Services & Programs
North Dakota Farmers UnionWhen you become a Farmers Union member, you benefit from a variety of services. NDFU offers training, consulting and education on a number of topics, including:
- Cooperative education (function, history and relevance)
- Current issues impacting agriculture and rural communities
- Grassroots organizing and advocacy training
- Policy development
- Strategic planning (county and co-op boards)
You and your family also have the opportunity to be engaged in a variety of events and activities at the local and state level:
- Youth camps and day classes
- County conventions and county-sponsored activities
- State convention and social gatherings
- Policy development
- Fly-in participation to Washington, D.C.
- Bus tours in the U.S. and abroad
- New member programs
- Young producer activities
- Women’s events
How to Get Involved at NDFU
Grow to Lead
Grow to Lead is a leadership program North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) offered to farming and ranching members. The goal of the program is to cultivate active agriculture leaders within the organization and in communities across North Dakota.
The program applicant must be an active producer and regular paid member in North Dakota Farmers Union. If not currently a member, you may sign up at ndfu.org. Family membership dues are only $30 per year.
- Applicant must be at least 21 years old.
- Applicant who has served less than 10 years on a Farmers Union county or affiliated cooperative board are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants who are seeking leadership skills training and interested in North Dakota Farmers Union should apply. No previous experience in North Dakota Farmers Union is required. Participants who are interested in NDFU and want to learn all about it are encouraged to apply.
- The program is limited to 15 participants.
- $500 for 2025 due by Jan. 15, 2025; $500 for 2026 due by Oct. 15, 2025.
- Applications are due Dec. 1, 2025
- Applicants will be notified by Dec. 18.
Click here for the application. For more information, contact Jessica Haak at 701-320-5044 or jhaak@ndfu.org.
Lead the Way
Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2025 • NDFU state office in Jamestown.
Lead the Way is a training event open to anyone looking to sharpen leadership skills. County officers receive a free hotel stay for the night of Jan. 31, 2025 in Jamestown to attend the event.
Jenn Donahue is the keynote speaker. She is a retired Navy Captain who will speak about the value in servant leadership. President Mark Watne will also speak on the importance of working with local co-ops, rollout a new youth initiative, and much more. The event will have a grand prize giveaway and free NDFU gear for all who attend! No limit to attendees, all are welcome.
Register on the NDFU app or through the portal today. Deadline to register is Jan. 24, 2025. Contact Jessica with any questions at jhaak@ndfu.org.
Tri-State Young Producers
Jan. 10-11, 2025 • Fargo, ND
NDFU partners with South Dakota Farmers Union and Oklahoma Farmers Union in hosting an event for young producers. The event is limited to those farmers/ranchers who are preferably age 50 or younger.
Dr. Frayne Olson of NDSU will be speaking about marketing and cooperatives. A panel and supper will be held at Grand Farm. The program includes speakers on estate planning and a tour and supper at the Northern Crops Institute. Must be 21 and an NDFU member to attend.
Deadline to register is Dec. 20, 2024 (limited to 20 participants). Register with Jessica today at jhaak@ndfu.org.
Community Stewards
The Community Stewards program encourages NDFU members to be active citizens within their community. The program allows participants to apply for up to a $500 donation to be made to a 501c3 nonprofit organization. To receive the donation, participants must host an event and write a description of how the funds will be used in the organization. For more information, contact Mary Mertens at 800-366-8331 ext. 130 or mmertens@ndfu.org.