Broadcaster Press 9 March 14, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com Weekly Column: Repealing and Replacing Obamacare By Rep. Kristi Noem When we talk about healthcare, we’re talking about something that is very personal to people. It’s why I’ve so often looked for ways to put you, the patient, in control of your own healthcare. Since Obamacare came into play, however, rising costs, shrinking options and increased bureaucratic involvement has resulted in control being taken away from patients and their doctors. I’ve heard from thousands of South Dakotans about the burdens placed on them by Obamacare. For instance, a retired teacher from Sisseton saw her premiums increase from $350 to $500 per month while her out-of-pocket threshold increased from $5,000 to $6,000. Higher costs, worse coverage. A Sioux Falls small business owner had once tried to cover 60 percent of his employees’ premium costs. But after Obamacare, premiums rose to the point that this benefit wasn’t affordable anymore. A family in Haakon County reached out to me after their premiums increased 200 percent. A family in Milbank saw costs for their son’s insurance rise from $89 per month to more than $300. A woman in Rosholt pays almost $250 more per month for a plan that doesn’t include the benefits she used most often. While I could go on and on with stories like this, I understand others have felt greater security because of Obamacare’s provisions. For years, we have fought to offer relief to those hurt worst by Obamacare. The Independent Payment Advisory Board, which could have led to rationed care for seniors, was gutted. The 1099 mandate was eliminated and some of the most burdensome taxes were delayed. Even after the tweaks, however, Obamacare remains beyond repair. Earlier this month, House Republicans put forward a new vision for health care: one that offers Americans from all walks of life the freedom and flexibility to get the health coverage their family needs. This legislation came about after years of debate and the final stages were completed in close collaboration with President Trump and his administration. The legislation eliminates Obamacare’s individual and employer mandates. It abolishes 14 Obamacare taxes that take $1 trillion from American taxpayers every decade. This includes taxes on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and medical devices as well as the Health Insurance Tax, based on legislation I authored, which could cost the average family nearly $5,000 over the next decade if it isn’t repealed. The flawed Obamacare subsidies left many behind, so this legislation replaces them with monthly tax credits for low- and middle-income Americans. These credits range from $2,000 to $14,000 per year, depending on a person’s age and family size. You will finally be able to choose the plan that’s right for you – even if that means cheaper catastrophic coverage, which is something Obamacare didn’t allow you to do. In addition to the tax credit, states will receive new resources to help people out and Health Savings Accounts will be enhanced and expanded to grant you even more flexibility. At the same time, health insurers still won’t be able to deny coverage or charge more money based on pre-existing conditions and young people will be allowed to stay on their parents’ insurance until 26. There is a lot packed into this legislation, so I encourage you to read through it yourself at www.ReadTheBill.gop Shortly after the language was released, the House Ways and Means Committee, which I’m a member of, had the opportunity to go through section-by-section and debate any edits folks thought should be made to the part of the bill that fell under our jurisdiction. Once all the committees sign off, the full House of Representatives will have the opportunity to debate and vote on the bill. We expect this process to play out over the next few weeks. As I mentioned before, I understand healthcare is very personal and it’s for this reason I believe you should be in control of it. That’s ultimately why I’m fighting through this process to finally repeal and replace Obamacare. BROOKINGS, S.D. - Throughout the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons, a team of researchers from South Dakota State University will be assessing the impacts of diversified crop rotation cropping systems compared to traditional corn-soybean rotation. The study will also review the impact cover crops have on soil health and crop yields. The study, Crop Diversification on Soil Health and Farm Profitability in South Dakota, is funded by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grant in 2016. "Past studies have shown that diversified crop rotations build soil health and result in insect, weed and disease control as well as many other environmental and economic benefits," said Tong Wang, SDSU Extension Advanced Production Specialist. "However, in recent years, only two crops - corn and soybeans - make it into the rotation of most South Dakota farmland." Wang is one of two main investigators on the project. She is joined by Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Professor in the SDSU Plant Science Department. The two-year study will look at two South Dakota farm sites. The sites will include a two-crop, three-crop and four-crop rotation system. Each rotation system will be ranked in terms of total input cost and economic profit with and without subsidy. "This study will demonstrate the impacts of diversified agroecosystems - cornsoybean-wheat, corn-soybean-wheat-oats, corn-soybean-oats and cover crops and notill systems - on soil health and economic benefits in South Dakota," Kumar said. A good time to consider diversified crop rotation Wang added that the study aims to increase awareness among producers about crop diversification such as cornsoybean-wheat, corn-soybean-wheat-oats, corn-soybean-oats and cover crops and no-till systems impact on soil health and economic benefits. "Diversity of crop rotations is important to soil health and farm profitability - today and into the future," Wang said. The corn and soybean-only rotation seen on several South Dakota farms is thought to have been driven by market highs. Around 2012, the price-per-bushel for these two crops peaked with corn at $7.39 per bushel and soybeans receiving $16 per bushel. Just five years later, the markets look much different. According to the Feb. 9, 2017, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates the projected season-average corn price for 2017 is $3.20 to $3.60 per bushel, while the soybean price is between $9.10 per bushel and $9.90 per bushel. Today's market lows give farmers an opportunity to consider re-introducing crop diversity into their farm fields. "The low corn and soybean market prices together with increasing production costs in recent years have squeezed much of the profit out of the traditional cornsoybean rotation," Wang said. "Producers may consider adding crops like wheat and oats to the rotation." - See more at: http:// igrow.org/news/impacts-of-diversified-croprotation/#sthash.O1ynbdto.dpuf Impacts of Diversified Crop Rotation Oatmeal is a Popular and Healthy Whole Grain BROOKINGS, S.D. - Oats are one of the most affordable, popular and healthy whole grains in America. "Seventy-five percent of U.S. households have oatmeal in their cupboards," said Ann Schwader, SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist. Although many think about oatmeal being served in the form of a hot cereal or porridge, Schwader explained that oatmeal has found its way into a variety of baked goods such as breads, granola and muesli - an uncooked cereal consisting of grains, nuts and fresh or dried fruits. "Oatmeal is an affordable, versatile and healthy food choice," Schwader said. "For years we've been told to eat a bowl of oatmeal a day and for good reason." She explained that oatmeal is rich in fiber, lowers cholesterol levels and promotes heart health. "Oats can help you feel full longer, which can help us maintain a healthy weight once we've reached it," Schwader said. The USDA's MyPlate food system, recommends that Americans ensure that half the grains they consume are whole grains. Whole grains, Schwader explained, are exactly what they sound like - the entire grain including the bran, endosperm and germ. Even when the oat grain is milled and the hull is removed - these groats are still whole grain. "Even though the oat grain is milled and the hull removed, it's still considered a whole grain. As long as all of the grain's three original parts - the bran, germ, and endosperm - are still present, in the same proportions as when the grain was growing in the ?elds, a grain is a whole grain," Schwader said. Add whole grains to your grocery list Navigating the grocery store for whole grains can be challenging. "Some foods that seem to be whole grains may not be," Schwader said. She explained that it's important to know what to look for. "Look at the package and ingredient list. It needs to say "100% whole wheat, whole oats, whole rye, or whole grain barley" or list whole before the first ingredient on the ingredient list. If it's listed there, it's a whole grain,'" Schwader said. The 100 percent whole grain stamp also makes it easy for shoppers to spot whole grain foods. "The 100 percent stamp lets you know that a food contains a full serving - 16 grams - or more of whole grains in each labeled serving and that all of the grain is whole grain," Schwader said. Types of Oats: Oatmeal can be purchased in many different forms. Schwader discusses these below. Regular or old-fashioned oats: The groats are steamed and rolled into flakes but are not cut. They cook in about 5 minutes on the stove top or 2 to 3 minutes in the microwave. Quick oats: The oat grain has been cut into two or three pieces, then steamed, and flattened. They cook in just 1 minute on the stove top. Instant oats: This is a popular product in many households. With instant oatmeal, the oat grain has been steamed, rolled very thin and cut into small pieces so that the cereal can be prepared quickly. Some instant oatmeal products have added sugar; read the ingredient label of the product to know if there are extra ingredients added. Steel-cut oats: Steel-cut oats are not flattened, instead the grains are cut into three pieces. When preparing steelcut oats, use 4 cups of water to each cup of oats. The cooking time for this method is 30 to 40 minutes. Oat flour: A whole grain ?our that can be used in baking or for thickening soups and stews. Tips for making oatmeal-icious meals and snacks: 1.Use rolled oats in place of bread crumbs in meat loaf or patties. 2.Add rolled oats to muffins, breads, cookies and other desserts. 3.Transform oatmeal by adding a small handful of sliced almonds or walnuts, dried fruit, or sprinkle with cinnamon. 4.Mix 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce into a serving of oatmeal. 5.Make overnight oatmeal. Place 1/2 cup regular or quick oats in a container, stir in 1/2 cup nonfat milk and 1/2 cup chopped blueberries, strawberries or apples. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy in the morning. Note: A MyPlate 1-ounce serving of oats is the equivalent of 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, 1 packet of instant oatmeal, or 1-ounce (1/3 cup) dry regular or quick oatmeal. A 1/2 cup of cooked oatmeal provides 70 calories, 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. Find additional oatmeal information, nutrition tips and recipes at Penn State Extension's Better Kid Care: The Appeal of Oatmeal - Lunches & Snacks. Online Beef University: Beef up on Beef BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension encourages South Dakota cattle producers to participate in Beef University, a new online learning opportunity provided through the National Beef Checkoff. "This is an excellent learning opportunity for beef producers to learn more about the product they produce," said B. Lynn Gordon, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Agricultural Leadership Specialist. "Or, they can simply take this course to brush up on production facts, beef labeling issues, beef inspection and grading. Beef University will cover the latest knowledge available to the beef industry." Offered free of charge, Gordon explained. Beef University is an online training program focused on one of America's favorite proteins. The program includes insights and research on marketing and selling beef. Each section of the training will take about 15-20 minutes to complete with a brief quiz at the end of each module. Additional resources are also available to producers at the completion of each module for those who are interested in studying a specific topic more in-depth. "With today's consumers interested in knowing more about the way agricultural products are grown, this online training program will equip anyone associated with the beef industry or other areas of agriculture, with added knowledge on the latest industry information," Gordon said. Gordon added that this program is also a useful resource for grocery retailers and foodservice operators. Gordon encourages beef producers to take on the role of an industh try leader and invite those who serve and sell beef, in their local area, to view the online training modules to further widen their beef knowledge base. Topics Covered Beef University's online course will cover the following topics: Raising Beef; Nutrition and Health; Beef Basics and School Gym Cuts and the Modern Consumer. Register today 416 Walker, Vermillion, SD To participate in Beef University (Beef U) online training, visit the Beef U website. www.precisionlawncaresd.com Mowing / Aeration Landscaping Grass Seeding Fertilizer / Weed Control Spring & Fall Cleanup Hedge Trimming / Irrigation Sell it Local! 605.202.0555 FREE ESTIMATES Use The Broadcaster Classifieds! 624-4429 Grain Bin Dealer IRRIGATION SALES & SERVICE Irrigation PVC, Wire Installed, Well Drilling Domestic & Irrigation Pump Installation WATERLINE & ELECTRIC TRENCHING Tree & Concrete Removal, Site Clearing, & Ditch Trenching ALL TYPES OF DIRT WORK - FREE ESTIMATES Bobcats • Crane • Dozers • Excavators • Grader Grain Trailer • Scrapers • Side Dumps • Trenchers Vermillion, SD (605)670-9567 Hartington, NE (402)254-2568 Licensed in SD, NE & IA Cyberstalking find out what you need to know Contact DVSOS for more information 605-641-5311 in Vermillion Serving Clay, Union, Turner Counties in South Dakota Clay-Union Electric Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at the SAINT AGNES SCHOOL GYM, 416 Walker, Vermillion, SD. The meeting will feature reports on financial and work activities of your co-operative as well as director elections. REGISTRATION - begins at 5:00 p.m. Every member who registers will receive a gift for registering at the meeting. - The meal p.m. We will again feature seating tables for your convenience. Annual Meeting FREE MEAL 6:00 p.m.atwill be served from 5:00 - 6:00Business meeting will start at March 28 , 2017 Saint Agnes CHILDREN’S PROGRAM - For the children attending the meeting with their parents, we will provide supervised children’s entertainment in a separate room during the business portion of the meeting.