SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC - SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL. 22 NO. 5
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SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC
SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL. 22 NO. 5
ERATIVE
CONNECTIONS
CONNECTIONS
Old Spink
New Spink
SD restaurants roll
with the changes
Page 8
Dealing with
drought
Page 12
Joyce Schermer,
Karisma Tripp and Brad
and Lori Johannsen are
shown at Spink Family
Restaurant in Elk Point
MANAGER’S COLUMN
Member SmartHub
tools and Planning
far ahead of time? I can appreciate that comment,
but it is important for you to know that planning,
coordinating, financing and finally constructing
for the Future!
the generation, transmission and distribution
system for our members is a long-term process. We
appreciate your cooperation completing the end
use surveys helping us to estimate your current
We have made our way through one of the and future electrical use and laying a foundation
hottest and driest summers that I have experienced for where we need to go in the future to serve
since moving to Marion in July of 1990. Thank your electrical needs today and tomorrow when
the Good Lord for some shots of rain in early you flip that switch. Our Cooperative Power
July and then again at the tail end of the month Supply system works hard to make sure we are
to keep the crops green and a few more bushels there for you, your family, and your businesses to
of grain in the field or alfalfa for feed. Looking prosper and grow for many years to come. Your
at my SmartHub information it shows that my Cooperative Power Supply System believes in an
home electrical usage was up 28% in July 2021 “All of the Above Strategy” of mixing renewable
over July of 2020 and up also 37% over my June generation resources (wind, hydro, solar and waste
Brad Schardin of 2020 use. Please know that is our personal heat) along with traditional generation resources
General Manager home electrical use which may or may not compare (natural gas, coal, nuclear and diesel) to make sure
with yours, but I point those increases out as an that you have the electric power when you need
indication that we have had some extremely hot/ it and not just when the wind blows or the sun
humid temperatures this summer pushing our shines!
electric loads to new seasonal high peak demands Last, but not least this month, I hope we
were able to see or visit with you at one of our
Your Cooperative Power Supply local county, regional or state fairs. With the
System believes in an “All of COVID-19 Pandemic and a variety of variants
the Above Strategy” of mixing out there, we were not able to do so in 2020 and
we always enjoy visiting with you about YOUR
renewable generation resources Electric Cooperative. For those of you who
(wind, hydro, solar and waste heat) were able to get to one of these events, thanks
along with traditional generation for stopping by and visiting with us again! We
resources. look forward to meeting many of you at our
Member Appreciation Days in early November
for our entire electric system. I encourage you to 2021 or somewhere throughout our service area
sign up for SmartHub at southeasternelectric.com in southeastern South Dakota! We wish you a
to help you monitor your daily, weekly, monthly, Happy and Blessed Labor Day weekend as we
and annual electric bills so that you are more celebrate the work we get to do each day and the
familiar with what you do at home or work and many Freedoms that we enjoy in the United States
how that drives your monthly electric bill. of America. Thank the Good Lord and millions of
We are proud of the fact that we can meet individuals that gave their lives for the Freedoms
your growing electrical needs through our joint we all enjoy and a Special Thanks to All you service
Cooperative Power Supply System (Generation, men and women who protect our Freedoms each
Transmission and Distribution systems) through day and have fought so hard for All that we enjoy!
our coordinated planning, construction, and Until next month, give us a call at 1-800-333-
cooperation with our fellow cooperatives not only 2859 if you have any questions, visit our website
for today, but 30 to 40 years into the future. You at southeastern.com! As always, Thanks for your
say, come on Brad, 30 to 40 years out, who can active participation in and with YOUR Electric
even guess what will happen next year let alone that Cooperative!
2 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021
CO-OP NEWS
ERATIVE WATCH FOR A CREDIT ON YOUR
CONNECTIONS
SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC BILL
ELECTRIC
(ISSN No. 1531-1058)
General Manager
Brad Schardin
brad@southeastern.coop
Editor
Brett Snyders
brett@southeastern.coop
Board of Directors
Don Heeren, President
We are pleased to report that your Board of Directors has
Steve Holmberg, Vice President authorized a $2,000,000 general refund of patronage capital
Johnathan Wildeboer, Secretary credits for 2021. If you are eligible, your portion of the refund
Daryl Terveen, Treasurer
Robert Wollmann will appear as a credit on your August electric bill due in
John Ostraat September.
Ronald Anderson
Chris Hofer
If you would like more information to help you understand
www.southeasternelectric.com patronage capital credits and cooperative principles
1-800-333-2859 and philosophy, please visit our web site at www.
southeasternelectric.com.
On behalf of your Board of Directors and the employees, thank
you for your patronage and your support of Southeastern.
@SE_Electric
facebook.com/
southeasternelectric Like to Cook? Send us your
SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
CONNECTIONS is published monthly by
Southeastern Electric Cooperative, PO
favorite recipes!
Box 388, 501 S. Broadway Ave., Marion,
SD 57043-0388 for its members. Families
subscribe to Southeastern Electric Cooper-
We are looking for original or your favorite recipes that are
ative Connections as part of their electric a hit at your house. Each month we hold a drawing from the
cooperative membership. Southeastern
Electric Cooperative Connections‘ purpose recipes that are submitted for a $10 credit on the winner’s
is to provide reliable, helpful information to
electric cooperative members on electric electric account. Last month’s winner was Pam Rysavy, Sioux
cooperative matters and better rural living. Falls SD. All recipes submitted will be entered in a yearly
Subscription information: Electric cooper-
ative members devote 50 cents from their drawing for a grand prize at the Annual Membership Meeting
monthly electric payments for a subscription.
Nonmember subscriptions are available for held in June.
$12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at
Marion, SD 57043 and at additional mailing
All recipes we receive are forwarded to SDREA for possible
offices. publication in Southeastern Electric Cooperative Connections.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
Southeastern Electric Cooperative Connec-
Recipes for the October 2021 magazine should be submitted
tions, PO Box 388, Marion, SD 57043- by Sept. 1. You may e-mail your recipes to brett@southeastern.
0388; telephone (605) 648-3619; fax (605)
648-3778; e-mail sec@southeasternelectric. coop. Upcoming recipe topics are treats in October and soup in
com
Design assistance by SDREA
December.
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 3
OVERHEAD POWERLINES
TIPS FOR A SAFE
HARVEST
Be aware of
overhead power
lines on farms
Powerlines pose a major hazard for South Dakota
farmers. Lines over roads and rural areas have a
minimum clearance of 18 feet but just 12.5 feet over
residential private property.
The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center offers
Before working in a field hanging too low. this useful checklist for farm safety called Stop-Think-Act. Take
or around shops or grain • If contact is made with a these steps to minimize injury risks during harvest season.
bins, always take the time power line, remember that Stop • Do I have the right equip-
to note the location of your it is almost always • What could go wrong? ment and tools for the job?
cooperative’s power lines so safest to stay on the • How bad could it be? Act
• Has anything changed? • Make it safe.
that you can make sure to equipment. Make sure to
Think • Use the right tools.
remain a safe distance from warn others to stay away • Do I clearly understand the • Follow proper procedures.
them and stay free from and call the cooperative task? • Reduce risks.
harm. To stay safe around immediately. • Am I physically and mentally • Stop the task if it cannot be
overhead power lines, farm • The only reason to ready? done safely.
operators and workers decide to make an exit is if
must: the equipment is on fire. If
• Always use a spotter this is the case, then
when operating large remember to jump off the
machinery near utility equipment with both of
power lines. your feet together, avoiding
• Use extra caution when touching the ground and
raising augers or grain truck vehicle at the same time.
beds around co-op power Then, still keeping your
lines. feet together, “bunny hop”
• Keep equipment at away from the vehicle until
least 10 feet from power you reach a safe distance.
lines - at all times, and in all If you see someone else’s
directions. equipment that has come in
• Inspect the height contact with a power line in
of farm equipment to your area, the best help you
determine the proper can give will be from a safe You put the ‘pow’ in power!
clearance. distance.
Madilyn Gaikowski
• Always lower extensions Make sure to yell out to,
to the lowest setting when signal or call the equipment Madilyn sends out a special note of appreciation for
moving loads. operator to make sure
line workers across the state of South Dakota. She is the
daughter of Gene and Loree Gaikowski. Gene serves as
• Never attempt to move he or she remains in the
the Wessington Springs line foreman at Central Electric
a power line out of the way vehicle, and notify your local in Mitchell.
or raise it to get added cooperative immediately.
Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your
clearance. Please remember to local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your
• Call your electric follow these tips to avoid poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must
cooperative immediately if accidents during the harvest include your name, age, mailing address and the names of
a power line is sagging or is season. your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
4 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021
RECIPES
CROCKPOT
CRAVINGS
CROCKPOT BUTTERNUT
SQUASH WITH APPLES
Ingredients:
1 ½ to 2 lbs. butternut squash,
peeled and chopped (about 5
cups)
2 to 3 tart apples, chopped
(about 2 cups)
¼ c. dried cherries or cranberries
1 ½ tsp. grated fresh ginger
½ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
CROCKPOT APPLE BUTTER ½ tsp. cinnamon
Ingredients: ¼ tsp. nutmeg
SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW
4 cups of sugar (more or less ½ c. apple cider
Ingredients:
depending on sweetness of ¼ tsp. salt
3 cups water
apples)
1 package McCormick® Classic
4 tsp. cinnamon METHOD
Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
¼ tsp. cloves Combine all ingredients in your
Packet slow cooker and stir together.
¼ tsp. salt
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours
METHOD 1-inch pieces or until squash is tender, then
Fill a 5 quart crockpot full of 1/4 cup flour turn to warm until serving. Can
chopped apples (quartered or 2 cups potato chunks also be baked in conventional
smaller), no need to peel, but 1 1/4 cups carrot chunks oven at 325 degrees until fork
do remove seeds. Tart apples are 1 medium onion, cut into thin tender. Sweet potatoes can be
best. Top with the ingredients wedges used instead of butternut squash
above. Lid won’t fit at first but if desired.
1/2 cup sliced celery
settles down as apples cook.
Begin cooking on high and when Linda Sherry, Sioux Falls
bubbling, put heat on low and METHOD
cook all night, or until thick and Mix vegetables, water and Beef
dark color. Stir occasionally. If Stew Seasoning Mix in slow Please send your favorite dairy recipes
need be, blend a few seconds to cooker. Coat beef with flour. Stir to your local electric cooperative
into ingredients in slow cooker. (address found on Page 3). Each
soften peels. Pour into jars and recipe printed will be entered into a
seal. Cover. Cook 8 hours on low or 5
hours on high until beef is tender. drawing for a prize in December 2021.
All entries must include your name,
Cherie Leibel, Timber mailing address, phone number and
Lake mccormick.com cooperative name.
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 5
CO-OP NEWS
Slack reaches 30-year
‘Blinks’ can signal a
mark at SEC
properly working
Congratulations
electric system goes out to
Journeyman
Lineman, Jeff Slack
We often hear from members the question, for reaching 30
“What causes my lights to blink?” The utility years of service
network is subject to certain short-term with Southeastern
losses of power, and Southeastern Electric Electric and our
takes all possible measures to prevent these members!
occurrences and minimize the effects to Slack works out
our members. Blinking lights are a result of of Southeastern
momentary outages that occur when some Electric’s Viborg
type of disturbance exists on the line. This could office.
be a lightning strike, an automobile striking a
pole or ground enclosure, animals and tree
branches getting in contact with energized lines Hornig, Baumgart accept
and a host of other reasons.
When lights blink, it is an indication that the
full-time positions as
cooperative’s equipment is operating properly.
If a fault or short circuit happens on a power
apprentice linemen
line, a device opens or trips to stop the flow of
electricity, then quickly resets itself to restore
power. The device can do this up to three times,
after three attempts it will open permanently
until it is manually reset. Although the process
is quick - and usually temporary - it may cause
your lights to blink, making it necessary to
reset digital clocks and appliances with digital
displays.
Although the weather and nature’s creatures
are beyond our control, cooperative members
can lessen the effects of inconvenient “blinks”
Blake Hornig Chandler Baumgart
by purchasing small appliances and digital
clocks, which have the capability of battery Welcome Blake Hornig and Chandler Baumgart for
backup. Also, whole house surge protection accepting full-time positions as apprentice linemen at
is ALWAYS a good idea along with a UPS Southeastern Electric.
(uninterrupted power supply) unit, especially Blake and Chandler will now start their required
for your computers, TVs and any highly 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and coursework
sensitive electrical device. through Northwest Lineman College to become a
Journeyman Lineman. Welcome Blake and Chandler
to the SEC team.
6 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021
BOARD REPORT
SEC Board summary report
The Board of Directors of Euchner was absent, so Manager presented. Motion carried.
Southeastern Electric Cooperative Schardin reviewed his written report, • A motion was made and seconded
met in Marion on Thursday, July 29, the monthly safety, outage and to set the annual meeting date and
2021 with all directors present. Also, dispatch reports. He also discussed location to June 9, 2021, in Lennox
present were Manager Brad Schardin, the construction work plan, RUS SD. Motion carried.
Attorney Alan Peterson and staff Amendments, large dairy projects, • A motion was made and seconded
members John Euchner, Jon Wunder, power factor issues, current pole to approve Board Resolution
and Todd Nelson. testing and supply chain issues related #3031-07, Corporate Authorization.
Manager Schardin in his report to equipment/inventory. Motion carried.
reviewed with the board the following Member Services and IT Manager • A motion was made and seconded
items: Todd Nelson reviewed his written to approve Board Resolution
1.Reviewed meeting with East reports along with accounts #2021-08, RUS Form 675,
River’s management to look into receivable, cyber security program, Certificate of Authority. Motion
partnering with East River take care IT projects, electric vehicles and carried.
of Human resources for SEC. member inquiries for solar. He also • A motion was made and seconded
2. Commented on the increase on commented on billing adjustments in to approve Policy 504, Investigation
postal services and the South Dakota June because of the peak-load change, of Accidents, as presented. Motion
mutual aid agreement. Verizon AMI and the Verizon user carried.
3. Noted concerns and future group. • A motion was made and seconded
issues when South Dakota legalizes In his legal report, Attorney to authorize Ron Anderson to attend
marijuana. Peterson reviewed current board the SDREA Credentialed Cooperative
4. Updated the board on the March policies and their alignment to Director Training on behalf of the
Strategic Planning items, a report on the legalization of marijuana. No Cooperative. Motion carried.
rate stability and Dakota Gasification revisions were recommended. Further • A motion was made and seconded
Company (DGC) potential sale from discussion ensued surrounding to select Anderson as the voting
Basin Electric. potential conflicts between federal alternate for the NRECA Regional
5. Informed the board that supply CDL requirements and state meeting. Motion carried.
chain issues have delayed the Sioux legalization of marijuana. Peterson • A motion was made and seconded
Falls office expansion and that a also reviewed board policy to ensure to select Ostraat as the voting delegate
counteroffer on the purchase of land that disclosure of director financial for the Basin District 1 Caucus.
has been accepted. The details and backing from a non-member is Motion carried.
timing of the purchase are being addressed. Policy 109 Conduct • A motion was made and seconded
negotiated. and Conflict of Interest covers this to select Heeren as the voting delegate
6. Reviewed the circulation folder situation and does not need to be for the NRECA Director Election.
and various member-related issues. amended. Motion carried.
CFO Jon Wunder reviewed his The board acted on the following • A motion was made and seconded
written report, the preliminary motions: to set the August board meeting
financial report for June 2021, the • A motion was made and seconded for Tuesday, September 21, 2021.
East River member sales report, credit to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.
card details and budget comparison Motion carried. Next regular monthly meeting
for the 2nd quarter. • A motion was made and seconded will be held on Thursday, August 19,
Operations Manager John to accept the management reports as 2021, at the Marion office.
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 7
SPINK RESTAURANT
RISING FROM
THE ASHES
Rhonda Otten, along with her husband and three sons, has worked to keep Spink Family Restaurant open for business.
Photos by Billy Gibson
Spink restaurant emerges strong from here. We had a lot more space
hardships brought by fire and pandemic and we were finally getting in the
groove.”
Facing the same problems as just
Billy Gibson popular attraction was totally about every restaurant owner in
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop consumed by fire. the state and nation, the Ottens
The way the Ottens saw it, there were forced to hit the pause button
Old Spink. New Spink. was no option but to rebuild. and try to figure out the next step
That’s how Rhonda Otten But the planned resurrection of to take. They closed for a month,
variously refers to her restaurant, the business wouldn’t occur in regrouped, and then returned to
depending on whether she’s alluding the confines of Spink. The new offer carry-out service only.
to the Spink Café that burned iteration, renamed Spink Family Members of the community
down in 2019 or the Spink Family Restaurant, would be located in rallied to support the restaurant,
restaurant that was throttled by the the old American Legion hall in including employees at Union
pandemic but is thriving today. downtown Elk Point. County Electric located just two
For more than 20 years, the Spink By all accounts, the “new Spink” blocks away.
Café was a big draw in the township wasn’t so easy to bring forth from According to Union County
located in Union County. The eatery the ashes. Two weeks after working Electric General Manager Matt
was known for its Friday night fish hard to get the new facility ready for Klein, the cooperative always strives
fries during Lent, Sunday dinners business in Elk Point, the pandemic to support other local businesses
and its famous Spinkburger. The hit and threatened to dash the that help the community thrive.
80-year-old structure had recently Ottens’ hopes for good. “At lunchtime you’re likely to
been re-decorated with a 50s theme, “The fire was in November, we see some of our guys eating there,”
featuring old LPs, vinyl album made the decision to keep going Klein said. “When they had carry-
covers on the wall and pictures of in December, and we re-opened in out, we ordered food for meetings
Elvis Presley. March. We were open for two weeks and just did what we could to help –
But life for Otten and her when the pandemic hit, Rhonda just like we do with other members
husband Sam changed in November said. “Those two weeks were very, of the community. We help
of 2019 when the area’s most very busy. It was a madhouse in whenever and wherever we can.”
8 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021
SPINK RESTAURANT
Server Karisma Tripp tends to another satisfied customer at Spink Family Restaurant in Elk Point.
Rhonda said it was inspiring to see area from Sedona, Ariz., and always
the town pull together to face the make a point to stop at Spink, Percentage of South
impact of the pandemic, and also to preferring the hot beef sandwich and Dakota restaurants
help the business survive after the the prime rib sandwich.
back-to-back calamities. “It’s always good every time you
come,” said Schermer, a resident
75%
forced to lay off some
of Akron who opted for her staff members during
go-to French Dip. “You’re never the pandemic.
disappointed in the food or the
service. It’s wonderful.”
Also enjoying a lunchtime meal
were several employees of Valley various times through the years.
Ag Supply. The company is located “It’s going to have to be torn down
a half mile from the old Spink eventually, but we just don’t want to
Cody Olson, center, enjoys lunch with building that was destroyed by fire. let it go,” Rhonda said. “There are
his co-workers from Valley Ag Supply. “We used to go there all the time so many memories attached to that
and we were disappointed when it place; both of our parents were such
“The community really supported burned down. You could see our a big part of it.”
us and we’re very grateful for that,” fertilizer plant from there,” said She emphasized that while the
she said. “But we’ve seen this many Cody Olson while noshing on restaurant is in a new location, the
times before; people watching out the French Dip. “Now there’s no food is the same as before. The
for each other and helping when place to go. So, we just drive into Ottens, who have always used family
there’s a need. That’s what really town because it’s so good. It’s great recipes, depend on all three of their
pushed us through.” that they came back and are still sons – ages 17 through 23 – to
One regular patron who is happy operating.” handle the cooking to maintain
to see the new Spink succeeding As for “old Spink,” the Ottens consistency on a daily basis.
is Joyce Schermer. She occupied a are still trying to figure out what to “The secret to our success is that
table in the restaurant one recent do with the heap left in the wake of the five of us do all the cooking here.
lunch hour along with her son Brad the conflagration. The building had We use time-proven family recipes
Johannsen and his wife Lori. The an upstairs apartment where several that have been popular for decades,”
Johannsens are regular visitors to the members of the family lived at Rhonda said.
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 9
Put the power of your electric cooperative in your
hands! Southeastern Electric Cooperative members
can now monitor their electric usage – and more –
with a simple download of the SmartHub app.
With SmartHub you can:
• Check your usage
• Contact our office
• Pay your bill
• Access custom widgets
10 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021YOUR CO-OP IS RENEWABLE!
Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. is offering a new program to our members! You now have the opportunity
to power your home or business with 100 percent renewable energy. The energy we use to power the homes and
businesses of our members comes from a diversified mix of coal, hydro, natural gas, wind, waste heat and nuclear.
There’s no specific way to know which source energy comes from once it’s created and sent out on the grid.
However, when renewable energy is produced, a renewable energy credit (REC) is created and that REC represents
the valuable renewable attributes of that energy form. One REC is equivalent to 1 megawatt hour (MWh) produced
by a renewable energy source.
SEC has RECs available for purchase to offset your current usage with 100 percent renewable energy through
our REC program. The electricity you receive will still be the same reliable, affordable energy you’ve always received
from SEC but, by going 100 percent renewable, you’ll be supporting current and future renewable projects in our
area.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$1 per MWh
Example: If you use 1,200 kWh per month, participating in the REC program it would add $1.20 + tax to your
monthly bill.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?
No. Southeastern Electric Cooperative will continue to fulfill all your electric needs and you can enjoy the benefits
of renewable energy.
WHERE DO THE RECS COME FROM?
The RECs come from several wind farms in the region that supply renewable energy to Southeastern Electric
Cooperative. These include, but are not limited to:
North Dakota: PrairieWinds 1, Wilton 1 & 2, Baldwin Wind Project and Minot Wind Project
South Dakota: Crow Lake Wind, the Chamberlain turbines, Day County Wind Farm and South Dakota Wind
Project
If you’re interested in participating in Southeastern Electric Cooperative’s REC program and supporting renewable
energy production, please contact us at 800-333-2859. We’re excited to help you reach your renewable energy goals!
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 11DEALING WITH DROUGHT
LEARNING
FROM ADVERSITY
The Dakota Lakes Research Farm produces information helpful to farmers and ranchers dealing with drought. Photos by Billy Gibson
SDSU agriculture researcher Dwayne Beck
looks for better ways to gain higher yields feet long. Caffe, a native of France,
is an ag professor at SDSU, while
through crop rotations and other techniques Paul is a local farmer and research
technician.
Billy Gibson opportunity to learn. The two-member team moved
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop So, what exactly did the farming from section to section, cleaning
and ranching community learn out the collection bin as they went
The drought conditions that in 1988 when adverse weather to keep the samples from being
gripped the state through the conditions caused an estimated $60 contaminated and corrupting the
summer months caused difficulty for billion in agricultural damage across research data. The samples were
farmers and ranchers. The drought the U.S.?
in 2012 also made it difficult to “We learned not to do tillage,”
grow and harvest a productive crop. Beck responds without hesitation.
But it’s the drought that occurred “This drought is about the worse
in 1988 that Dwayne Beck I’ve seen since 1988, and we learned
remembers most. Beck, 70, is a then that in this part of the country
researcher with SDSU who runs the if you till, you’re screwed. No-till
Dakota Lakes research farm near gives you a chance to have a decent
Canning. crop and run a viable farming
According to the National operation.”
Integrated Drought Information And the key to succeeding
System, as of June 23 more than without tilling is proper crop
97 percent of South Dakota and all rotation. That’s what keeps Beck and
of Minnesota were categorized as other researchers busy.
“abnormally dry.” On a recent afternoon, Melanie
As someone who considers Caffe and her assistant Nick Paul
himself a seasoned investigator and were operating a small combine to
problem solver, Beck looks at the gather their test crops laid out in Dwayne Beck runs the Dakota Farms
current drought conditions as an strips measuring five feet wide by 20 research facility near Canning.
12 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021DEALING WITH DROUGHT
HOPS GROWERS NAVIGATING THEIR
WAY THROUGH CHANGING INDUSTRY
Billy Gibson
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop
In many ways, Ryan Heine is like the average South
Dakota farmer. He frets about the weather, plans for the
future, worries about finances, watches the markets and is
constantly trying to find a buyer for the crop he hopes will
make.
But his crop is unlike most of the others that emerge from
the South Dakota soil. Heine is owner of 6th Meridian Hop
Farm near Yankton. His is one of six such farms left in the
state growing hops for brewers to transform into craft beer.
Heine also sees
his work as different
compared to most
farmers – he relies
Melanie Caffe and Nick Paul collect samples from a field at the on his nose a lot.
Dakota Farms Research Station near Canning. “There’s a lot of
experimenting with
bagged and taken into the lab where Caffe and Paul different aromas.
planned to perform fertility experiments with the goal of There are so many
developing varieties with higher yield, higher quality and flavor profiles and
stronger drought resistance. varieties of hops that are used in creating craft beer,” he said.
“There’s a vast palette of different aromas, and the market
Much of the research centers around maximizing will dictate what consumers prefer.”
yields through effective crop rotations. Beck has spent Ryan and his wife Michelle launched their hop operation in
much of his career considering the ways farming was 2014, leaving Omaha and returning to the small family farm
conducted 100 or more years ago and how it can be near Yankton in pursuit of a more grounded lifestyle for their
improved. five children.
“We wanted to get out of the city and back to our farming
“The Natives grew crops before the Spaniards came roots,” said Ryan, who works remotely as an electrical
and brought horses. They were all no-tillers because they engineer for a company out of Minneapolis.
didn’t have cows and horses to pull the plows. They grew Ryan’s interest in growing the essential elements of craft
13 different kinds of corn, beans, squash and sunflowers. beer began when he was a student at Parks College in St.
They were very successful. The settlers never asked Louis, Mo. He went out with his friends and found most of
what was offered at bars, pubs and restaurants was bland
anyone how to grow crops here, they just got out their and uninspiring. He knew he liked the flavor of beer and he
plow and started turning over the soil.” knew he liked the simplicity of the farming lifestyle.
Beck has seen the wonders of crop rotation in his “So I started doing some home brewing and found that it
research. Some of his fields are rotated five ways. was a fun hobby to pursue. Now we have one of the biggest
“Good rotations can produce a lack of disturbance in operations in the state,” he said.
Heine’s time on the farm is spent fussing over flavor and
places where you don’t have a lot of water. Our research aroma profiles, acid levels, yeast growth, oil content, insect
shows 99 percent of resistance issues could be solved invasions, disease infections and more. He and Michelle do
with better crop rotations. There are fields where we all the growing, harvesting, processing, drying, pulverizing,
haven’t used insecticides for 18 years.” preserving, pressing and packaging.
Beck said his methods aren’t always adopted by He finds markets by visiting with brewers, forging
relationships across the region and even keeping in touch
industry but he continues to gather data and push out with his college buddies.
the information obtained through research. “There are some college roommates I’ve kept in touch
“The nice about being a research guy is you always with who are brewers and we’re always talking about how to
have more things to learn,” he said. “The more you improve our products,” he said. “Hops growers are down to
research, the more you don’t know, but we’re always just a handful in the state, but for those who have survived, I
think the outlook is good.”
looking for answers.”
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 13A STICKY SITUATION
BULLISH
ON BEES
Beekeeping industry struggles with his own operation were acquired
drought and other obstacles along from beekeepers making a bee-line
straight out of the business.
with overall agriculture sector The list of real and potential
apiary antagonists is long.
Billy Gibson Sibley Co-op Power, he ships his Apiculturists are constantly trying
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop hives for pollination purposes all to protect their colonies from
across the Midwest and to other various types of threats including
Becoming a beekeeper wasn’t regions as well to help growers gain several species of mites, insecticides,
something Chad Holbrook dreamed higher crop yields. pesticides, extreme weather and
about back when he worked as a “After I got my first bee hive I destruction of their habitat.
farm loan officer in Texas. just really enjoyed doing it, and it One pitfall not often discussed in
But he decided it might be an snowballed and just kept increasing the public discourse is the attrition
interesting hobby, so about 10 years every year,” Holbrook said. “I finally that takes place from merely moving
ago he bought himself a hive just for quit my day job to run the business colonies from one patch of farmland
the fun of it. in January of 2017, which is to the next, and in some cases,
As things sometimes tend to something I never thought I’d do.” moving hives from one spot to
go, one hive led to two, two hives That’s a move that took some another to protect them during the
led to four and before he knew it, courage because Holbrook knew inclement non-pollinating months.
Holbrook was giving his day job the from his brief experience that while Holbrook figures the attrition rate
boot. Goodbye business suit, hello bees can be tough buggers, they also can be up to 10 percent anytime
beekeeping suit. have plenty of obstacles threatening hives are loaded onto a truck and
These days, Holbrook manages their place in nature and their very hauled to different locations. It’s
about 3,000 hives out of his main existence. a significant loss considering an
headquarters in Fairfax, MN, After all, some of the boxes, estimated one-third of the world’s
although he still has some hives back frames, pallets and extraction food supply depends on the
in Texas. A member of Renville- equipment he purchased to start pollination work performed by
14 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021A STICKY SITUATION
The estimated value
$9.2
billion
of the worldwide honey
market
Honey bees pollinate roughly one-third of the world’s agriculture crops.
honey bees. Since 2010, beekeepers Holbrook, who describes apply for a permit, take an online
in South Dakota, Minnesota and himself as a migratory commercial class, inform their neighbors of
across the country have experienced beekeeper, typically transports their intentions and adhere to other
historically high colony loss rates of bees to California every January to prescribed guidelines.
nearly 30 percent a year impacting pollinate that state’s almond crop Holbrook reports that through the
roughly 90 different agricultural and then heads to his facility in spring and summer seasons - and
crops ranging from almonds and Texas to extract honey. July is the despite the drought - honey prices
apples on the West Coast to cotton slowest month of the year, then have seen an upward shift. For
and cranberries in the East. there’s a short fall season before instance, he said the price for honey
“Keeping them alive is the hardest the bees head to an indoor storage in the region last year was about
thing,” Holbrook said. “There are facility in Idaho for protection $1.70 per pound but has climbed to
substances farmers use to manage against the cold. more than $2.25. The international
vegetation and help their crops, but Despite the drought conditions market is expected to expand from
it’s causing a reduction in the forage that have caused stress for farmers, $9.2 billion to $19 billion by 2028.
area for bees. But everybody has to ranchers and apiculturists across “We were fortunate that we’ve had
make a living and I don’t fault the the region, Holbrook is bullish on some timely rains and the hot, dry
farmers…if I were them I’d probably the beekeeping industry. He noted weather hasn’t caused problems for
be doing the same thing. But we that the city of Sioux Falls recently my business. It has been an average
can all look for ways to be more approved an ordinance that allows crop for me. But you don’t ever
environmentally friendly because residents to maintain hives on their really know for sure until the honey
we’re all making a living off nature.” property. Would-be beekeepers must is extracted,” he said.
According to owner Kiah Crowley, Sunrise Hives in Spearfish maintains about 400 bee colonies. Photo by Sunrise Hives
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 15REGISTER TO WIN!
Bring this coupon and mailing label to the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives
booth at the South Dakota State Fair to win a prize!
Your Phone Number:__________________________________________________
Your E-mail Address: __________________________________________________
South Dakota State Fair SEPTEMBER 18
September 2-6, 2021 Health Connect Fair
Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls,
SD, 888-761-5437
SEPTEMBER 18-19
Northeast South Dakota
Celtic Faire and Games
37925 Youth Camp Road,
Aberdeen, SD, 605-380-5828
SEPTEMBER 23-25
Custer State Park Buffalo
Roundup & Arts Festival
13329 US Highway 16A,
Custer, SD, 605-255-4515
SEPTEMBER 25-26
Menno Pioneer Power Show
Menno, SD, contact Daniel at
mennopowershow@yahoo.com
AUGUST 25-29 SEPTEMBER 9-12 for more details
Corn Palace Festival SD State Senior Games
604 N Main Street, Mitchell, Watertown, SD, Contact OCTOBER 2
SD, 605-995-8430 Howard at 605-491-0635 for Fourth Annual 437th Avenue
more information Flea Market
AUGUST 26-29 25207 437th Avenue, Salem,
58th Annual Steam SEPTEMBER 11 SD, 605-425-2048
Threshing Jamboree Davis Flea Market & Artisan Fair
Prairie Village, Madison, SD, Main Street, Davis, SD, OCTOBER 8-9
605-256-3644 605-940-0069 Junkin’ Market Days
W. H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Sioux
AUGUST 27-28 SEPTEMBER 11-12 Falls, SD, 605-941-4958
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To have your event Main Street, Aberdeen, SD, Delmont, SD, 605-928-3792 OCTOBER 9
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AUGUST 27-29 Annual Antique Car & 605-940-0069
including date, event, Fall River Hot Air Balloon Tractor Parade
place and contact to your Festival Main Street, Farmer, SD, OCTOBER 9-10
local electric cooperative. Hot Springs Municipal Airport, 605-239-4498 Sioux Falls Quilters’ Guild
Include your name, Hot Springs, SD, 605-745-4140 Bi-annual Quilt Show
SEPTEMBER 17-18 1201 N West Avenue, Sioux
address and daytime AUGUST 28 Deadwood Jam Falls, SD, for more info visit
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Information must be Xtreme Event Rodeo 605-578-1876 send an email to
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Sioux Falls, SD, 605-339-1203 SEPTEMBER 18
weeks prior to your Annual Harlan and Rita
event. Please call ahead SEPTEMBER 2-6 Temple SK
to confirm date, time and South Dakota State Fair Prentis Park, Vermillion, SD, Note: Please make sure to
location of event. State Fairgrounds, Huron, SD, 720-438-5284 call ahead to verify the event
605-353-7340 is still being held.You can also read
