BEMIDJI, Minn. Robert J. Hager of Greenbush, Minn., recently was elected to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation board of directors. Hager is the chief executive officer of Border State Bank, where he is responsible for overall leadership of the bank and holding company. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and attended the Carlson School of Management's Minnesota Executive Program, University of Minnesota, as a Bush Fellowship award recipient. Hager is as president of the Northern Minnesota Manufacturer's Association. He is a member of the board for Minnesota's Community Development Corp., an action team member for the economic development group in Baudette, Minn., a board member of the American State Bank in Grygla, Minn., and is serving on the legislative committee of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. Hager also volunteers for the Greenbush Area Community Fund advisory committee.
Milk group honors dairy leaders-- FARGO, N.D. The Milk Producers Association of North Dakota has honored three North Dakota dairy leaders. The group's prestigious Milky Way awards were presented to Char Heer of Hazelton, N.D., and Al Nielsen of Rugby, N.D. A merit award was given to Curt Hanson of Pettibone, N.D.
Blackstad Farms named MDA Good Farm Neighbor-- ST. PAUL Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson says Tom Blackstad, owner of Blackstad Farms of Watonwon County, Minn., received the Good Farm Neighbor Award for November. Located near St. James, Minn., Blackstad Farms includes 7,500 finishing pigs and 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans. According to Blackstad, his commitment to conservation and good animal health is a part of everyday life. Blackstad's century farm is located a half mile from the Watonwon River. Because of the proximity, Blackstad says he is diligent about well-water monitoring. He strives to maintain a low level of phosphorous in his manure pit and all manure is quickly incorporated into the soil.
Epsilon Sigma Phi honors extension professionals-- BROOKINGS, S.D. A fraternity of extension professionals recognized an Edmunds County, S.D., educator and an South Dakota State University administrator with awards. The fraternity honored Edmunds County extension educator Dale Curtis with its Distinguished Service Award, given for major accomplishments in extension work benefiting the community, county, state and/or nation. Barbara Hartinger, director of the AgBio Communications Unit on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings, won Epsilon Sigma Phi's Mid-Career Service Award. The award is given for accomplishments that benefit the community, state and region.
Agweek Staff and Wire Reports
