Scott and Julie Johnson, who farm near in the northern Red River Valley, say they are excited about a $2.5 million endowment that the CHS Foundation and North Dakota State University recently announced..

The couple isn't going to see any of the money directly, of course.  The endowment is to create the CHS Chair in Risk Management and Trading at NDSU. But the Johnsons – who were at the public ceremony in Fargo – said farmers will ultimately benefit from the grant as NDSU uses the money to train students in risk management. Someday, some of the students may be working at CHS’ local grain elevators and agronomy centers.

Linda Tank, CHS vice-president of Communications (left), presents William Wilson, NDSU ag economics professor, a plaque commenorating the establishment of a Chair in Risk Management and Trading at NDSU.

 “We need well trained, talented people,” said Scott, who raises sugarbeets, wheat, barley and other crops. He and Julie are third generation farmers and CHS cooperative members. The couple participated in CHS’ Young Leader Forum.

The new CHS Chair in Risk Management and Trading will be part of the Agribusiness and Applied Economic Department of the College of Agriculture, Food System and Natural Resources at NDSU. The first director of the endowed chair will be William Wilson, NDSU professor and ag economist.

Programs funded by the grant will better prepare more students entering the regional and national commodity marketing business; create a state-of-the-art teaching and training platforms for students pursuing careers in risk management and trading; and expand and upgrade the university’s producer outreach and extension programs.

 “This new commitment deepens our relationship to the state and NDSU and will provide significant, long-term benefit to the agriculture industry,” said Linda Tank, CHS senior vice-president, Communications and Public Affairs. “Students pursuing careers as global commodity trades or in risk management will clearly benefit by having curriculum specifically tailored to their education and focus,. In turn, regional agribusinesses benefit by having a solid pipeline of high qualified, future employees.”