JAMESTOWN – Mark Watne of Velva was re-elected to an eighth year as North Dakota Farmers Union president at the organization’s 94th annual state convention, broadcast virtually from Jamestown last Friday, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his message to delegates, Watne touched upon the resiliency of farmers and what they have learned from past experiences, farm bills and ag policies. He shared statistics that show the U.S. world market share of corn, soybeans and wheat is lower today than 20 years ago.

“We’re not really winning the trade war… and the lower prices are causing farmers worldwide to suffer,” he said. “Many ag economists and politicians continue to repeat the mythical idea that lower crop prices will increase trade. We have to rethink this process. Knowing what we know today should open the door to an agriculture future that is focused on diverse family farms and ranch operations with a fair and free market.”

To achieve fairer markets and improve farm income, Farmers Union delegates adopted six policy resolutions and initiatives focused on:

– Strengthening biofuel markets;

– Implementing a farmer-focused approach to climate change;

– Improving the farm bill safety net;

– Improving food security and deconsolidating America’s food supply chain;

– Restoring competition to the livestock industry; and

– Supporting state legislation that directs Legacy Fund earnings toward infrastructure expansion, such as competitively-priced, high-speed broadband in rural areas, and expanded livestock processing in the state.

Sen. John Hoeven and former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp also addressed delegates virtually during the convention, sharing ideas and initiatives they are working on to further family farm and ranch agriculture.

In addition, 28 youths received the Torchbearer Award, the highest honor in the Farmers Union youth program. Recipients included Kassidy Reiser of Turtle Lake, Lily Obert of Stanley, Jaylene Rosencrans of Powers Lake, Logan Redding of Donnybrook and Madelyn Oster and Lane Veach, both of Ray.

In other elections, Bob Finken of Douglas was newly elected to the organization’s board of directors, replacing Ryan Taylor of Towner, who did not seek re-election. Finken will represent members from District 2, encompassing the counties of Bottineau, McHenry, Pierce, Rolette and Ward.

Bob Kuylen of South Heart was re-elected vice president. Shane Sickler of Gladstone was re-elected in District 4, which encompasses the counties of Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, McKenzie, Slope and Stark. Shelly Ziesch of Pettibone was re-elected in District 6, comprised of Dickey, Eddy, Foster, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells counties.

Members also elected delegates to represent North Dakota at the National Farmers Union Convention in March. Among delegates are Josh Stutrud of Barton, Philip Neubauer of Bottineau, Holly Sobieck of Douglas, Ashley Bruner of Drake, Troy Hedberg of Kenmare, Steve Overlee of McGregor, Stacey Johnson of Mohall, Mark Heinz of Rolette, Jon Hansen of Ryder, Patty Jensen of Tioga and Kurt Andre of Williston.