More than 500 North Dakota Farmers Union members participated in the organization’s 98th annual state convention Dec. 13-14 in Bismarck, where Mark Watne of Velva was elected to a 12th term as president.
In his address to members, Watne reflected on what makes Farmers Union successful. He said as a member-driven organization, Farmers Union goes out of its way to involve people at a basic grassroots level in the countryside, ensuring they have a voice.
“If you’re really not grassroots [as an organization], and only say you’re grassroots, your longevity won’t last.” Talented members, amazing staff and strong leadership have led the organization to its 98th year of existence, he said.
In policy debate, Farmers Union delegates adopted their 2025 Program of Policy & Action and four special orders of business. Those orders focused on passage of a new farm bill, cooperative tax provisions, state legislative session priorities, and property tax relief.
Members also enjoyed breakout sessions, a tailgate party complete with cornhole and jigsaw puzzle competitions, auctions, and a separate youth convention. Speakers included National Farmers Union President Rob Larew, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, U.S. Representative-Elect Julie Fedorchak, NDSU crop economist Dr. Frayne Olson, futurist Peter Leyden, NDSU economist Dr. William Wilson, and Miss North Dakota 2024 Sophia Richards.
The Agraria Mutual Group (dba Farmers Union Insurance Company) also held its 81st annual meeting in conjunction with the NDFU state convention.
In other elections, Bob Kuylen of South Heart was reelected as vice president. Bob Finken of Douglas was reelected District 2 director for Bottineau, McHenry, Pierce, Rolette and Ward counties. Shane Sickler of Gladstone was reelected to the District 4 seat. That district encompasses the counties of Adams, Billings/Golden Valley, Bowman/Slope, Dunn, Hettinger, McKenzie and Stark counties. Shelly Ziesch of Pettibone was reelected to the District 6 seat. District 6 comprises a nine-county area: Dickey, Eddy, Foster, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells.
Members also elected 42 delegates to represent North Dakota at the 123rd National Farmers Union Convention, slated for March 9-11 in Oklahoma City:
ANAMOOSE – April Marquart. BARNEY – Dalton Wiest. BISMARCK – Mary Blumhagen, Kevin Horneman. BOTTINEAU – Philip Neubauer, Tyler Neubauer. BOWMAN – Timothy Fischer. CARRINGTON – Mason Wede. COGSWELL – Bernie Planteen. DICKINSON – Clifford Mayer. FORMAN – Jean Bopp, Mark Bopp. FORDVILLE – Julie Gemmill. GLADSTONE – Lenci Sickler. GRAND FORKS – Dee Decimus Holmes, Stephen Holmes, Jeanna Smaaladen. LaMOURE – Lynn Haro. LEHR – Bob Buchholz. MANDAN – Miles Tomac. McCLUSKY – Missy Axt. MENOKEN – Bill Kershaw, Karen Kershaw, Randy Ryberg. MOHALL – Statler Olson. NAPOLEON – Carmen Rath Wald. OSNABROCK – Chris Lundeby. PEKIN – John Kelly. REGENT – Aaron Krauter, Cindy Krauter. ROBINSON – Clint Hetletved, Lacey Hetletved. RYDER – Isaac Sherven, Trent Sherven, Tyler Stafslien. SHARON – Ben Vig. SHERWOOD – Jarett Keith, Jerri Keith, Steven Keith. SOUTH HEART – Sarah Kuylen. TIOGA – Patty Jensen. WYNDMERE – Jim Dotzenrod.
In addition, 10 youths received the Torchbearer Award, the highest honor in the Farmers Union youth program. This year’s honorees were:
BURLEIGH – Quinn Carlson of Bismarck, Sydney Ternes of Washburn, Lily Thomas of Lincoln. GRAND FORKS – Taylor Johnson of Thompson. HETTINGER – Samantha Greff of Mott. LOGAN – Jada Schwartzenberger of Napoleon. SIOUX – Leonna Owens of Fort Yates. WELLS – Porter Granger of Fessenden, Ty Jerrel of Sheyenne. RICHLAND – Scout Woods of Wahpeton.
Lily Thomas of Lincoln was also the recipient of a $1,500 Bergman Scholarship to further her education at Mayville State University.
NDFU news release
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