Two South Dakota producers made news at the National Farmers Union Convention at the end of February in Denver.

Jeff Kippley, a cow-calf and crop farmer near Aberdeen, was elected vice president of the National Farmers Union.

“I am honored family farmers and ranchers put their trust in me to help lead this organization in its mission,” said Kippley, who farms with wife Rachel and father John.

Kippley said the need for fair prices motivated him to serve. “Policy changes need to take place soon, so our children can earn a fair living on the family farm or ranch,” he said. “Like many agriculture producers, I also work full time off the farm to sustain our family’s farming operation.

“Working with family, Rachel and I own a tax preparation service. As tax advisers, we see the numbers behind many family farms and ranches. And it’s not just our family farm that needs off-farm income to stay afloat financially — it is the majority of family agriculture producers.”

As vice president, Kippley will serve members with National Farmers Union President Rob Larew.

Rancher receives national award

Oren Lesmeister, a state representative for District 28A and a rancher in Parade, was given the Bruce Miller Award for his involvement in state and national Farmers Union events, as well as service to his state and community.

“This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the mission and vision of Famers Union. Through his active involvement in our organization and his service as a state legislator, Oren lives out our focus of serving South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers,” says Karla Hofhenke, South Dakota Farmers Union executive director.

Lesmeister and wife Tracy are the third generation to run the cow-calf operation his great-grandfather homesteaded in the early 1900s. To supplement the ranch income, the couple also own and operate a feed store, Fox Ridge Ag Supply.

Lesmeister has lobbied for Farmers Union policy in Washington and serves as the District 6 SDFU state board member.  

“I appreciate the grassroots nature of this organization,” he said. “This organization gives family farmers and ranchers a voice, because at the end of the day, our policies and what we believe in is member-driven.” And “my mom always said I have the perfect mouth for politics.”

Lesmeister says his passion for agriculture and its people led him to become active in South Dakota Farmers Union.

“Today, even in South Dakota, our state is becoming more urban. It’s not a bad thing. But it is the reason we need to protect our way of life,” he said. “There are more and more senators and representatives coming out of areas who do not understand what true farming and ranching life is like.”

Lesmeister says he became interested in politics nearly a decade ago when he was asked to drive to Pierre, S.D., and testify. “Once I was sitting there listening to the discussion and testimony, I got interested in other bills that were being presented, so I started reading the bills,” he said.

So when the legislator representing his district termed out and asked him to run, Lesmeister jumped at the opportunity.

Lesmeister said he enjoyed the campaigning and found himself paying close attention to customers’ political thoughts and comments, when they stopped by Fox Ridge Ag Supply for feed, seed or other supplies.

“Talking to my customers is a great way to understand what my constituents want. I am also blessed to know virtually every member of the tribal council because I either went to school with them, or I grew up as neighbors to them,” said Lesmeister, a 1984 graduate of Cheyenne Eagle Butte High.

Although he didn’t win the first time he ran, Lesmeister tried again in 2016 and secured a seat.

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