ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 2, 2009

OUTSTANDING PESTICIDE DEALER & APPLICATOR HONORED

FARGO – A North Dakota pesticide dealer and aerial application company were recognized for outstanding customer service and environmental awareness, Tuesday, during the Northern Ag Expo at the FargoDome in Fargo.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and the North Dakota Agricultural Association (NDAA) presented the 2009 North Dakota Outstanding Pesticide Dealer of the Year award to Wholesale Ag Products, Carrington, and the 2009 Outstanding Applicator of the Year award to North Star Coop, Park River.

“Wholesale Ag Products and North Star Coop provide their customers with knowledgeable and reliable service, while demonstrating responsibility for human health and safety and environmental awareness in the sale and application of pesticides,” said Jim Gray, NDDA pesticide division director, who presented the awards on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that North Dakotans continue to enjoy clean water and air.”

Richard Zink, owner-founder, and Bruce Bachmeier, general manager of Wholesale Ag Products and Tom Lien of North Star Coop accepted the awards.

Now in its 25th year, Wholesale Ag Products provides a full range of agricultural chemicals, fertilizer and seed. The company has five fulltime and five part-time employees.

North Star Coop resulted from the 2003 merger of two long-established Farmers Union oil companies. The cooperative offers ground application of farm chemicals and fertilizers, and also sells liquid fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia. It has six fulltime and up to six part-time employees.

“These awards recognize good stewardship of soil, water and air through the safe and proper use of plant nutrient and crop protection products,” said Gary Knutson, NDAA executive director. “The North Dakota Agricultural Association is proud to recognize people who excel in customer service and environmental awareness.”

North Dakota has nearly 8,000 certified commercial applicators.

The winners were nominated by North Dakota Department of Agriculture pesticide inspectors.

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MEDIA: For more information, please contact Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov.