The records are comprised of correspondence, meeting minutes, publications, scrapbooks, photographs, oral history interviews, audio-visual materials, and the records of local unions.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Matt Birgen, former Clay County Farmers Union and Cooperative activist, former member of the Farmers Union Board of Directors Marketing and Processing Association.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with John Carmody, former cooperative manager and field representative for Cenex.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Arlene Schley Elliott, former education director board member of the South Dakota Farmers Union.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Gary French, manager of the Sioux Valley Cooperative Oil Company in Watertown, South Dakota.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Ervin Goldammer, former Mitchell, South Dakota area cooperative leader and member of the South Dakota Farmers Union board of directors.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Richard Harwood, former Union Center Farmers Union Oil Company and South Dakota Farmers Union director.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Julian and Verna Holter, Farmers Union and Cooperative activists at Canton, South Dakota.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Clement Kloucek, South Dakota Hall of Fame member.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Harold Nearhood, former board member of the Farmers Union Marketing and Processing Association and Farmers Union insurance agent at Ethan, South Dakota.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with John Quillin, cooperative and Farmers Union activist in Lyman County.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Ben Radcliffe, South Dakota Farmers Union president emeritus, 1997 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Bob Rademacher, Dakota Energy Cooperative manager and 2006 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Cecil Sanderson, former County Agent and rural electric cooperative organizer.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Harlan Severson, rural electric pioneer and author of Stepping Forward Boldly, The 25th Anniversary History of East River Electric Power Cooperative published in 1975.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Kenneth Stillson former manager of the Marshall County Farmers Union Oil Company.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Orris Swayze, cooperative activist and alternative fuels supporter.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Phillip Testerman, farmer, insurance agent, and member of the South Dakota Senate and House of Representatives.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Dallas Tonsager, Farm Credit Administration board member, former South Dakota Farmers Union president, and former USDA Rural Development Director for South Dakota.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Robert Ullom, former member of the board of directors of the Farmers Union Oil Company at Flandreau and the Farmers Union Central Exchange.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Loren Zingmark, former general manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative.

South Dakota Farmers Union Ag Report by Chuck Groth. Short introduction and the first sentence of the report.

Political panel at the South Dakota Farmers Union convention featuring candidates for U.S. Congress and governor of South Dakota. Representative George McGovern discusses corporate farming. J. T. McCullen, candidate for Congress, discusses keeping farmers prosperous. Ralph Herseth, candidate for Governor, discusses development of the Missouri River. Joe Foss, candidate for Congress also speaks. The candidates' introductory remarks are followed by a question and answer session. Recording is continued on South Dakota Farmers Union 1958 Convention Political Panel, Part 2 (MA012-AV-0069_03).

Continuation of South Dakota Farmers Union 1958 Convention Political Panel, Part 1 (MA012-AV-0069_02). Political panel at the South Dakota Farmers Union convention featuring candidates for U.S. Congress and governor of South Dakota. George McGovern, J. T. McCullen, candidate for Congress, Ralph Herseth, candidate for Governor, and Joe Foss, candidate for Congress also speaks. Recording is continued on South Dakota Farmers Union 1958 Convention Political Panel, Part 3 (MA012-AV-0069_04).

Continuation of South Dakota Farmers Union 1958 Convention Political Panel, Part 3 (MA012-AV-0069_04). Question and answer session of the political panel at the South Dakota Farmers Union convention featuring candidates for U.S. Congress and governor of South Dakota. George McGovern, J. T. McCullen, candidate for Congress, Ralph Herseth, candidate for Governor, and Joe Foss, candidate for Congress.

Agriculture in Review news program of current interest to South Dakota farmers and ranchers presented by the South Dakota Farmers Union. Dick Gaikowski, discusses the wheat referendum, irrigation unit permits, the national school lunch program, and racial discrimination in South Dakota.

Agriculture in Review news program of current interest to South Dakota farmers and ranchers presented by the South Dakota Farmers Union. Man is speaking about the leasing out farmland by the federal government and mentions the Saskatchewan Land Bank.

Eight different 30-second radio advertisements for Co-op Month in October 1982 presented by the South Dakota Farmers Union. Produced by Dave Sevcik.

Man named Bob speaks to members of the South Dakota Farmers Union about a livestock marketing cooperative made of members from all farmers organizations. A question and answer session follows.

Allan Burke, South Dakota Farmers Union communications director, announces the upcoming Farmers Union Legislative Action Conference that will be held in Redfield, South Dakota. The conference will feature a discussion of state and national issues including tax reform, corporate farming, constitutional revision, probate and transportation. National Farmers Union Legislative Director Reuben Johnson will cover current legislative development and projections in Congress. Senator Harvey Wollman will address the noon luncheon.

Agriculture in Review news program of current interest to South Dakota farmers and ranchers presented by the South Dakota Farmers Union. Allan Burke talks about a power struggle between the executive branch and the legislative branch, wherein the President has ignored Congress. The President has ignored pricing provisions in the international wheat agreement, impounded funds, and cut farm programs. Burke calls for Congress to demand the reinstatement of all farm programs and that they be fully funded.

South Dakota Farmers Union radio advertisement urging listeners to join the Farmers Union.

South Dakota Farmers Union speakers Herrick Roth president of the Colorado AFL-CIO. Roth talks about price power bargaining for farmers, keeping the land and government in the hands of the people and avoiding the corruption of power, the strength in the trade unions. Continued of South Dakota Farmers Union 1972 Convention, Part 2 [MA012-AV-0163_02]

South Dakota Farmers Union Convention speaker stating that about prosperity on the farms and factories will help fight communism. The playback speed increases at 0:18:37 and becomes difficult to understand.

Grain Terminal Association general manager, M.W. Thatcher, speaking about the depression and the economy and how the farm organizations of the National Grange, the Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union agreed that a New Deal was needed for agriculture. He speaks about the Farm Credit Administration, support prices, legislated economy for farmers and parity pricing. Recording continued on Grain Terminal Association General Manager M.W. Thatcher Speech, Part 2 (MA012-AV-0168_01).

Continuation of Grain Terminal Association General Manager M.W. Thatcher Speech, Part 1 (MA012-AV-0167_01). Grain Terminal Association general manager, M.W. Thatcher, speaking about the depression and the economy and how the farm organizations of the National Grange, the Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union agreed that a New Deal was needed for agriculture. He speaks about the Farm Credit Administration, support prices, legislated economy for farmers and parity pricing. Recording continued on Grain Terminal Association General Manager M.W. Thatcher Speech, Part 3 (MA012-AV-0166_01).

Wrapping up the trip of South Dakota Farmers Union delegates to Washington, D.C. The group saw the national Farmers Union offices and met with various Senators and Representatives. The delegation tried to impress the need for a passage of a farm bill.

Activities at a South Dakota Farmers Union summer camp. Includes footage of teenagers participating in daily activities such as meals, swimming, making crafts, and dancing. Also contains footage of a man giving a demonstration with liquid nitrogen. The film is undated, in color, and silent.

Footage of activities at the South Dakota Farmers Union Junior Camps at various locations, including Swan Lake, Lake Kampeska,and Lake Poinsett. Also included is footage of the National Farmers Union All State Camp in Red Rocks Park, Colorado. Color film. No sound.

Conclusion of a South Dakota Farmers Union convention speaker who is discussing the false premise that farmers have never had it so good by stating that farmers are struggling and we must save the family farms.

Robert Lewis, National Secretary of the National Farmers Union, speaks at the young farmers banquet at the South Dakota Farmers Union convention urging the creation of a national marketing system.

Speakers at the South Dakota Farmers Women's Conference on the Crisis in Rural America. Laurie Daschle speaks about getting women involved in the political process. Erma Stewart talks about business and farm credit. Elsie Hovey food prices, the Russian embargo, and the railroad tax. Ben Radcliffe speaks about embargos and farm legislation. He also talks about parity and low grain prices. There are moments of silence between speakers.

Stanley Moore, president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, talks about the myths of the family farmer and how they are no longer true because the family farm has become more important. Last speaker talks about how the railroad system is losing money how it is affecting farmers.

Gilbert Wesson, chairman of the Saskatchewan Land Bank Commission, talks about how the Land Bank works in Canada and how it helps the farmer get established and to stay in the family. A question and answer session follows his remarks.

Agriculture in Review news program of current interest to South Dakota farmers and ranchers presented by the South Dakota Farmers Union. Allan Burke discusses Stevenson-Moss legislation regarding oil companies monopolies.

Agriculture in Review news program of current interest to South Dakota farmers and ranchers presented by the South Dakota Farmers Union. Allan Burke talks about import quotas being lifted for dairy products, the increase of world wheat production that could surpass demand, the possible shortage of feed grains, and the increase in postage rates.

Agriculture in Review news program of current interest to South Dakota farmers and ranchers presented by the South Dakota Farmers Union. Allan Burke talks about oil companies' profits and a proposed new tax code on international oil companies and guarantees against collapsing farm prices so are able to boost the production that is needed.

Agriculture in Review news program of current interest to South Dakota farmers and ranchers presented by the South Dakota Farmers Union. Allan Burke discusses farming production and increased food exports and how other countries are able to export more food to assist countries which cannot support themselves.

Continuation of Agricultural Prices, Part 1 (MA012-AV-104_02). Man speaks to members of the South Dakota Farmers Union about the low farm prices, low parity, loans, the decline in the price of land.

South Dakota Farmers Union President Tony Dechant comments on farm legislation provisions including raising loan rates, price supports, commodities, set-aside acres, wheat reserves, Food for Peace.

Four 30-second radio advertisements for co-op month promoting the 1983 Co-op Month theme of 'Cooperatives building a better America.'

South Dakota Farmers Union reports Jack Seigle rebuke against those who threw eggs at Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson at the state corn picking contest south of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A call for people who are upset over the secretary's policies need to show respect for the office and rather than result to violence, people need to show their displeasure by refuting those policies with common sense and reason.

South Dakota Farmers Union convention speaker talks about winning consumer understanding for farmers, problems with A.S.C.S., the free market system, regulation of oil companies, and corporate farming. Quiet music is playing throughout the recording.

Continuation of Grain Terminal Association General Manager M.W. Thatcher Speech, Part 2 (MA012-AV-0166_01). Grain Terminal Association general manager, M.W. Thatcher, speaking about the depression and the economy and how the farm organizations of the National Grange, the Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union agreed that a New Deal was needed for agriculture. He speaks about the Farm Credit Administration, support prices, legislated economy for farmers and parity pricing. Thatcher also reads a portion of the statement of policy for the South Dakota Farmers Union, and discusses the economy and socialism.

Political panel at the South Dakota Farmers Union Convention. Senator Gurney and other panelists discuss parity pricing, a standard of living for farmers, and the farm bill.

South Dakota Farmers Union president, Paul Opsahl, introduces Merrell Q. Sharpe, former governor of South Dakota, who gives a radio address about the consumer power districts bill before the South Dakota Legislature. He supports the equal distribution of power to all South Dakotans at the lowest possible rates. Private power companies are against consumer power districts. A man is speaking at a conference about price supports. He is for the restoration of storage capacities for farm commodities across the U.S. He also talks about parity and farmers cooperatives. He also states that he feels that the American farmer has done the most to fight communism. A man is speaking at a conference about the Standard Oil monopoly. The recording ends in the middle of his speech.
South Dakota Farmers Union president, Paul Opsahl, introduces Merrell Q. Sharpe, former governor of South Dakota, who gives a radio address about the consumer power districts bill before the South Dakota Legislature. He supports the equal distribution of power to all South Dakotans at the lowest possible rates. Private power companies are against consumer power districts. A man is speaking at a conference about price supports. He is for the restoration of storage capacities for farm commodities across the U.S. He also talks about parity and farmers cooperatives. He also states that he feels that the American farmer has done the most to fight communism. A man is speaking at a conference about the Standard Oil monopoly. The recording ends in the middle of his speech.

Continuation of Eleanor Roosevelt Addresses the South Dakota Farmers Union, Part 1 [MA012-AV-0177_01). Eleanor Roosevelt addressed the South Dakota Farmers Union about of her work with the American Association for the United Nations. She speaks about respecting the customs of other nations.

South Dakota Farmers Union Educational Department film clips of the Huron Ladies Camp, the leaders' incentive trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, the South St. Paul stockyards, and market day in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for member of 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and Farmers Union Juniors. Footage includes clips of camp activities, travel stops, and stock yard footage. Color film. No sound.

South Dakota Farmers Union delegates bus-in trip to Washington, D.C. Includes footage of sites visited such as the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, and the White House. Also included is video of tours through Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and a dam at Columbus, Nebraska. Color film. No sound.

Farmers Union Stock Commission touring a farm during winter and the Sioux Falls Stockyards showing cattle, sheep, and pigs. Also includes footage of various farms scenes. Black-and-white film. No sound.

South Dakota Farmers Union visiting sites such as Mt. Rushmore and the Dinosaur Park in the Black Hills, and Wall Drug and the Badlands in western South Dakota. Included is footage of camping, swimming, hiking, golfing, baseball, horseshoes, crafts, and a trail ride. Color film. No sound.

South Dakota Farmers Union in a parade in Lake Preston, South Dakota. Footage of a band, tractors, floats, and horses. Also included is a gathering at a band shell, swimming, creameries, Farmers Union stations, and co-ops. Color film. No sound.

South Dakota Farmers Union camp activities. Color film. No sound.

South Dakota Farmers Union teens at a camp in the Black Hills. Footage includes a tour of Mt. Rushmore, tunnels, rock climbing in the Needles, and of a baseball game. Color film. No sound.

Pouring cement at the Kennebec, South Dakota Farmers Union Co-op elevator during construction. Color film. No sound.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Kenneth Artz, former Aurora County Oil Company Director and South Dakota Farmers Union State Board Member

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Viola Barry, former Union Center Farmers Union Oil Company bookkeeper and Farmers Union Education leader.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Rodney Dodge, former Cenex field representative

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Marvin Evenson, former employee of the Farmers Union Livestock Association.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Ronald Gerlach, manager of the Aurora Cooperative Oil Company in Stickney, South Dakota

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Joan Hafner, St. John's Farmers Union Local education director.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Dennis Hagny, former Northern Electric Cooperative Manager and 2006 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Loyd Larson, Farmers Union Marketing and Processing Association board member and president, South Dakota Farmers Union and Sioux Valley Electric board member.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with George Levin, former South Dakota Farmers Union board member and Farmer Union Marketing and Processing Association director.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with John McBrayer, Co-op elevator manager.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with George Olson, Winner, South Dakota area cooperative leader.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Scott Parsley, East River Electric Power Cooperative assistant general manager for member services.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Paul Symens, Farmers Union Marketing and Processing Association director, former South Dakota Farmers Union board member, and former state Senator.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Merlin Van Walleghan, former member of the board of directors of CHS, Inc., 2007 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Grace Bubbers, former Corson County and District 6 Farmers Union Education Director.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Stanley Cross, former Howard Farmers Union Oil Company director

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Warren Grebner, former general manager of the South Dakota Wheat Growers and 1989 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with LeRoy Hardy, former South Dakota Farmers Union board member, lobbyist, and field representative.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Darrell Henderson, former Grand Electric and West River Cooperative Telephone manager and 2005 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Joseph Hieb, former Lyman County Cooperative leader and 2000 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Robert Johnson, 2001 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Quentin Louden, Rural Electric Cooperative leader and 1995 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Robert Martin, former East River Electric Power Cooperative staff member and Rushmore Electric Cooperative general manager.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Donald Paulson, former general manager of Golden West Telephone Cooperative and 2003 South Dakota Association of Cooperative Hall of Fame inductee.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Jack Smith, former manager of the Farmers Union Oil Company at Union Center, and Edna Smith, former bookkeeper of the Farmers Union Oil Company at Union Center.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Robert Sperl, Sr., cooperative and Farmers Union activist in Gregory County.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Alec Vedvei, Kingsbury County Cooperative leader.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Maynard Whitemyre, former field representative and Vice President of the South Dakota Farmers Union.

South Dakota Farmers Union Communications Director, Chuck Groth, Cooperative Legacy Project interview with Harvey Wollman, former Associated Milk Producers division manager.

Interview South Dakota Farmers Union convention of Mr. Birch about the reduction in expenditures in the Department of Agriculture. He was questioned about the Food For Peace Program, the parity concept for farmers, and F.H.A. loan opportunities.

South Dakota Farmers Union president Paul Opsahl introduces Al Johnson and Dick Joyce of the North Dakota Farmers Union who speaks about their experiences and observations regarding membership at the annual convention. A question and answer session follows.

Radio program talking about the challenges the agriculture faces. The farm crisis, the decline of farming, and parity and discussed. Ben Radcliffe comments on a Farm Income Farm Credit meeting. Comments from Ben Radcliffe on in come and standard of living for farmers. Women's Action Conference held in Sioux Falls participant shared concerns and ideas with consumers and businessmen and looked at ways for women to become involved politically, cooperatively, and through community organizations to strengthen relationships with agriculture and rural community allies. Comments from Erma Stuart, Jeanie Hetland, and Laurie Daschle about business, farm credit, and involvement in the government process. Theme music for the radio program is heard at the beginning and end of the recording.