Gov. John Hoeven has proclaimed this week, May 3-7, as Farmers Union Youth Week, stating that Farmers Union members have developed cooperative and community leaders through youth education.
"Educating young people on cooperative business is important to growing our state's agriculture industry and overall economy," Hoeven said. "North Dakota Farmers Union enhances leadership abilities in our young people and will help build visionary leaders for North Dakota's future."
As the state's largest general agriculture organization, North Dakota Farmers Union conducts county-sponsored day classes and has six different summer camp locations that annually attract more than 2,400 young people. The organization's camping program offers camps for young people in grades three through 12 beginning in June.
Article Photos
Submitted Photo - - Gov. John Hoeven signs the proclamation declaring this week to be Farmers Union Youth Week in North Dakota, surrounded by North Dakota Farmers Union member education coordinator Josh Norby and NDFU campers Emma Konieczka, Davis Becker, Lance Becker, Ben Woods, Joe Woods, Eliza Konieczka, Ella Konieczka and Evan Konieczka.
"North Dakota Farmers Union Camp is open to all youth in North Dakota," said Josh Norby, education coordinator. "The hands-on programs teach students of all ages communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
"Camp tends to be the best week of summer for youth, creating lasting memories and lifelong friends," he added.
North Dakota Farmers Union is the state's largest general farm organization with more than 42,000 member families. NDFU works through the political process to develop economic and social policies, provides services to start and sustain cooperatives and related initiatives, and offers educational programs to benefit farmers, ranchers and rural communities.