USDA has awarded a $182,200 grant to North Dakota State University to conduct research in optimizing canola production. "Today's funding will help decrease input costs and increase yields, which will help empower farmers and further diversify our state's agriculture economy," says Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., in announcing the grant.

Farmers Union donates to suicide hotline
Farmers Union Insurance has donated $20,000 to help FirstLink maintain the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in North Dakota, "Because of the increased volume of calls we're receiving, we need additional staff to support a second phone line and funding to maintain a callback service to at-risk callers. This donation is really a lifeline of sorts for us, says Cindy Miller, executive director of FirstLink. To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, dial 1-800-273-TALK.

North Dakota Grain Dealer scholarships
The North Dakota Grain Dealers Educational Foundation has awarded $1,000 scholarships to eight students majoring in agriculture economics, crop and weed science or food science at Bismarck State College or North Dakota State University. The 2019 scholarship winners are Cheyenne Bahm, Mandan N.D.; Macey Ziesch, Pingree, N.D.; Jadon Buntjer, Long Prairie, Minn.; Mackenzie Derry, Thompson, N.D., Kody Durbin, Crary, N.D., Amber Hermanson, West Fargo, N.D., Kelsey Pladson, Hatton, N.D; and Jakob Schmid, Oberon, N.D.

North Dakota, Manitoba collaborate
The North Dakota agriculture commissioner and the minister of agriculture in Manitoba, Canada, recently signed an agreement to collaborate in several areas of agriculture development. "North Dakota and Manitoba have many common interests in agricultural development," says Doug Goehring, North Dakota agriculture commissioner. "We share similar cultures, geographic features and economic circumstances; and this agreement will help us build upon our long-standing relationship."

Sources: Sen. John Hoeven’s office, Farmers Union Insurance, North Dakota Grain Dealers Association, North Dakota Department of Agriculture