Grow 21: Enhancing North Dakota's Economy Through Agriculture

Photo collage of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources

Agency Major Accomplishments
NDSU Extension Service 2007-09 Report on Investments

Community, Economic Development and Leadership

Building Community through Arts and Heritage has been implemented by the communities of Carrington, Langdon, Ellendale and Walhalla. All four communities have completed planning efforts to enhance their arts industry. They have each established a standing arts council to sustain and grow their efforts. Sample results include the creation of annual events to recognize and create awareness of local artists, assisting artists with marketing – Ellendale artists now have their art displayed in Washington D.C. – main street historical building designations, restoration of historical buildings, creation of an artists’ directory and the implementation of arts education into the Walhalla high school. Carrington has broken ground for a new arts center combining it with a bowling alley.
The Beginning Again North Dakota initiative to identify local assets and a plan to use the assets to build community vitality began in January 2008. The NDSU Extension Service Center for Community Vitality was rewarded the contract to develop and implement the program. Two pilots are in the process of being conducted with evaluation to be completed in August 2009.
The Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Program has 41graduates located in 27 counties and 33 communities. The current RLND class, 2007-2009, includes 15 participants located across North Dakota. The grand total of counties and communities positively impacted by the 41 alumni and 15 participants include 28 counties and 40 communities. These individuals are working in a variety of ways to strengthen and grow their community and the state of North Dakota.
One of the four goals of the RLND program is to increase the skills and knowledge of the participants in a number of leadership attributes. RLND participants experience 10 in-state, three-day seminars that provide the environment for participants to gain knowledge and skills in a variety of leadership attributes. Some of the attributes include how best to communicate with community members and media; best practices in managing projects; understanding entrepreneurship; critical and creative thinking; understanding ag and rural policy, etc. As a direct result of attending the seminars and learning from experts in the content area as well as community members, participants increased their leadership skills and knowledge 33% over the two-year timeframe.
RLND participants apply their learning. Of the 41 RLND participant projects to date, 10 have potential economic impact in their community; 10 have positively affected tourism in North Dakota; and 21 have improved the quality of life in communities.
The Horizons program provides education and activities in 21 rural North Dakota communities to broaden and deepen the leadership base to address the difficult issues the communities face. In these 21 communities, 978 individuals have participated in community conversations to help their community thrive, and 622 individuals have participated in a leadership development course. The cumulative effect of this massive number learning together is substantial action on issues that affect them. As one participant indicated, “The biggest thing that we have learned is that the community belongs to everybody. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been in leadership for twenty-seven years or you’re just starting out and volunteering for a committee or to be a crossing guard at the school. Every person plays a vital part in the community.”
Community endowment funds improve the quality of life for local citizens through charitable giving and the promotion of philanthropy. The Horizons communities of Anamoose, Harvey and Cooperstown have set up long-term endowment funds to give back to the community for perpetuity, while Stanley, Sheyenne, Walhalla, Gackle, Cando, Rocklake, Linton and Grant County further pursue the development of a fund or revive current funds into active philanthropic efforts.
Many Horizons communities have new people running for local office that had never been involved before. Individuals report a new-found confidence in running for mayor, school board, city council and park boards. Walhalla alone has 11 individuals on the city council ballot, 4 on the park board ballot and 1 individual running for North Dakota State Representative with the majority of them involved in Horizons leadership training.
The Horizons community of Rolette has assisted small entrepreneurs by training them in e-Bay and online business opportunities. Another Horizons community, Dodge, has expanded their community’s knowledge of technology to build entrepreneurs online. The Horizons communities of Anamoose, Bowdon and Gackle have started farmer’s markets to assist local produce entrepreneurs with a market for their products as well as an opportunity to promote their community.
Infrastructure needs are plentiful in rural North Dakota in order to ensure a safe and viable community. The Horizons communities of Maddock and Stanley added child care facilities to assist working families with children. Anamoose and Walhalla lobbied for additional cell phone coverage in their regions to provide a better communication infrastructure. The Horizons communities of Steele, Hazelton and Rutland are participating in housing surveys and housing development to ensure adequate housing is provided for all residents.
The 21 North Dakota Horizons communities regularly share their work through a community blog that provides up-to-date activities and local action. To learn more, go to www.northdakota.communityblogs.us and click on any of the Horizons communities listed on the right-hand side of the page.

Competitiveness and Profitability of Animal System

Beef cattle producers face increasing feed costs in light of increased demand worldwide for cereal grains. Even though limited amounts of corn are fed to beef cows, the prices of all other feed ingredients, including forages, have increased dramatically in response to increased demand for cereal grains. Therefore, it is imperative that beef producers understand proper beef cattle nutrition in order to reduce costs and remain profitable. In 2007, 18 workshops were conducted that related to beef cattle nutrition or feed costs. A total of 723 beef cattle producers, feed industry personnel, veterinarians and agency employees attended these workshops. Records from the N.D. Farm Business Management Association for North Dakota beef cattle operations indicate that cost of production has increased due to inflationary pressures on feed and energy costs.
Numerous federal and state government agencies have provided incentives through government cost‑sharing programs. Livestock producers are interesting in learning and using these incentive programs and matching dollars to improve their range management practices and livestock production per given land base. Sixteen educational programs were conducted in collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for private land managers. Over 600 livestock producers participated in these workshops and training sessions, and over 30 landowners are known to have participated and incorporated cost‑sharing programs.

Cropping Systems in the 21st Century

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is the major fungal disease in the spring wheat region, with the disease causing grain shriveling and losses due to the DON mycotoxin. Wheat fungicide trials and educational programs conducted by the NDSU Extension Service and Research Extension Centers have led to the release of publicly developed resistant varieties, and their adoption by North Dakota has saved growers millions of dollars. In 2007, N.D. wheat producers increased acreage of resistant wheat varieties by 43%, including Glenn wheat, which was the most widely grown variety in the state. N.D. producers know that experiments performed at NDSU showed efficacy of fungicide applications for reducing disease severity, yield losses and quality losses. In 2007, fungicides were applied to approximately 1 million acres. Depending on variety treated, yield increased 20-30%, DON decreased up to 50%, and severity decreased approximately 20-60%. Economic losses in North Dakota were reduced through use of better varieties (approximately $20 million increase in wheat value statewide) and through use of fungicides (also approximately $20 million statewide).
Each year, insect pests are present throughout North Dakota. NDSU Extension Service’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) survey program and applied research programs provide real‑time insect pest information and updates on new research of important insect pests. IPM Survey information provides real‑time data using GPS‑maps to display the presence /absence and population levels of the major insect pests of N.D. This information is posted weekly on the NDSU IPM Web site and assists N.D. producers, crop consultants and Extension agents in making crucial pest management decisions. Data verifies the absence of pests, like cereal leaf beetle, that are of export concern. Thousands of insect identifications were conducted through NDSU Extension Entomology.
In 2007, programs focusing on site‑specific management totaled 1,000 attendees at various presentations around North Dakota. Growers benefit from the use of precision technologies, tillage improvements and nutrient management changes. New research in dry bean and canola showed lower N rates are appropriate. An estimated 1000 dry bean, canola growers used lower rates of N in 2007 than previously. Use of N credits for previous crops (sugar beet tops and legumes) is underused. An estimated 500 additional growers either use crop credits or use greater amounts than recently published. A reduction of N rates with no crop yield or quality consequences increases grower profits. An estimated 500,000 acres had a 20 lbs/ac reduced N rate. At $.40/lb of N, grower’s advantage was $4,000,000.
Soil testing helps farmers manage nutrient inputs. Cost of nutrients in 2007 was 50‑100% higher than previous years, which resulted in increased farmer interest and participation in soil testing. Soil testing has been and continues to be a part of all crop nutrient training. This training is provided to about 2,000 farmers annually. Over 300 additional farmers used soil testing in 2007. Soil test analysis numbers were up about 10%.
No‑till is a low‑fuel alternative to other tillage systems that increase soil residue cover. A series of meetings for farmers was provided that included no‑till systems and the associated fuel savings. Approximately 50 new growers have adopted no‑till strategies. Reduced tillage decreases fuel use and increases soil conservation and future crop production potential. An additional 5% of crop acres (1,000,000 acres) in North Dakota were in some kind of reduced tillage compared to previous years. Approximately 250 new farmers used reduced energy technologies, including RTK GPS and reduced tillage systems.

Farm and Family Economics

The biofuel industry in North Dakota is expanding rapidly. Source of products is critical and production must be maintained at high levels for industry to succeed. Over 500 farmers attended corn, canola and soybean meetings and trainings that covered production issues, including ethanol/biodiesel end‑use. A canola biodiesel plant became operational in Velva, N.D. in 2007. Funding was received for biodiesel co‑product development and for a feasibility study for a large dairy and anaerobic digester co‑located at an existing corn ethanol plant.
Marketing clubs continue to increase in number and are being supported with video conference educational programs and a facilitator’s conference to give producers a chance to practice what they have learned.
The savings rate for Americans continues to be at the lowest rate since the Depression, while use of credit and home equity loans continues to increase. "Living within your means" has become a lost art. Extension educational opportunities such as the “Financial Security in Later Life” and “High School Financial Planning” programs, publications, the “Credit - Using it Wisely” display, and “Marriage and Money” newsletters have been developed to address this issue.

4-H Youth Development

Hands-on experiences that foster exploration, discovery and passion for the sciences are offered to North Dakota youth as part of the 4-H science, engineering and technology emphasis. Youth are learning about aerospace engineering, environmental sciences, robotics, GPS technology, energy, and a host of other topics related to science, engineering and technology. These programs are being offered to improve science literacy, increase the number of youth seeking degrees and to help close the workforce gap facing the United States in these career areas.
One of the newest 4-H youth development efforts is supporting school curriculum for the North Dakota Archery in the Schools program. More than 140 physical education teachers have been trained to bring the program to a large number of schools across the state. Equipment for the program is being provided through a partnership with the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish. The program also provides an opportunity for community-based archery activities led and organized by Extension agents who are working with schools in their communities to extend activities beyond the school day through this outdoor skills program.
Youth who are enrolled in 4-H demonstrate and practice workforce readiness skills. In 2007 for example, more than 300 youth participated at the regional level to enhance their public speaking and communication skills in district communication arts events; more than 1700 youth demonstrated the ability to carry through on a project by exhibiting 10,486 exhibits at the North Dakota State Fair; and more than 600 youth practiced decision-making skills in state judging contests. Participation in these regional and state events is a culmination of youth participating in the county and American Indian reservation 4-H programs across the state. Nearly 40 youth had the opportunity to also represent North Dakota through national opportunities that include National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, DC and national judging teams in several areas of the sciences.
County Extension staff delivered educational programs to over 32,500 North Dakota youth during the 2006-07 year. This includes 5,902 youth enrolled in organized community clubs and 625 enrolled in 4-H after-school clubs. Targeted programming is offered to youth on North Dakota’s military installations at Minot and Grand Forks. A variety of camping programs are also offered to target groups, such as youth of military families, or in subject areas related to extension service’s mission areas.

Human Development and Family Science

Divorce is a difficult life experience that affects adults and children, often with negative consequences. Parents Forever is a four-hour educational workshop for parents or never-married partners who have separated or experienced divorce. The program focuses on the experience of children and how to avoid putting the kids in the middle, reducing stress and strengthening co-parenting. Evaluations of this educational program indicate that participants understand how to help children interact more cooperatively with ex-spouses or partners and make a greater effort to reduce stress for children after their participation.
Parent Resource Centers (PRCs) associated with the NDSU Extension Service provide educational programs and resources on parenting and family issues to regions of the state. A recent study of parent education in North Dakota shows that these centers and the Extension Service are ranked first as the main contact for parenting information in local communities. They were also ranked as the most useful organization in addressing parenting and family issues. These examples highlight the strength and importance of the resources, educational programs and partnerships developed by Extension Parent Resource Centers to benefit children, families and communities.
NDSU Extension Service PRCs have partnered with the state Parent Information Resource Center/federal program to offer a Gearing Up for Kindergarten school readiness program in selected sites. The state of North Dakota has no consistent program or delivery mechanism for pre-K programming in spite of a national movement to develop programs that have proven outcomes, such as reducing school performance risk factors. Only 12 states in the nation remain without a statewide effort, and this program fills a gap in program options for N.D. Other agencies have supported this effort including United Way/Success by Six and local school districts/Title programs.

Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Noxious and invasive weeds have a direct economic and ecological impact on range and pastureland. These weeds reduced forage production, thus livestock production potential, resulting in an economic drain to the livestock sector. Ecologically, noxious and invasive weeds reduce the integrity of the natural resource, reducing the soil and plant community value for health, esthetics and wildlife habitat. Intensive training sessions and workshops were held for livestock producers and land managers to enhance the knowledge of weed management and plant identification. These events impacted 509 individuals with an estimated 35,450 acres reached.
The average cost for controlling weeds is approximately $12/ac using traditional techniques, thus creating a cost return at and above these costs of a minimum of $3. Ten educational opportunities provided options for controlling and managing noxious and invasive weeds that provided a net gain in return from the livestock sector above the input costs of a minimum of $3 and as great as $20. Surveys by the North Dakota Agriculture Department show a continued reduction of noxious weeds by at least 2% and as much as 4%.
Agricultural pollution primarily from non‑irrigated cropland, grazing land and feedlots presents a significant threat to North Dakota's surface waters. According to the North Dakota Department of Health, 58 percent of the state's assessed river and stream miles and about 56 percent of the assessed lakes and reservoirs are either threatened or impaired for aquatic life use. Livestock waste has been identified as an important source of pollutants. The NDSU Extension Service Livestock Waste Technical Information and Assistance Program addresses manure nutrient utilization, livestock feeding, housing, and management impacts on livestock waste and defines and delineates the non‑point pollution rules and the economics of proper livestock waste management. Livestock producers who are impacting waters of the state must implement management practices or facility upgrades to minimize environmental impact. Individual consultation with producers was conducted to share with them the options they have for reducing their environmental impact. Thirty‑five individuals obtained an animal feeding operation from the N.D. Department of Health by installing facility upgrades to control runoff that impacted waters of the state, and three individuals did not need a permit since they instituted management changes that removed them from consideration for a permit.
Livestock and crop producers who use livestock manure as a fertilizer need to have a nutrient management plan to ensure proper utilization of the manure. Consultants who work with producers to write nutrient management plans attended group trainings to learn about writing nutrient management plans. Thirty NRCS employees and several private consultants can now write nutrient management plans.

Nutrition, Food Safety and Health

Extension agents partner with local dietitians on a community-based nutrition education lesson series for diabetics called Dining with Diabetes: North Dakota Style! Food demonstrations model portion sizes to assist with calorie and carbohydrate control. Changes in knowledge, behavior, attitudes and clinical lab indices are measured over a three-month period. The program has been piloted in Foster, Grand Forks, Walsh, Richland and Cass counties. State partners include the North Dakota Department of Health and the Dakota Medical Foundation.
The health benefits of North Dakota crops are being marketed to consumers through the development of research-based educational materials. Flaxseed, dry beans, healthful oils (canola, soybean, flaxseed and sunflowers) and whole grains (wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat) have been featured. State partners include the USDA Agricultural Research Service Human Nutrition Research Center at Grand Forks and commodity groups.
From 2005 to 2007, more than 2,000 children and their families participated in "Banking on Strong Bones," a five-week, school-based nutrition and physical activity program. The children improved their knowledge scores, and they have made significant nutrition and physical activity changes to improve their health. On the post-survey, 69 percent of participating children reported drinking three or more glasses of milk the previous day, compared with 48 percent on the presurvey. In a survey with parents, about 56 percent of parents reported positive changes in their child’s eating habits as a result of this program.
About one-third of North Dakotans are physically inactive outside of work. To help modify this trend, Extension programs are promoting increased physical activity. More than 3,000 people have participated in Walk North Dakota since 2004. They have walked a total of 1.2 billion steps, or nearly 600,000 miles. That’s the equivalent of walking the circumference of the earth 24 times. For example, during the 2007 Walk North Dakota Challenge, 58 percent reported an increase in their physical activity level, 46 percent reported an increase in their daily amount of physical activity, and 46 percent reported they walked five miles (10,000 steps) per day.
The "5 Plus 5" recognition program promotes eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables, and getting physical activity on five or more days of the week. In 2007, 17 community coalitions were recognized for developing multi-faceted plans to improve health through the encouragement of increased physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables with the potential to reach 70 percent of the state’s population.
Since 2001, more than 4,500 students across North Dakota have completed a series of "Teens Serving Food Safely" lessons and passed the exam with a score of 80 percent or higher. Knowledge scores increased from an average of 54 percent on the pretest to 83 percent on the post-test. About 63 percent of participants had been involved in food preparation for the public. In a follow-up survey one month later, 81 percent reported washing their hands more often when preparing food, and 52 percent had shared their knowledge about food safety with others.

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