ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 28, 2008

PEMBINA STUDENT IS AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER FOR A DAY

BISMARCK – North Dakota’s Honorary Agriculture Commissioner says many foods produced in the state are healthy “because they are naturally grown.”

“North Dakota food products do fit into a healthy lifestyle,” says Sara McGhee, 13, an eighth-grader at North Border-Pembina School in Pembina. “The products are made in North Dakota with natural ingredients and some have few or no chemicals.”

The daughter of Daniel and Diana Waldrop of Pembina, Sara placed first in the 2008 Pride of Dakota essay contest, sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. More than 150 eighth-graders from across the state submitted essays of 250 to 500 words on the theme “How do North Dakota food products fit into a healthy lifestyle?”

“Sara’s understanding of what makes for a healthy diet really comes through in her essay,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson. “She knows that North Dakota products, made from top quality commodities, can hold their own in the world marketplace for healthfulness.”

In her essay, Sara pointed to products made by North Dakota Branded Beef, in Bismarck, Red River Commodities Inc./Sungold Foods of Fargo and Safflower Technologies International of Williston as promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“At the company, North Dakota Branded Beef, in Bismarck they process beef, pork, and lamb that have been born, raised, and processed in North Dakota,” McGhee said. “At Red River Commodities Inc./ Sungold Foods they make a great alternative to peanut butter called SunButter which is made from sunflower seeds. Safflower Technologies International in Williston produces safflower oil.”

As Honorary Agriculture Commissioner, Sara met with the staff of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, toured the State Capitol and was Johnson's guest for lunch. She also received a $200 savings bond from the North Dakota Bankers Association (NDBA).

"The North Dakota Bankers Association is proud to honor the achievements of young people who understand and promote the value of North Dakota's quality agriculture industry," said Rick Clayburgh, NDBA President and CEO. "North Dakota's bankers have been long standing supporters of agriculture.  We will always be proud of our state's businesses, farmers and ranchers that offer excellent products that compliment healthy lifestyles."

Clayburgh also presented a $100 savings bond to the second place winner, Kate Heilman, Harvey, a student at B.M. Hanson Elementary School, Harvey, and a $50 savings bond to the third-place winner, Mackenzie Storbakken, a student at Williston Middle School, Williston.

Authorized by the Legislature and administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Pride of Dakota program fosters the development and growth of small businesses and especially businesses that are farm-based or rely on agricultural commodities. Pride of Dakota member companies can participate in cooperative promotion and marketing events; receive representation at local, state, regional, national, and international trade shows and educational opportunities. More than 400 companies are Pride of Dakota members.

-30-

MEDIA: For more information, please call Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov or Jeff Knudson at (701) 328-4764 or joknudson@nd.gov.

The text of Sara’s essay – “How Do North Dakota Food Products Fit Into a Healthy Lifestyle? – follows this news release and can also be found on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture website www.agdepartment.com.

A photograph of Sara as Agriculture Commissioner for a Day can be obtained by calling Jeff Knudson at (701) 328-4764.