Dakota Farmer

Dakota Digest: Avian flu reaches the Dakotas; president of South Dakota Farmers Union to continue national post.

March 23, 2022

3 Min Read
North Dakota Soybean Growers Association Executive Director Nancy Johnson with colleagues at the Commodity classic
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: Nancy Johnson, executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, was presented with the American Soybean Association Distinguished Leader Award at a reception during Commodity Classic.Courtesy of North Dakota Soybean Growers Association

During an awards ceremony held during Commodity Classic recently, Nancy Johnson, executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, was awarded the American Soybean Association Distinguished Leadership Award.

This award is presented to a soybean grower or association staff member who has shown a high level of dedication and successfully led others to meet goals and achieve successes to benefit soybean farmers.

Johnson has served as the association’s executive director for the past eight years, focusing on enhancing communication, engagement and vision within the organization. Her work has created long-standing relationships and support among soybean farmers, industry stakeholders and community organizations to strengthen the soybean industry in North Dakota.

Johnson is a strong proponent of providing farmers with leadership and professional development opportunities, and spearheads communication and education projects on many issues facing the soybean industry. The association says her dedication and strong approach to her work have made her an exemplary leader in agriculture and for the state of North Dakota and beyond.

Avian flu found in poultry flock in South Dakota

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial mixed species flock in Charles Mix County, S.D.

Samples from the flock were tested at the South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in South Dakota on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

There is no immediate public health concern due to this finding. The risk to people from the avian influenza is low despite the disease often being fatal for birds. No human infections with these viruses have been detected in the U.S.

Clinical signs affect birds with all forms of avian flu, and may show one or more of the following:

  • sudden death without symptoms

  • decreased water consumption up to 72 hours before other signs

  • lack of energy and appetite

  • decreased egg production

  • soft-shelled eggs

  • swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks

  • purple discoloration of the wattles, combs and legs

  • nasal discharge

  • coughing or sneezing

  • lack of coordination

If you suspect any of your birds have been exposed to or contracted avian flu, contact the state or your private veterinarian immediately.

SD farm leader continues national post

South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke was reelected to serve as treasurer of the National Farmers Union executive board during its convention held in Denver in February.

“My first priority is serving South Dakota Farmers Union members. This role strengthens my ability to ensure national lobbying efforts clearly represent South Dakota’s members,” Sombke said. “By serving on the executive board, I work closely with NFU president and staff. I have a lot more input on what is happening and how we are implementing our current policy and special orders of business.”

As NFU treasurer, Sombke provides oversight to the national organization’s finances. Since 2017, he also served as president of Farmers Union Enterprises, the organization that oversees Farmers Union Industries. A fourth-generation Conde farmer, Sombke’s three sons have all returned to the farm where they raise crops and operate other value-added enterprises.

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