By: Anna Nelson
Expansive plains. Rolling hills. Beautiful badlands. This diverse – and at times, unexpected – topography of western North Dakota is home to so much more than its friendly residents; it also provides a home for a vast and vibrant agriculture industry.
The region’s landscape is set apart by offering views of both fields with crops and pastures with livestock, as well as oil rigs and pumps – the perfect illustration of two of its largest industries: agriculture and energy. The former has become the focal point of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee’s annual Farm to Table dinner in partnership with the Williams County Soil Conservation District.
Now in its third year, the event aims to educate and entertain its guests in an immersive experience that appeals to all the senses.
They will SEE a drone demonstration from the TrainND-Northwest. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) pilot, James Agre, will take guests on an aerial tour of the Williams County Soil Conservation District/NDSU Williston Research Extension Center campus, for which they will never leave their seats! They will see a birds-eye view of the research fields through the lens of the cameras mounted on the aircraft, while seeing a demonstration of how it can help
producers survey fields and even spray.
They will TASTE a farm-to-table meal where each menu item has been carefully curated to be or to represent commodities that are grown or raised in the area. That includes tasting oils that are not typically seen in stores – like flax oil; lamb meatballs made with lamb from a local producer; pea pasta from AGT Foods (as seen in Cooks on Main); LentIl Crunchers from Farver Farms in Scobey, Montana; treats made by Whisk It Good using chickpea flour from 41 Grains in Circle, Montana; hummus as another representation of the local chickpea crop; brisket to represent the many ranching operations in the region; buns using durum wheat; and couscous salad. Of course, we also cannot forget about the beverages which will be provided by Busted Knuckle Brewery and wine will be sourced from Fluffy Fields Vineyard and Winery in Dickinson.
They will SMELL the aroma of the research fields planted by the NDSU Williston Research Extension Center.
And they will HEAR from Maxwell speaker and fourth-generation farmer and rancher, Calli Thorne, from Triangle M Ranch & Feedlot in Watford City.
“I’m extremely honored to have the opportunity to share about our family operation, especially at a Farm to Table event. We’re fortunate that our family has multiple enterprises which keeps us involved in the multitude of steps it takes to get a wholesome and nutritious product on someone’s plate,” said Thorne.
From giving a glimpse into the day-in-the-life of a farmer/rancher to describing the process of getting their product to market to sharing anecdotes that are sure to delight and entertain, Thorne’s diverse experience in both agriculture and professional speaking will come together to engage and inform her audience.
Join us for the third annual Farm to Table dinner on June 28, 2023 at the Williams County Soil Conservation District Tree Shed with the social beginning at 5:30pm.
Tickets are on sale now at: https://www.willistonchamber.com/farm-to-table.
For questions, contact the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce at 701-577-6000 or email
[email protected].
