For 33 years, the North Dakota Grain Growers Association’s E-Tour has served one simple but important purpose: bringing together the people who regulate agriculture with the people who live it every day.
That tradition continued June 22–26 as NDGGA welcomed 13 representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to north-central North Dakota for an immersive week of learning, discussion, and firsthand experiences on farms and throughout the agriculture industry.
This year’s participants traveled from across the country—including Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, Colorado, and Puerto Rico—to gain a better understanding of how North Dakota producers grow crops safely, responsibly, and efficiently.
The group represented a wide range of expertise, including scientists from the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, herbicide and pesticide risk managers, economists, emerging technology specialists, and USDA policy experts. These are the individuals who help evaluate pesticides, develop regulations, and shape policies that directly impact farmers across the country.
There’s no substitute for seeing agriculture in action.
A Week Across North Dakota Agriculture
Using Minot as the tour’s home base, participants traveled throughout north-central North Dakota to experience every step of the agricultural production system.
The week began Tuesday with a visit to a farming operation near Hazen, where participants learned about crop production, farm management, and the day-to-day decisions growers make throughout the season. The group also visited the Coteau Properties Freedom Mine, where reclaimed land demonstrated how former mining sites can successfully return to productive agricultural use.
The day concluded with a look at the latest precision agriculture technology as participants observed modern John Deere sprayers and combines equipped with tools that help producers maximize efficiency while applying crop protection products responsibly.
Wednesday showcased another side of North Dakota agriculture. The group toured Minot Milling to learn how locally grown grain moves through the processing system before visiting a barley farm near Newburg. Later, participants met with aerial applicators to better understand when aerial application is the safest and most effective option for protecting crops.
The day’s final stop highlighted another growing segment of North Dakota agriculture: soybeans. A visit with a producer near Bottineau gave participants the opportunity to learn about soybean production and the crop’s expanding role across the state.
Thursday kept the group closer to Minot with stops at local farming operations, seed cleaning facilities, fertilizer plants, and North Dakota State University’s North Central Research Extension Center. Each stop demonstrated the research, innovation, and partnerships that support producers throughout the growing season.
Conversations That Matter
While the tours and demonstrations were valuable, some of the most meaningful moments happened during conversations in the field, on the bus, and around the table.
Farmers shared the realities of raising crops in North Dakota—from weather challenges and evolving technology to stewardship practices and the importance of crop protection tools. In return, EPA and USDA staff were able to ask questions, better understand producers’ perspectives, and see firsthand how federal policies affect day-to-day farming decisions.
These open discussions are what make the E-Tour unique.
When regulators and producers can speak directly with one another, both sides leave with a greater appreciation for the challenges, responsibilities, and goals they share.
A Tradition Worth Continuing
For more than three decades, the NDGGA E-Tour has helped build relationships between North Dakota agriculture and the federal agencies that influence it.
By opening the farm gate and inviting policymakers and scientists to experience agriculture firsthand, NDGGA continues to promote informed decision-making and strengthen the connection between those who grow our food and those who help shape the policies that support American agriculture.
Thank you to the producers, agribusinesses, researchers, and industry partners who welcomed this year’s participants and helped make the 33rd Annual E-Tour another successful week of education, collaboration, and meaningful conversations.
