Rural Leadership North Dakota

04/16/2026

From Gettysburg to Capitol Hill, RLND Class XI explored what leadership looks like on a national stage. Through conversations with policymakers and industry leaders, class members saw firsthand how advocacy, relationships, and decision-making shape rural North Dakota. 🌾

This seminar reinforced that leadership matters at every level and that rural voices belong in the conversation.

🚨 Do not miss what is next: Legislative Social + RLNDAA Endowment Grant opportunities!

Email from NDSU Extension - Leadership and Civic Engagement From Gettysburg to Capitol Hill, Class XI explores leadership, advocacy, and national impact. Advancing Leaders, Communities and Agriculture

03/28/2026

Celebrating the Sponsors Who Strengthen RLND Class XI
💚 Thank You, RLND Alumni Leaders 💚

We extend sincere appreciation to the RLND alumni who supported Seminar 4 as sponsors:

• Erica Johnsrud, Class VII and RLND Council Vice Chair
• Kasey Bitz, Class VIII and RLND Council Member
• Matt Danuser, Class V and past Rural Leadership North Dakota Alumni Association Executive Board Member

Your continued investment reflects the strength of the RLND network and the lasting impact of leadership development. By giving back, you are strengthening the experience for current participants and reinforcing a culture of engagement across generations of leaders.

Thank you for investing in the leaders who are shaping the future of rural North Dakota.

03/27/2026

North Dakota Ducks Unlimited

Celebrating the Sponsors Who Strengthen RLND Class XI
🦆 Thank You, North Dakota Ducks Unlimited 🦆

Thank you to North Dakota Ducks Unlimited for supporting RLND Class XI as a Leader Corps Member sponsor for the class dinner at Carmine’s.

Your partnership provided both meaningful insight and an opportunity for connection and reflection. We are grateful for your leadership in conservation and your investment in developing leaders who understand the importance of natural resources.

Thank you for investing in the leaders who are shaping the future of rural North Dakota.

03/27/2026

🇯🇵🇺🇸 RLND Class XI Seminar 4 – Day Five Continues

Our class visited the Japanese Information and Cultural Center, where we explored both agricultural systems and cultural context ahead of our future international experience.

We learned from Counsellor Fujimoto about agricultural economics in Japan, followed by a session with Helen Swift on culture and etiquette. Together, these perspectives highlighted the importance of understanding both systems and people when engaging globally.

03/27/2026

🏥🇺🇸 RLND Class XI Seminar 4 – Day Five Continues

Half of the class visited the National Rural Health Association, focusing on advocacy and the real-world impact of rural healthcare.

The conversation emphasized the importance of sharing lived experiences, connecting policy to access and sustainability, and ensuring rural voices are part of the discussion.

A key takeaway: leaders must be able to translate the impact they see in their communities into stories that inform and influence policy.

03/27/2026

🤖🇺🇸 RLND Class XI Seminar 4 – Day Five Underway

We kicked off the day with JPA Health, focusing on the intersection of leadership, communication, and artificial intelligence.

The conversation challenged us to think about how leaders are adapting in a rapidly changing environment, where AI is shaping how information is shared, understood, and trusted.

A strong start to the day, centered on how leadership continues to evolve alongside technology.

03/27/2026

🍽️🌾 RLND Class XI Seminar 4 – Dinner at Founding Farmers

We wrapped up the day with dinner at Founding Farmers, made even more meaningful through the support of North Dakota Farmers Union!

This was more than just a great meal. Founding Farmers is primarily owned by the NDFU, and the concept itself started with NDFU as a way for farmers to capture more of the food dollar.

Our class was treated to incredible service, excellent food, and thoughtful gifts for all 🎁✨ And, as always, we appreciated seeing North Dakota products and agriculture represented 🌱

A meaningful way to end the day, connecting policy conversations back to the producers and communities at the heart of it all 🌾

03/27/2026

North Dakota Farmers Union

Celebrating the Sponsors Who Strengthen RLND Class XI
🌾 Thank You, North Dakota Farmers Union 🌾

Thank you to North Dakota Farmers Union for supporting RLND Class XI Seminar 4 as a Program Sponsor for the dinner at Founding Farmers DC.

Your commitment to agriculture, policy engagement, and cooperative leadership aligns closely with the RLND mission. We appreciate your partnership in creating meaningful learning experiences.

Thank you for investing in the leaders who are shaping the future of rural North Dakota.

03/26/2026

🏛️🇺🇸 RLND Class XI Seminar 4 – Capitol Hill Meetings Continue

Our session with the United States House Committee on Agriculture included time with staff representing the Chairman, Glenn “GT” Thompson. 

The discussion emphasized the importance of constituents asking questions and bringing real issues forward, along with the critical role of relationship-building in moving policy and ideas ahead.

A key takeaway: leaders must continue to tell the rural story, not just in parts, but as an interconnected system of agriculture, communities, and everyday life that shapes policy decisions at the national level.