches for 3 row shutoff; Trimble Wiring/Hoses. 36+ Steel Closing Wheels & Dry Rate Controller. 701-321-5711, John Kempf, Ashley.

MOWER, New Holland 456, 9 ft mower, reconditioned, all new bearings in head, new sickle, new paint, field ready, $4500; Reel-type rock picker, good shape $1500; 269 New Holland square baler, great shape for its age, $2300. Can deliver any of these items. 701400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.

WANTED

ROTATING DISC, with hydraulic motor, like a tree Badger. 701-220-7093, Allan Tellmann, New Salem.

TRACTORS, IH 706, 806, 1206, 756, 856, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466, 1566 on up; 4520, 4620, 5010, 5020, 6030; MMs 950s on up; Olivers 1965 on up; ACs 175, 200, 210, 220, D-19, running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

HAY RAKE, 206 Gehl 6-wheel hay rake, 2 or 3 bottom, 3-point hitch plow; 1964 Ford 4000 diesel tractor with Select-o-speed transmission. 701-226-4055, Lloyd Giese, Steele.

MISCELLANEOUS

FOR SALE

RIFLES, Marlin 336A 30-30 lever action 24” bbl. 1949 mfg., no scope drilling, has a Skinner peep sight installed, original sight included. JM marked on the barrel. You’ll not find nicer. $900; Ruger 10-22 pre warning, walnut, 2 clips a 10 and a 20. Bushnell Banner dual X 3X9 scope. As good as you’ll find. $350. Will ship to a FFL or meet within reason. 30 miles North of Williston. 701-589-3357, Martin Hanson, Zahl.

WILLYS WAGON, 1960 Willys wagon, 4X4, 3 speed, overdrive, 226ci 6 cylinder flat head, has some rust, been gathering repair panels and many other new parts, delivery up for discussion, $3000. 707-425-7315, Vernon Buchmann, Fairfield, Calif.

WELDER, Hobart welder, Handler 187 and h100s, 2-10 gun, 230 volt wire feed welder, 25-185 amp output, made in USA, volts 230 amperes, 20.5 kw3.88, phase 1 hertz 60 with welding cart, like new. 701-448-2475, Paul Weinberger, Turtle Lake.

SADDLE, black silver-spotted show saddle w/ tappadors, $1800, 15” seat. Halliday, ND-made, 15” saddle $600. Chinks, belts, wallets made, saddles cleaned & repaired. 701-202-1174, Chip Liebel, Mandan.

ANVILS, downsizing my anvil collection, four to choose from all in very good condition, all have good square edges ranging in size from 100# to 175#; Large metal sign advertising Elephant Fertilizer in very good condition. Call for pictures and prices if interest. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

HOT BRANDING IRON, electric, mp brand. 701210-2979, Timothy Pahl, Oakes.

MODEL Z ENGINE, 3 hp Fairbanks Morse, model z stationary engine. $300. 701-400-3666 Stuart Thompson, Steele.

SAILBOAT/TRAILER, nice 18' sailboat with trailer. This an older boat and rather than describe it, please call me and I will text pictures. $1000 OBO. 701-290-5200, Loren Myran, Taylor.

WANTED

COLLECTIBLES, Signs, Advertising. My son and I are looking for things to add to our collection. Old Signs, Farm Related, Gas & Oil, Advertising, Highway Signs, Railroad related items, License plates, oil cans, barber/salon items. Old items w/ small town advertising-mirrors, thermometers. Paying cash and will travel. Text/Call anytime. Would love to visit with you. Or stop and visit me along I-94. 701-701-989-0495, Bryan Behm, Medina.

OLD STUFF, marble reflective signs, ND Highway Patrol metal door signs, Indian Head logo signs, ND license plates, ND picked arrowheads, advertising signs, gas and oil, pop, machinery. Old gas pumps, oil cans, old animal traps, marble, toys, crocks. always buying small town metal trade tokens. Willing to travel to your location to see and buy some of your old interesting items. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

PICKUPS, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 GMC or Chevy pickup, good condition. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land. Make reservations now. larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.

KEROSENE BARN LANTERNS, four antique lanterns. 701-290-5200, Loren Myran, Taylor.

Around the state

In December, Sioux County Farmers Union hosted “The Santa Clause Store,” at the elementary schools in Selfridge, Cannon Ball and Fort Yates. The kids were allowed to pick three gifts that were to go to their families. They thoughtfully selected gifts for members of their families. At right is EPIC coach Mary Jean Hunter, helping a child wrap a gift.

Do you know a member who does something interesting or unique?

Let us know! We may feature them in the Union Farmer! Contact Editor Chris Aarhus at caarhus@ndfu.org.