Aging on the farm, rural stress and mental health, growing the agricultural workforce and on-farm research will highlight the NDSU Extension exhibit at the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show in West Fargo on Sept. 10 through12. Members of a pair of NDSU student organizations also will participate in the event.
NDSU Extension personnel will feature exhibits at the east end of the Hartl Ag Building. In addition, Extension agents and specialists will be available to answer questions about crop and livestock production and other rural topics.
“NDSU Extension has had a longstanding presence at Big Iron and we are happy to be at the show again this year,” says Rob Proulx, NDSU Extension agriculture technology systems specialist. “Please stop by to view the displays, ask questions, provide input or simply visit – all are welcome.”
Across the Upper Midwest, farmers are aging. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the average age of U.S. farm producers was 58.1 years, with 38% over age 65. The desire to age in place on the farm is high, and various types of support are needed to assist aging farmers. NDSU Extension and University of Minnesota Extension have partnered on a project that addresses specific needs by creating resources to educate farm families and agricultural professionals about aging on the farm and how to support individuals wishing to age in place. Attendees can meet NDSU and University of Minnesota Extension specialists, learn more about the program and share experiences and challenges with the team.
The exhibit will also provide resources to help farmers and ranchers thrive in the face of occupational stresses and challenges. A team will be available to discuss these resources and methods of appropriately dealing with stress.
A booth on growing the agricultural workforce will highlight 4-H resources and programs designed to spark and nurture interest in agriculture in today’s youth. Youth education experts will gather information from booth visitors about the needs and gaps in preparing the next generation of the agricultural workforce.
Specialists in soils and agriculture technology will be on hand to discuss an emerging effort to organize an on-farm research network in North Dakota. Visitors will learn the fundamentals of on-farm research, and area farmers can sign up to be involved in future on-farm research efforts, becoming a part of this vital work.
NDSU students representing the Bison Pullers and the Bison Antique Tractor Club will feature their exhibits on the showgrounds. The Bison Pullers will display their one-fourth-scale tractor, part of an annual effort where club members design and build the tractor for an international collegiate competition sponsored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. In 2024, they ranked first in the maneuverability portion of the contest and placed within the top 10 overall. The Bison Antique Tractor Club will have one or more antique tractors on display, reconditioned as part of an annual club activity.
