Until recently there was no way to honor the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the state´s leading industry....agriculture. There were specialized groups that honored individuals, but none on an industry-wide scope. The board of directors of the North Dakota Winter Show felt there should be such a place to pay tribute to these individuals and the natural place would be at the location of the longest running Ag show in the tri-state region....the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City, North Dakota.
North Dakota District 24 representatives Gereld Gerntholz and Lee Sabby drafted the initial legislation at the 1997 Legislative Session, and many state lawmakers from across the state tied into supporting this proposal. The North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame legislation was passed by both houses and signed into law by Governor Edward Schafer.
A selection committee was organized that represented the groups mentioned in the legislative action. Some of the organizations who have delegates to this selection committee include: ND Grain Growers; ND Oilseed Council; ND Farmers Union; ND Farm Bureau; ND Department of Agriculture; Farm Broadcasters and Ag Journalists; National Agricultural Marketing Association; ND Lamb and Wool Producers; ND Stockmen's Association; ND Vocational Agriculture; ND Extension Service and the ND Winter Show.
Individuals elected to the Agriculture Hall of Fame must have made a significant contribution to the state´s Ag industry and also satisfy two of the following three requirements:
Valley City and the North Dakota Winter Show are proud and honored to be the home of the North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Inside the Winter Show...
