[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6360075,"mediaKeyId","2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152","parentId",2175382,"title","Lawmakers hear $500,000 grant request to aid Frost Fire ski resort and outdoor theater","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",10842000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152&start=10842&end=10842","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152/thumbnail_10842000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6360075/North-Dakota/Lawmakers-hear-500000-grant-request-to-aid-Frost-Fire-ski-resort-and-outdoor-theater","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360075-7d336bf16e8a43b6b3ba91fa2a0c81b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202285&Signature=aGGD53YwHoE2cDzEQJBnROsHbr8DceSSDpigxYSjgEXZXiMQ0ja~-UilzuTP17uf8Mabts6O89guWXYpa7J1~FwxzlUWn2xFQKzqHT5A7SlANWJ3wIMKsJ7f7O2hk6gxFxOJ8PhO2n6tbiW4QT~-Ln21lOab7Jyf8ryJymjHE13ftQMtSNnuX7pqBDfuvCdnQJmMqo5foEy2SxSGqadSjfg~oKaFJrtWfN0SqhultWH5s3orQWDQstxqpjFBIkj5BZchghiiwIGDJ956tgx8SLywsYknOOauzYs0crp~Bt-3clPm5Hxh~UDgMRhLWEYCtyUiguv3sIy~Ddo9-irNsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Agriculture, ND","date","2025-01-30T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Dave Munson asked the House Agriculture Committee to consider an appropriation to support Frost Fire, a ski area and summer outdoor theater in Cavalier County, with $500,000 in state grant funding contingent on local matching funds.

\"This is a huge thing for Northeastern North Dakota,\" Munson said, describing the resort's role in providing seasonal employment, arts programming and recreation. He told the committee the foundation has endured damage from heavy rains and a past roof collapse on the outdoor theater; the organization has also faced revenue loss tied to COVID and border closures.

Testimony from the sponsor and supporting materials described the resort's local economic and cultural role: youth employment and training in theater production, seasonal jobs for farmers and students, and regional tourism that draws visitors to nearby Icelandic State Park and the Pembina Gorge area. The sponsor cited insurance and operating costs as constraints, noting a figure in testimony that insurance costs for the facility contributed to significant annual expenses.

Cole Garman of the Parks and Recreation Department said the agency would remain neutral on the bill but could administratively manage the grant if the Legislature appropriates the funds; he noted the request is not included in the governor's recommended budget. The Frost Fire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the proposed state grant would require a local match, the sponsor said.

No opposition testimony was offered at the hearing. Committee members asked about ownership, park relationships and insurance; Representative Munson said the foundation owns and operates Frost Fire and that the facility is not on state park land but is adjacent to state recreational assets. The committee closed the hearing with no immediate action taken.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Agriculture Jan 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Dave Munson presented a request for $500,000 (to be matched locally) to assist Frost Fire Foundation with infrastructure repairs, snowmaking and theater rebuilding after storms and pandemic impacts; Parks staff said they could administer the grant if the legislature approves.","taxTitle","Agriculture, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28885,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6360080,"Lawmakers hear proposal for a state-funded study on irrigation potential and economic impacts",1941,9237000,11178000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152&start=9237&end=11178","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152/thumbnail_9237000.jpg","/articles/6360080/North-Dakota/Lawmakers-hear-proposal-for-a-state-funded-study-on-irrigation-potential-and-economic-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360080-9c521fe5b53ee1063f3743ac7df47bab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202285&Signature=fun8D1ESVuTiuHC5SkHtF7DWagzx0WfJBechYC3OtP9G6Ty~OCTg6at9cp3Y6rFGE70cfOO~bDmkGWdY7prGG9ripKx~id~BStnOcdddH2456p7AQbe7T327qqnEXDKbubunPxBOQ4t~J3j0PseAxg49xm9ZIky~O5EWQO0oRK3DRY1JASFZ1mrE0DkAGxPqLUDPoD2cqI7pBxb3FD9YkHKh-OmuAy5dZpwsE0z96-uCWzypJYDF6tN8-GJZsxZ-I2EBffn9CvZ1xifqstx3pLm1IdHf7fZACmwPoCazmwKFETS61uVwG9gh9ufsdhrHFskDD8tmZ-IXWYuhWqQQBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Cindy Schreiberbeck presented House Bill 1531, a request for a $75,000 appropriation to the agriculture commissioner to contract a consultant to study opportunities and economic impacts related to irrigation expansion and water conveyance across North Dakota.

\"Data is necessary to continue advocating for irrigation and water conveyance for production agriculture in North Dakota,\" Representative Schreiberbeck said, noting the amended bill exempts the commissioner from state purchasing practices when contracting for the study. The study language as drafted directs analysis of potential benefits of increased irrigation, improved water conveyance, ramifications of failing to construct and implement infrastructure originally contemplated under the Pick-Sloan Flood Control Act of 1944, and comparisons between irrigated and non-irrigated land and between subsurface water management and non-use.

Dani Quisel, executive director of the North Dakota Irrigation Association, and Steve Hansen, chair of the association and an irrigator from Dickey County, testified in support and urged the committee to quantify the statewide economic impacts and potential returns on investment for state or federal infrastructure dollars.

Steve Hansen highlighted historical context: when the Garrison/Oahe dams were completed, 584,000 acres were inundated and federal planning had envisioned roughly 1,000,000 acres of irrigation that were not fully developed. \"Having that information would be helpful as we look at future development of these practices and state investment in that development,\" Hansen told the committee.

Zachary Cassidy of Dakota Resource Council testified in opposition, urging a \"do not pass\" position. Cassidy said the bill, as written, appears to assume abundant water and does not sufficiently account for limited supply or the state's recent drought experience.

Andrew Nygren of the Department of Water Resources provided neutral technical background and cited prior and ongoing studies the department can make available, including inventories of irrigation potential, subsurface drainage reports and assessments of managed aquifer recharge. He told members the department maintains an expanding observation-well network and could support data compilation for the study.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about scope and barriers to irrigation, and whether the proposed study would be statewide. Representative Schreiberbeck and supporters said the study would examine statewide potential, target areas where soils and water sources align and help inform future funding and policy requests. No committee vote was taken at the hearing.","House Bill 1531 would appropriate $75,000 for a contracted study assessing expanded irrigation, subsurface drainage, and economic losses tied to unrealized Pick-Sloan projects; supporters said the data is needed for federal and state investment decisions, while opponents warned about limited water supply and drought risk.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6360085,"Committee hears bill to create registration and labeling standards for biostimulants and beneficial substances",1535,6504000,8039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152&start=6504&end=8039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152/thumbnail_6504000.jpg","/articles/6360085/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-bill-to-create-registration-and-labeling-standards-for-biostimulants-and-beneficial-substances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360085-6332817944d6e9998e9f6aaf62eb7f7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202285&Signature=Vd8jusqBkEDTE5K~fz50-ADb7Jxhs4IoK1tTyNCc1tZBLsoZY2o1DLpa0MVkV-TKWvKCSoWumILpotO-Zp0B-sncJzB86YckXOqJhZ9PsbfptAuIADuzmrytuR-sHhavnNoASdo79bQQiAtRhJPJOOJpw1-knWYVGABFCspPlqEVNCmUpwQ-rW4haUZy4OjBGco5Lb1U1ytEUJtKAUQp4NWWN~9HfNS53ZHRxQqHDfLDsC1j50bdhUMMETxXP0NVdw2IlUNoFTt3fa82XqDJKkJBOnDU8S170~Cmo0KhLwUhBlR49s-xFLBhDtPTg2kNxzfb~ioxoQ9B0FHQ4R69iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Agriculture Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1551, a proposal to create a statutory framework for registering and labeling biostimulants and other \"beneficial substances.\"

Representative Craig Hedlund introduced the bill and said he sought agency input for technical drafting. Lucas Wagner, Pesticide and Fertilizer Division director speaking for the Agriculture Commissioner, testified the department supports HB1551 with amendments that add definitions (including investigational allowances, plant and soil amendments, inoculants) and a scope to move these products into a distinct chapter of the Century Code. Wagner told the committee the department currently registers more than 900 such products under existing fertilizer law but wants clearer labeling and authority to inspect and, when necessary, deny products that may cause harm.

\"This would create a new chapter in 4.1 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to the registration and regulation of beneficial substances,\" Wagner said, adding the draft would align state rules with emerging national standards.

Agronomist Sarah Hall Lovas testified in support and described situations where product claims lacked reliable supporting data; she said farmers and crop consultants need labeling and testing standards to compare product performance. \"There is no responsibility on the companies as they stand today to actually make sure that we've got reliable information to stand behind what their market claims are,\" Lovas said.

Committee members asked whether manure, lime or gypsum should be explicit exemptions; Wagner said the bill as drafted already includes soil amendments and noted the department would provide an updated draft incorporating housekeeping changes and additional definitions. Rachel Gross of the Farm Bureau voiced organizational support.

No committee action was taken; members indicated amendments were expected and the bill will return to committee work for revision.","House Bill 1551 would create a new chapter to register and regulate \"beneficial substances,\" add labeling standards and clarify exemptions; agency witnesses and agronomists voiced support while noting planned amendments to definitions and exemptions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6360090,"NDSU experiment station, Extension outline technology and outreach priorities to legislative ag committees",3574,2154000,5728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152&start=2154&end=5728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152/thumbnail_2154000.jpg","/articles/6360090/North-Dakota/NDSU-experiment-station-Extension-outline-technology-and-outreach-priorities-to-legislative-ag-committees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360090-f2419a2785b77ae83e2c3b2ba35b5a32/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202285&Signature=hG1ADTCnElfwlwkYIeEB3o6DQvgKWA9n8Mf8vgSXwqS-UOPtwZo6S3wwZU-x8pw0BsFNtfu8JC~9WWUWtjRJLk~ctbl5eJFKKErP4NsllwTab0VLd68gzcZDRMsV4OLP7QKf0iKMQwipUdgQD6Oe0~Q7dlYjjKXhFBMIxCHZ4xtXtAMSsZlRQKp4pQQL6iYOWuMaaJhG6jk6BsRiYk5LUeN4O79phe3-tvTnMOn9VToJoK1Dlht25e3D7EVUmgc11QZLWf66fW4lQa-f2vqd71GCCtpgug-a3CDw6ExhYDqj3D7fwlnYssiuw-I9Rgr0iSrtqUoqWwDZmfAlFByvHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chairmen Matthew Belz and Jon Lueck convened a joint overview from the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE), the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and NDSU Extension on the agencies' research, outreach and technology priorities.

Sarah Hall Lovas, chair of SBARE, opened the session and thanked the legislature for long-term support of the Ag Experiment Station and Extension. \"The investments that the North Dakota Legislature has made into the Ag Experiment Station research and NDSU Extension education have resulted in significant and positive impacts for North Dakota agriculture and will last for future generations,\" Lovas said.

Greg Lardy, director of the North Dakota Agriculture Experiment Station and NDSU Extension, described research areas and extension programming. He said the industry contributes more than $30 billion annually to the state's economy and emphasized work on precision agriculture, breeding, AI-driven weed identification and training programs. \"Our scientists are focused on providing innovative data-driven solutions that address both the immediate and long term challenges faced by North Dakota farmers and ranchers,\" Lardy said.

Researchers highlighted specific technology and outreach efforts: Juan Osorno described genomic selection and high-throughput phenotyping to accelerate variety development; Barney Geddes summarized microbial research aimed at reducing fertilizer needs and improving disease resilience; Eric Rifles explained drone-based prescription spraying that reduced herbicide use in field tests by 50% or more; Joshua Dodd discussed Internet-of-Things sensors for real-time monitoring; Miranda Neehan presented virtual fencing trials that kept animals within boundaries more than 90% of the time; and Angie Johnson described a tractor simulator used for farm-safety training.

Lardy and presenters said extension operates in all 53 North Dakota counties and provides training and field days tied to agronomy, pesticide safety and ag finance; presenters cited training of more than 7,200 people in pesticide safety and extension engagement with more than 40,000 youth through 4-H programs.

Committee members asked technical and deployment questions about cost, commercialization timelines and monitoring. Lardy said some technologies — including certain drone and AI applications — remain in testing and are not yet commercially available.

The presenters described data infrastructure needs, integrating drone imagery, genomic data and field trial results to make breeding and precision recommendations more efficient. The session closed with an invitation for committee members to visit research-extension centers and field days across the state.","State Board of Agricultural Research and Education and NDSU presenters briefed House and Senate agriculture committees on research priorities — from drones and AI-driven breeding to virtual fencing and farm-safety simulators — and highlighted economic returns on ag research.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6360095,"House Ag Committee backs bill to designate Oct. 1 as North Dakota Constitution Day",840,356000,1196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152&start=356&end=1196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175382-7cf7e479094dc112fd4b2e948fa3c152/thumbnail_356000.jpg","/articles/6360095/North-Dakota/House-Ag-Committee-backs-bill-to-designate-Oct-1-as-North-Dakota-Constitution-Day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360095-7ccd12207c8f690ea1979a012bf46f7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202285&Signature=m7Z2UJrTU4fWzZOyNpDF-2giEDylwF8759xBj9YCjxynaHARDSKE~yM5gXylOYRZR3b61K0dmtN1vFebC4weEPy9bH4-LU-otJNx3nkeidMJ3ZkQPTmH0pvLcojcVa4O5BuRXhSVIzTz9~VSH9LvOHzdf3oGbzNwH8lDwTdoWOkPPLNr46sSqLXgpPNVXNVGL9fLr-Uy80HfNGFd33mp~zGqf49VWAHDQ-hvTuanTDjjTr9VTzvJXchDA6y3x-saK-e1liw~tLFtMQ6ebMk~W32KXt7aqeQ13l0f7NsEyXrLdKbDQaoIKLOQG1ZoURA5X--TVZ2kKaweJ4OaalDy-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chairman Matthew Belz presided over the House Agriculture Committee hearing that moved House Bill 1479 forward with a committee \"do pass\" recommendation after testimony from the bill sponsor and two supporters.

Representative Karen Carls, sponsor of House Bill 1479, told the committee the bill would put into state law a yearly designation of Oct. 1 as North Dakota Constitution Day. \"For the record, I'm Representative Karen Carls. I represent District 35 in Bismarck,\" Carls said as she introduced the measure and handed out a copy of the proclamation that the governor currently issues by request.

The bill's supporters described civic-education motivations. Brian Peckel, an outreach specialist who identified himself as a former social-studies teacher, told the committee North Dakota's constitution is longer and more frequently amended than the federal Constitution and said civic proficiency in classrooms is declining. \"Perhaps this bill recognizing our state constitution can constitute a small first step towards increasing civics awareness in our own state,\" Peckel said, urging a \"do pass\" recommendation.

Eric Spencer, president and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber, said his organization supports the bill and will use the observance to highlight civic engagement and voter participation.

Representative Twite moved a \"do pass\" recommendation and the motion was seconded. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed on the committee vote. The committee named Representative Dwight (carrier listed during the committee action) to carry the bill to the floor.

The bill would codify a day already observed by gubernatorial proclamation, making the observance part of state statute rather than an annual executive request. Committee members asked no technical questions about implementation, and no fiscal note or appropriation was attached at the hearing.

Representative Carls closed by thanking the committee; the measure now moves forward with the committee's positive recommendation.","The House Agriculture Committee voted to give House Bill 1479 a \"do pass\" recommendation after brief testimony supporting a statutory designation to mark the date voters ratified the state constitution.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawmakers hear $500,000 grant request to aid Frost Fire ski resort and outdoor theater

Lawmakers hear proposal for a state-funded study on irrigation potential and economic impacts

Committee hears bill to create registration and labeling standards for biostimulants and beneficial substances

NDSU experiment station, Extension outline technology and outreach priorities to legislative ag committees

House Ag Committee backs bill to designate Oct. 1 as North Dakota Constitution Day