Shelly Ziesch is a fourth-generation farmer and rancher at Pettibone. After seven years on the South Dakota Farmers Union board, she is making a run for president. “I just think it is really important to have an active farmer or rancher in that role,” said Ziesch. “Chances are if you’re going through a certain situation, I’ve also been through it as some point in my career.” Ziesch said she has been through the ups and downs in the market, and trying to rent or buy farmland as a young producer. Ziesch wants to speak up for the farmers of today and tomorrow. “We’ve already lost a lot of farmers and ranchers due to low prices in the past and we can’t continue down that road or it will completely obliterate everyone out in the rural area.” Delegates will vote during the North Dakota Farmers Union Convention in mid-December.
