Election of new president highlights state convention

The election of a new state president capped off North Dakota Farmers Union's 99th annual state convention Dec. 12-13 in Bismarck. Matt Perdue, a farmer from Ray, was elected to lead the state's largest general farm organization. He is just the tenth person to hold that leadership position and the youngest at 33 years of age.

Perdue previously worked at NDFU and National Farmers Union, where he advocated for family farmers and ranchers.Former NDFU President Mark Watne did not seek reelection to the post.

Over the two-day event, more than 600 members enjoyed speakers, breakout sessions, a tailgate party, youth activities and more. In policy debate, Farmers Union delegates adopted their 2026 Program of Policy & Action and four special orders of business. Those orders focused on completing a comprehensive farm bill, strengthening rural health systems, restoring predictable and rules-based trade policy, and extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.

Speakers included National Farmers Union President Rob Larew, Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Rep. Julie Fedorchak, Sen. John Hoeven, geopolitical analyst Jacob Shapiro, constitutional expert Jon Bouker, and Miss North Dakota 2025 Kennedy DeLap.

The Agraria Mutual Group (dba Farmers Union Insurance Company) also held its 82nd annual meeting in conjunction with the NDFU state convention.

In other elections, Bob Kuylen of South Heart was reelected as vice president. Jon Iverson of Langdon was reelected District 1 director for Benson, Cavalier, Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Towner and Walsh counties. Tyler Stafslien of Makoti was reelected to the District 3 seat. That district encompasses the counties of Burke, Divide, Mountrail, Renville and Williams counties. Dave Berger of Center was elected to the District 5 seat. District 5 comprises a nine-county area: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties. Former director Wes Niederman of Elgin did not seek reelection.

Members also elected 56 delegates to represent North Dakota at the 124th National Farmers Union Convention, slated for March 7-9 in New Orleans:

ADRIAN - Josh Heinrich. ANAMOOSE - April Marquart. ASHLEY - Lori Blocker. BARNEY - Dalton Wiest. BISMARCK - Mary Blumhagen. BOTTINEAU - Phil Neubauer. BOWMAN - Mary Fischer, Tim Fischer. CENTER - Dave Berger. DICKINSON - Clifford Mayer. DOUGLAS - Bob Finken, DeAnne Finken, Tia Nesson. ELGIN - Wes Niederman. FARGO - Mark Watne, Michelle Watne. EDGELEY - Mary Schlosser, Richard Schlosser. FORDVILLE - Julie Gemmill. FORMAN - Wyatt Sundquist. GLADSTONE - Lenci Sickler, Shane Sickler. GRAND FORKS - Dee Decimus Holmes, Stephen Holmes, Jeanna Smaaladen. HUFF - Bailie Grainer. JAMESTOWN - Mike Huebner. KENMARE - Trever Jensen. LANKIN - Cate Kratochvil. LAMOURE - Lynn Haro. MANDAN - Miles Tomac. MENOKEN - Bill Kershaw, Claire Ryberg, Hanna Ryberg. NAPOLEON - Carmen Rath Wald. OSNABROCK - Christopher Lundeby. PEKIN - John Kelly. RUGBY - David Teigen. RYDER - Roxanne Bloom, Isaac Sherven. SHARON - Ben Vig, Megan Vig. SHERWOOD - Lacey Ethen, Jarett Keith, Jerri Keith, Steve Keith. SOUTH HEART - Bob Kuylen. SPIRITWOOD - Lori Carlson. TOLNA - Sheila Rude. TIOGA - Patty Jensen. VALLEY CITY - Bob Bruns. WEST FARGO - Aaron Krauter, Cindy Krauter. WILDROSE - Doug Cvancara, Sharri Cvancara. WYNDMERE - Jim Dotzenrod.

In addition, 12 youths received the Torchbearer Award, the highest honor in the Farmers Union youth program. This year's honorees were:

BARNES - Carter Hass and Matthew Holm, both of Valley City. EMMONS - Rose Baumgartner of Strasburg. HETTINGER - Samantha Greff of Mott. MCLEAN - Chase Cowdrey of Garrison, Maggie Jennings of Washburn. MCKENZIE - Danica Degenstein of Watford City, Rylan Scofield of Arnegard. PIERCE - Carter Teigen of Rugby. SIOUX - Emily Carry Moccasin of Selfridge. WILLIAMS - Bridger Cvancara of Wildrose, Myia Knox of Ray.

Torchbearers Cvancara and Holm each received a $2,000 Bergman Scholarship to further their education.