SDARL Class IV: Seminar 9 – Mitchell & Huron
GSM: Karl Shenk & Kevin Deiter
Reporter: Amy Blum
Day One, January 15 – Book reports, motivational speaker & banquet
Chilly weather greeted us as we started our day at Granite Springs Lodge near Alexandria.
After Glen’s shameless – and wise – marketing promotion, class members began their five-minute China presentations. Information was presented on topics such as China’s economy, the ‘one child rule’ and the Great Wall. And, thanks to Jim Gilkerson, we now know you might be from South Dakota if you can turn a report about China into an Ole & Lena joke!
Late in the afternoon, Bruce Vincent – a logger and motivational speaker from Libby, Montana – addressed the group. Vincent shared the timber industry’s struggle against environmental “protectors” and urged the class to proactively protect South Dakota’s rural way of life by not “running head first into someone else’s vision.”
Vincent spoke about the importance of preserving America’s best places while not forgetting about America’s best people.
He said urban Americans care about our country’s natural resources as much as rural Americans; the problem, Vincent said, is that urban Americans are often imprinting their version of protection on rural America because of the fear being marketed to them by groups such as PETA, the Sierra Club and others.
After questions and discussion, the group traveled to Mitchell. There, the class was joined by over 100 guests, potential class V members and alumni. Vincent again shared his message of hope with the entire group and urged everyone to get active in order to save South Dakota agriculture the trouble and heartache felt by the timber industry.
Day Two, January 16 – Book reports, recruiting and feedlots in South Dakota
Blustery winds blew the class into First Dakota’s Mitchell branch, and book reports were finished up. Class members enjoyed tips to avoid jail from Rachel Melhaf, a story about China’s dynasties from Lola Roseth and an imaginary tour of the Forbidden City by Craig Bieber.
After reports, Denny Everson put on his First Dakota hat in order to share the bank’s history and current success with the group. In addition to giving each class member a book outlining First Dakota’s history, he updated the class on the bank’s Dakota (Farmer) Mac program. Dakota Mac pools ag loans, is the only program of its kind and was established in 1993.
Before ending the morning session, Denny put on his executive director hat and stressed the importance of recruiting. He urged class members to talk to a variety of individuals; after visiting with prospects, Denny encouraged the class to nominate people who seemed interested by contacting the office. The best class five applicants will originate with current class members and alumni, so each class member must get out and talk to people about the program!
From Mitchell, the group headed northeast to the John & Brenda Reisch home near Howard. The Reisch’s opened their home to the class and provided a delicious lunch. John was a member of Class III, and we will be meeting with their daughter Emily while in China.
Time was then spent learning about the Reisch’s feedlot and farming operation. It was also an opportunity to witness how aging farmers and ranchers can continue their legacy even if their children are not returning to the operation. John & Brenda are working in partnership with a young couple who may not have had the opportunity to farm/ranch otherwise.
Many class members thanked Glen for his promotional stocking caps when the group toured the feedlot … it was cold, but the coldest was yet to come!
Next, the group traveled to Redstone Feeders and learned about the mono-slope feedlot operation from the Wilkinson Family. Once outdoors – in the frigid wind – the class toured the facility by examining feedstuffs, watching a tractor demonstration and driving through the feedyards. Over 18,000 head of cattle are moved through the feedlot each year.
This was another nice example of a family operation. The LLC is comprised of four brothers and their families. Each brother contributes in a particular way, and the set-up appeared to be working quite well for them.
Once in Huron, Class III members Jeff Madison and Brad Sanderson – along with their wives Barb and Kathy respectively – hosted a beef supper with an SDSU ice cream dessert. Ken Gates – manager of Dakota Energy Cooperative – and his wife Linda were special guests.
After supper, classmate Mike Jaspers offered insight into the Rural Development program. He answered questions and encouraged classmates to be aware of the many grant/loan programs available through his office.
Dan wrapped up the evening by handing out China travel packets; a short discussion about the trip followed.
Day Three, January 17 – leading by example and international travel
Ken Gates, Manager of Dakota Energy Cooperative, welcomed the group to Dakota Energy’s offices and kicked off the morning with a short talk on the importance of leadership. Gates told the class, “People management is crucial.” And, he reminded everyone about the huge difference between leading and managing.
Farm Service Agency Director Steve Cutler provided the morning’s second presentation. After a brief introduction to and a short discussion on FSA programs, Cutler relayed his thoughts and experiences on the importance of leadership.
Cutler told the group building relationships is crucial to leadership success, and he encouraged each class member to have “eight to 10 contacts with an individual” before asking the person for help. Furthermore, Cutler stressed the importance of sending thank you notes, showing respect and seeing the big picture.
After Cutler’s presentation, the class traveled the short distance over to Dakota Provisions – Huron’s turkey plant.
Rebecca Steele (Sales & Marketing) and Chet Coolbaugh (Director of Operations) greeted the group and offered insight into the Hutterite-owned facility. Interesting facts included:
Following a facility tour, the group returned to Dakota Energy for lunch sponsored by the electric cooperative and Dakota Provisions.
After lunch, awards were given to the top report presenters. Honors went to:
1. Rachel Melhaf
2. Jim Gilkerson
3. Craig Bieber/John Rickertsen
Class III alum, Bob Thaler, and classmate Steve Pohl capped off the session by leading an informal discussion on China travel. They stressed the importance of personal relationships to the Chinese people. Additional reminders included – but were not limited to:
· Try all foods and keep a positive attitude … often best to enjoy and not ask what the food item actually is.
· You cannot be too organized when it comes to luggage – pack light!
· China is 13 hours ahead of Central time.
· Suggested to take aspirin – if okay with your doctor – a few days before leaving.
· Shopping is fantastic, especially silver, pearls and silk.
· Bartering is an art and should be practiced.
· Ugly American is a good book to read if you haven’t already.
· Remember: Each of us is representing far more than ourselves. We are representing South Dakota and the United States. When people interact with us, they will believe the way we act is the way all Americans act … good or bad. We must be positive ambassadors for our state and nation.
Dan offered some closing remarks, and class members parted ways. We’ll all meet again in Beijing!!