Broadcaster Press 3 February 19, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com Advancing Agriculture By Gov. Kristi Noem Agriculture is the foundation of South Dakota's economy and our number one industry – by a significant margin. All in all, it contributes about $25.6 billion to the economy, so when ag prospers, South Dakota prospers. Of course, when droughts hit or markets slide, everyone feels that too. As a lifelong farmer and rancher, I know the challenges that come with the business. I know the stress that comes when you take out loans, bury that money in the ground in the form of seed and fertilizer, and hope not only for a good yield, but for the right market conditions at the right time. It’s a tough business. But I understand why folks do it. It’s a special job to feed the world – to know that the product of your labor brings families together around a dinner table, to know that your work makes a real difference. As governor, I’m utilizing my experience as a lifelong producer to advance agriculture in our state. And as the first farmer and rancher team to serve as governor and lieutenant governor, I believe Larry and I have the unique knowledge and background to accomplish big things for ag. From protecting property rights to expanding markets, my administration is committed to developing the state’s agricultural economy and give more young people the opportunity to thrive as farmers and ranchers in South Dakota. This year, we are focusing on growth in the ag economy by transferring Ag Development Representatives from the Department of Agriculture to my office of economic development. This makes sense, because ag development is economic development. For years, these two departments have largely performed the same functions when it comes to ag development. This move will consolidate resources and brain- SDDA Announces The 2019 Wildfire Awareness Month Coloring Contest RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division is calling all kids, ages 3-12, to showcase their artistic abilities in this year’s Wildfire Awareness Month Coloring Contest. Wildfire Awareness Month will take place again in May in the State of South Dakota. This year’s entries will reflect the theme “Smokey Bear’s 75 Birthday Celebration”. Kids living in South Dakota are eligible to participate. All entries must be postmarked by April 19, 2019. Only one entry per child is allowed and submitted coloring sheets must be completed by the child with no outside assistance. Each entry must include a completed entry form. Paint, markers, crayons or colored pencils are mediums that may be used. The contest will have two age brackets with a prize awarded to each group. • Group 1 (Ages 3-7) Contestants submit the official “Birthday Cake” coloring sheet. • Group 2 (Ages 8-12) Contestants submit the official “Birthday Sign” coloring sheet. A large Smokey Bear plush toy will be awarded to the contest winners in each category on or before May 10, 2019. Coloring sheets will not be returned. The coloring sheets may be downloaded and printed from the South Dakota Wildfire Awareness Month website at this link: https://www. sdwildfireawareness.com/ All submissions must be mailed/delivered to: South Dakota Wildland Fire Division Attn: Casey Warren 3305 West South Street Rapid City, SD 57702 For more information, contact Casey Warren at 605.390.2619 or email casey.warren@state.sd.us. South Dakota Wildland Fire Division can be found on Facebook by searching SD Wildland Fire and on Twitter @SDWildlandFire. Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect and preserve South Dakota agriculture for today and tomorrow. Visit them online at sdda.sd.gov or find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. power, supply more tools for development, eliminate red tape, and create a better approach to developing our largest industry. I believe it will create a lasting infrastructure for the next generation. Additionally, I am continuing to leverage my federal network to promote South Dakota ag. I might not be traveling to DC every week anymore, but I’ve continued conversations with President Trump, Secretary Sonny Perdue, and other ag leaders to keep South Dakota agriculture in the national spotlight – especially when it comes to trade. Farmers want trade, not aid. Producers don’t want federal bailouts. We crave expanded market opportunities. We need level playing fields. This has been a frequent conversation I’ve had with President Trump. I’m grateful for the outcomes we’ve seen as a result. Late last year, I was glad to see the president’s support of farm country when he lifted restrictions on yearround E15, a move that will help consume another 2 billion bushels of corn, while potentially saving consumers up to 10 cents per gallon at the pump. The state fleet is leading by example on prioritizing ethanol consumption. In my first few weeks as governor, I’ve launched the process of transitioning the state vehicle fleet to E30, further maximizing the use of homegrown fuels and revolutionizing the way we fuel both our vehicles and our economy. I strongly believe South Dakota can be an example to the nation on emphasizing ethanol as a means toward bolstered market opportunities and energy independence. I’m proud of our agriculture tradition in South Dakota. Our ag industry is special – it’s our legacy, our culture. We must do everything we can to ensure the ag economy is ready to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Growing Season 2019 Is Focus Of Ag Economic Dialogues Seminar & Webinar BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension hosts Ag Economics Dialogue: Focus on Growing Season 2019 seminar at the SDSU Extension Regional Center in Sioux Falls (2001 E. Eighth St.) March 1, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon (Central time zone). This seminar will also be available via webinar from 9 a.m. to noon (Central time zone). Seminar speakers will provide insight into weather and markets leading up to planting season. During the seminar, Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist, will provide a review of winter 2019, and temperature and moisture outlooks for March, April, and May. Lisa Elliott, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Commodity Marketing Specialist, will provide a look at the many components impacting current grain markets and provide insight into the supply and demand situation. An agriculture marketing professional will be available to discuss developing marketing plans for agriculture operations. “Lenders have told me a marketing plan is becoming an important document for producers to provide,” Gessner said. “Producers will leave with a better understanding about how to create and implement their own marketing plan.” Registration information To participate, either in person or via the webinar option, register online on the Events page by February 28, 2019. There is no charge for this seminar. 2019 Spring/Summer Vermillion Youth Soccer Registration: February 18 – March 11 Recreational Season • U6 – U12 Season Dates: April 8 – May 19 Fee: $55 My wife, Donna, and I were out buying items for our children and grandchildren when we ran into an old friend in the Valentine aisle at the store. Mike, a very good man, had taught many of our children in school. He smiled when he saw us and asked “So how many children do you have left at home?” “Two,” I replied. “All the others are off to college or married. How about you?” “Oh, my wife and I have been empty nesters for a few years,” he replied. I knew that he had around six children, so I said, “I bet it seems quiet around your house with all of the children gone.” He shrugged slightly. “I guess it is. I kind of like it. In fact, I must have gotten used to it, because every time the grandchildren come to visit, I about go crazy from the noise.” “How many grandchildren do you have?” Donna asked. “Fourteen. But the problem is, they are all under five. All of my children got married within a couple of years of each other and started having children at the same time.” “Wow!” I said. “Fourteen under five!” “I bet there’s a lot of pandemonium in your house when they’re all home,” Donna said. “That’s kind of an understatement,” Mike replied. “In one of Daris’s plays, a little girl calls family pandemonium ‘happy noise,’ “ Donna said. “Well, we have all fourteen at our house right now,” Mike said, “and I think we have so much happy noise that I am about to check myself into a mental institution.” “So what does your wife think about it?” Donna asked. “She loves to have them all home, and I swear that with her, the more noise, the better. And when I start to get tense, she tells me it’s time for me to take a timeout.” “A timeout?” Donna asked. “Yes,” Mike replied. “She’ll say, ‘Mike, don’t you have papers to grade or something?’ Then I know that she’s telling me to take a timeout.” “How does that work for you?” Donna asked. “It actually works well. I leave all of the noise behind and find something else to do until I am not so keyed up that I can once again deal with the commotion.” I had to smile at the idea of Mike having to have a timeout. He was one of our children’s favorite junior high teachers. He taught science, and the children often did experiments in his class. But when a child got out of hand, Mike would have that child take a “time out.” That meant they were supposed to go do something away from the experiment that the other students were doing. The rambunctious student was allowed to read, draw, or do anything that was quiet. It just had to be something to give the child a little time alone to get themselves back together before joining the others again. The idea that what he used as a teacher for students was being used by his wife for him was what made me smile. Perhaps that was the reason he used it. “So what are all of your grandchildren doing at home right now?” Donna asked. “I’m not sure.” Mike said. “They were being really noisy when I left.” I laughed. “Let me guess. You’re in a timeout right now?” Mike nodded. “You’ve got it. So I thought I would make use of it to buy my grandchildren some Valentine candy. Because, even if I need to take a timeout from them, I still want them to know I love them.” I nodded. Perhaps a timeout would be good for all of us now and then. Attention Pleasant Valley Township Residents Pleasant Valley Township Annual Meeting Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 • 7:00 pm at Clay Rural Water System Agenda items include election of officers and receiving quotes for gravel, blading, mowing and snow removal. Full agenda available at: http://sites.google.com/site/pvtownship For more information, please contact: Brandi Johnson, Clerk 30630 Frog Creek Rd. Wakonda, SD. 57073 Brajohns76@icloud.com FUNDRAISER FOR THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 1 Club Season • U10 – U16 Season Dates: May 27 – July 21 for U10 and U12 April 22 – TBD for U14 and U16 Fee: Price will depend on registration option Turn Yo ur Clutter i nto Cash! A Timeout By Daris Howard Additional information and registration available at: www.vermillionsoccer.org Monday, February 25th • 7pm Vermillion Theatre “All Quiet on the Western Front ” Free Will Donation Advertise your Garage Sale to thousands of readers! 624-4429 3x ...the Value If you don’t get the word out about your business, no one else will!!! Ensembles With Guest Bruce Babad Summer Recreation Starts February 4th thru May 3rd For Players 5-12 Years Old For Your Classified! 605-624-4429 To register visit the Parks and Recreation tab at www.vermillion.us Any questions email tylert@cityofvermilliom.com Wednesday, February 27th 7:30pm Colton Recital Hall Warren M. Lee Fine Arts Center Free Admission