Karlyle and Kathy Erickson are from Rugby. They grow hay and raise beef cattle using rotational grazing. Karlyle graduated from NDSU and retired after 31 years from NDSU Extension. He served as an Extension Agent in Slope and Grant County prior to his 18 years in Pierce County. Kathy is employeed by the Rugby Public Schools. She has taught confirmation and Sunday school. The Ericksons have two children.

Rolette County

Paul and Diane Overby own and operate a small-grain farm near Wolford. They adapted to no-till in 2006 and grow barley, canola, field peas, flax, hard white and hard red spring wheat, winter wheat and sunflowers. A diversified seven-year rotation includes cover crops for building additional soil health. The fields are zoned for nutrient management. In addition, Paul and Diane own Verdi-Plus, a farm management consulting firm providing Farm Works software and training, precision ag zone management and marketing club support. Paul graduated from NDSU. He is the Northern Plains Resources Conservation Council president, a Rolette County Soil Conservation District supervisor and, a Manitoba-North Dakota Zero-Till Association board member and teaches Sunday school. He was a county representative for the North Dakota Wheat Commission and past-president of Agate Farmers Union Oil Co. Diane has a degree in speech communications and worked in advertising. She enjoys writing, photography and teaching Sunday school.

McHenry County

Arlen and Nylenne Schiele from Balfour are fourth-generation farmers. They have a cow/calf operation and grow wheat, barley, durum, corn, peas, soybeans, and oil and confectionary sunflowers. They use one pass and minimum-till farm practices. Arlen serves as an Odin Township supervisor, Ag Improvement Association director, volunteer rural fire fighter and Knights of Columbus member. Nylenne substitute teaches for area schools and is the clerk for Odin Township and a 4-H Club volunteer. Nylenne is a member of Christian Mothers, the church choir and, MOPS, and teaches Catholic Christian education. The Schieles enjoy seeing their love of farming passed down to the next generation, their three children.

Benson County

Gary Wald of Maddock has taught agriculture in the Maddock school system for 25 years. His work in ag education has impacted the lives of many Benson County youth. He also has served as a 4-H club leader and FFA adviser helping 125 students earn their state FFA degrees. Fourteen youth went on to earn American FFA degrees. Gary’s judging teams have won state awards. He served in the Army and graduated from NDSU. Gary received military honors, honorary state FFA and American FFA degrees, the Mile High Insurance Award, the Outstanding Young Ag Teacher Award, and two additional Outstanding Teacher awards. He is president of the Ag Teachers Association and Maddock Community Center and has served on boards for the Maddock Community Club and St. Williams Church. Gary has seven children and seven grandchildren.