NDSU alumnus Neal Fisher has been selected for induction into the North Dakota Agricultural Hall of Fame. Induction ceremonies are scheduled for March 10 during the annual North Dakota Winter Show Friends of the Winter Show Foundation event at the Valley City Eagles Club.
“This is a tremendously humbling honor,” said Fisher. “A number of my heroes and mentors precede me on the wall of Hall of Fame members – I am truly honored to be listed amongst them.”
Fisher, BS ’73, MS ’76, agricultural economics, is the administrator of the North Dakota Wheat Commission. He works in the areas of export market development, research, transportation and trade policy to improve the competitiveness of the North Dakota producers of hard red spring, durum and other wheat classes.
Fisher also is a member of the Joint Trade Policy Committee of the National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates, and the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.
In addition, he is a member of the advisory council for the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at NDSU.
“My educational opportunities at NDSU and elsewhere provided the analytical skills, contacts and confidence required to address complex policy development discussions and negotiations often required in our line of work,” said Fisher, who continues his interest in the family farm and ranch located near Tappen, North Dakota, which is owned and operated by his son, Josh.
“Our ongoing and growing research and development partnership with NDSU is also important,” he said. “It helps ensure the Wheat Commission’s core programs and level of service remain relevant for our producers, customers and stakeholders.”
A few of Fisher’s many other honors include the NDSU Harvest Bowl Agriculture/Agribusiness Person of the Year in 2012, John M. Agrey Award from the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute and Distinguished Service Award from the North Dakota Crop Improvement Association.
Fisher will be inducted along with Tom Borgen, past president of the Northern Canola Growers Association and a retired farmer from rural Langdon, North Dakota.
As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.
