The annual Farming and Ranching for The Bottom Line conference will be held at the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence on Feb. 26-27. Keynoting the conference will be Dr. Temple Grandin, an animal behavior and handling expert. Day two keynote speakers include Mark Schatzker, author of “Steak: One Man’s Search for the World’s Tastiest Piece of Beef,” and “The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth about Food and Flavor”; and international grazing expert Greg Judy of Rucker, Mo.

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association will host a free evening reception at the event. Farming and Ranching for the Bottom Line is organized by the Area 4 Soil Conservation District Research Farm, North Dakota State University, BSC, USDA, Morton and Burleigh County Soil Conservation Districts, Dakota Prairies RC&D, North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition and the Menoken Farm. There is no cost to attend. Register at 701-250-4518 ext. 3. A convention lodging rate is being offered at the Hampton Inn. Call 701-751-5656).

Help Farm Rescue buy planting tractors
Farm Rescue is seeking donations to assist in the purchase of two four-wheel drive tractors. The tractors will be used to pull 60-foot air seeders. With a donation of $250 or more, supporters will get their name placed on one of the purchased tractors. "We are requesting help in acquiring this much needed equipment in a time-sensitive manner," says Bill Gross, Farm Rescue’s founder and president. "These tractors are vital for us to provide spring planting assistance to those stricken by unexpected crisis."

Farm Rescue is hoping to raise $250,000 in donated funds to help acquire one of the new tractors. A second tractor purchase is also planned, with funding being made possible through increased contributions from existing sponsors, grantors and new business sponsorships. See farmrescue.org/donate and choose "2019 Tractor Fundraiser" in the dropdown menu.

North Dakota Farm Bureau elects directors, committee chair
Farmers Dana Kaldor, Hillsboro, and Kirk Olson, Arnegard, were recently re-elected to the North Dakota Farm Bureau board of directors. Trisa Tedrow, a New Rockford veterinarian, was recently elected to the board. Steve Walsh, who farms near Mylo, N.D., was elected chair of the Young Farmer and Rancher Committee.

Sources: USDA ARS, Farm Rescue and North Dakota Farm Bureau