The House Appropriations - Government Operations Division of the North Dakota State Legislature convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss the significant contributions of the agriculture sector to the state's economy and the vital role of the North Dakota Ag Experiment Station and NDSU Extension in supporting this industry.

The meeting began with a presentation highlighting that North Dakota's agriculture industry contributes over $41 billion to the state's economy, accounting for approximately 20% of employment. This underscores the sector's importance, as every dollar spent in North Dakota reflects a 20-cent contribution from agriculture. The industry is currently experiencing growth, particularly in value-added agriculture, with new soybean crush plants opening in Spiritwood and Castleton, and plans for a potato processing facility in Grand Forks.

A key focus of the discussion was the return on investment in agricultural research, which reportedly yields $37 for every dollar spent. Historical data from 1960 to 2011 indicates a 24% return on investment in agricultural research, emphasizing its importance for economic sustainability.

The meeting also addressed the impact of NDSU Extension, which provides educational resources across various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, and youth development. In 2023, NDSU Extension reported over 312,000 individual contacts and trained more than 5,300 individuals in safe pesticide use. The 4-H program reached 41,217 youth, marking a 40.3% increase from the previous year, highlighting the program's effectiveness in leadership development.

Research initiatives from the North Dakota Ag Experiment Station were discussed, including advancements in soil microbiome studies and the establishment of a weather network with over 200 stations to aid farmers in pest management and crop protection. The meeting noted that North Dakota leads the nation in several crop productions, including wheat and sunflowers, and emphasized the importance of public investment in research for specialty crops that may not attract corporate funding.

The session concluded with a reaffirmation of the critical role that both NDSU Extension and the North Dakota Ag Experiment Station play in enhancing the agricultural landscape of North Dakota. The committee expressed gratitude for past support and opened the floor for questions, indicating a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration in the agricultural sector.