Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven today held a field hearing of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, titled "Perspectives on the Future of Agriculture Research and Technology," at Grand Farm’s Innovation Campus in Wheatland, North Dakota. As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven organized the hearing to discuss North Dakota’s role in advancing precision agriculture technology and the broader benefits of bringing new innovations to market for producers, consumers, and agri-businesses.

The discussion included U.S. Senators, leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), producers, industry representatives, and agriculture researchers. Hoeven highlighted efforts to advance agriculture research partnerships across North Dakota. This includes priorities he secured in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Agriculture Appropriations bill:

- More than $50 million for agriculture research conducted across North Dakota.

- $3 million for the AgTech Cooperative Agreement between Grand Farm, North Dakota State University (NDSU), and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), a $1 million increase over FY23 funding.

- $2 million for ARS to establish a Work Site at Grand Farm.

- $2 million through the Office of the Chief Economist to continue standing up the ag policy research center at NDSU.

- $3 million to support additional renovations at the ARS Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center in Fargo.

“We have gathered these distinguished guests and witnesses to offer their perspectives on the future of agriculture research and technology, and we greatly appreciate them for the time they are giving to share their expertise on this important issue,” said Hoeven. “Innovations in agricultural research and technology empower our farmers and ranchers to produce more with less. Every dollar invested into ag research is an investment in the future of U.S. agriculture and rural America.”

Hoeven emphasized that investing in agricultural advancements helps farmers become more efficient while supporting industry breakthroughs: “This is about investing in and helping our farmers and ranchers become more efficient, innovative, and productive... These individuals understand that advancements in agricultural research are critical to ensuring our nation’s food security.”

The hearing's three panels included:

Panel 1 – Senate Agriculture Committee Members

- Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.)

- Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

- Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)

Panel 2 – USDA

- Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small

- Dr. Chavonda Jacobs Young, Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics

Panel 3 – Ag Research, Producers & Industry

- Greg Tehven, Co-Founder and Board Chair, Grand Farm

- Dr. Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture, NDSU

- Harrison Pittman, Director, National Agricultural Law Center

- Josh Gackle, President, American Soybean Association

- Harold Wolle, President, National Corn Growers Association

- Jay Debertin, President and Chief Executive Officer, CHS