By Sam Herder

Posted on November 8, 2017

Photos by Hillary Ehlen, ND Governor’s Office and NDSU University Relations

Even when Jack Dalrymple was North Dakota’s 32nd governor from December 2010 to December 2016, continuing the operations of his family farm was still a point of pride. He took over as manager of Dalrymple Farms outside of Casselton, North Dakota, in 1972, a position he held throughout his time in office and still holds today.

Jack Dalrymple former North Dakota governor

His impact on agriculture in North Dakota was felt since his service in the state’s legislature began in 1985 when he was elected to represent a rural Cass County House district, serving eight terms. He later became North Dakota’s lieutenant governor in 2000 before being sworn in as governor in 2010. All while running his farm, a conventional soybean, corn and wheat operation.

His contributions to agriculture will be recognized by North Dakota State this month. The NDSU Harvest Bowl agribusiness award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of agriculture and business in North Dakota and beyond. The 44th annual Harvest Bowl program at NDSU is held Nov. 10 and 11.

Jack Dalrymple former North Dakota governor

“It means a lot to me because I’ve been a backer and a supporter of North Dakota State pretty much my whole life,” Dalrymple said. “I remember when I was a kid, my dad would ask me to take seed samples into the agricultural college. It was the NDAC then. So we go back pretty far. It has meant the world to farmers in this region who care about agricultural research.”

The Harvest Bowl is in its 44th year and celebrates agriculture and Bison Athletics. It recognizes the work of agriculturists in 53 North Dakota counties and 10 Western Minnesota counties. More than 2,700 agriculturists have been recognized over the years and more than $245,000 in scholarships have been awarded to student-athletes with agricultural backgrounds.

DALRYMPLE FARMS

Farming is in Dalrymple’s blood. He and his wife, Betsy, live in a house that was built by his great-grandfather in 1880 on the farmstead. The prairie sod was broken by the house in 1875 and the first wheat crop was planted in 1876. It was North Dakota’s first large-scale wheat farm and Dalrymple has been a part of its operation for more than 45 years. He returned to manage the farm after graduating from Yale University in 1970.

In 1983, Dalrymple was named the Outstanding Young Farmer in North Dakota by the U.S. Jaycees and went on to be named a national winner as well. That was when he began to think he could be a leader. With an agricultural background, his time in the North Dakota legislature brought many benefits to farmers.

“It made a big difference,” Dalrymple said on his experience working on a farm. “During my 16 years as a state legislator, I worked on public policy that would be helpful to people involved in agriculture.”

Jack Dalrymple former North Dakota governor

He was the originator of the funding for the Agricultural Products Utilization Commission, which provides grants to people who are trying to convert North Dakota ag commodities to food products.

Dalrymple was the founding board chairman of Carrington-based Dakota Growers Pasta Company and helped it become the third-largest manufacturer and marketer of dry pasta products in North America. When he was lieutenant governor, he helped the funding of NDSU’s Agricultural Experiment Station Research Greenhouse Complex, which was completed while he was governor.

“That is the premier research location in the upper great plains for crops,” Dalrymple said. “We are known worldwide for that type of research.”

Dalrymple was the originator of the State Board of Agricultural Research and Extension, which allows producers to have direct input on research priorities.

WATCHING THE BISON

Dalrymple even got a first-hand experience of NDSU football’s run of national championships, which all started when he began his time as governor in December 2010 when the Bison first made a deep push in the playoffs.

“Betsy and I had gone to Frisco and we had followed the team for years,” Dalrymple said. “President (Dean) Bresciani was nice enough to invite us to his suite several times. We really enjoy football. We were fans way back when the Bison were at Dacotah Field. It was cold and a lot different than it is now. I think our first game we ever went to was in the fall of 1972.”

Jack Dalrymple former North Dakota governor

“It really is unique in the history of the NCAA, five consecutive football championships is pretty much unheard of,” he added. “I feel really honored and lucky that Betsy and I got in on the fun.”

Now, his schedule is less hectic. But Dalrymple is still contributing in the world of farming, and he says he’s never enjoyed it more.

“I feel a lot freer than I used to,” Dalrymple said. “It really is nice. I’ve told people farming is more fun for me now than it ever has been. I can focus on it and I have a great perspective on the enjoyment of the occupation of farming. It’s a great lifestyle. Betsy and I really enjoy waking up in the morning and being on the farm.”

ABOUT THE HARVEST BOWL

In its 44th year celebrating agriculture and Bison Athletics.
Recognizes the work of agriculturists in 53 counties in North Dakota and 10 counties in Western Minnesota.
More than 2,700 agriculturists have been recognized and more than $245,000 in scholarships have been rewarded to student-athletes with agricultural backgrounds.

For more information, visit ndsualumni.com/awards-harvest-bowl.

Harvest Bowl Social, Dinner and Awards Program
Friday, Nov. 10, 5:30 p.m.

Delta by Marriott Harvest Bowl Football Game Against South Dakota
Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Fargodome

HARVESTING SCHOLARSHIPS

For the 44th year in a row, the Harvest Bowl will recognize the excellence in agriculture and Bison Athletics. More than 2,700 agriculturists have been acknowledged and more than $245,000 in scholarships have been raised and handed out to NDSU student-athletes with agricultural backgrounds. This year, there will be a social, dinner and awards program happening at the Delta by Marriott on Friday, Nov. 10. The social will celebrate the 17 NDSU student-athletes who receive scholarships via the Harvest Bowl. The Harvest Bowl football game will be on Saturday, Nov. 11 against South Dakota. For more information, go to ndsualumni.com/awards-harvest-bowl.