The 36th annual Harvest Bowl program at NDSU is set for Oct. 23-24. Ron Offutt, businessman and farm owner, will receive the 2009 Agribusiness Award that recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of agriculture and business in North Dakota and beyond. Other outstanding agriculturists from across North Dakota and western Minnesota also will be honored. Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding male and female NDSU athletes.
Offutt is the founder and chairman of R.D. Offutt Co., which consists of a variety of businesses. However, its cornerstone is an eight-state, 160,000-acre farming operation. RDO is the nation's largest producer of potatoes, with the majority of its 55,000 potato acres under center pivot irrigation.
RDO operates a 26,000-acre farm and dairy operation in Boardman, Ore. This facility includes three dairies milking 21,000 cows. The company also operates food processing manufacturing plants and markets its crops through relationships with major processors, such as Frito-Lay, Simplot, Con-Agra/Lamb-Weston and McCain Foods. Internationally, RDO formed a joint venture with Calbee Corp. in 2006 to build a plant in Boardman to source potato products for snack foods in Japan and other markets.
Offutt also is the founder and chairman of RDO Equipment Co. Founded in 1968, this company owns the largest network of John Deere construction and agricultural equipment dealerships in the country.
"Ron's business successes are rooted in knowing the value of building partnerships and being on the forefront of industry innovations," says Eddie Bernhardson, Harvest Bowl Committee chair.
The 36th annual Harvest Bowl festivities will begin Friday, Oct. 23, at the Fargo Ramada Plaza Suites with a dinner, awards ceremony and games. On Saturday, honorees will participate in educational sessions on the NDSU campus and attend the Harvest Bowl football game.
For tickets and information on Harvest Bowl activities, go to www.ndsualumni.com, call 1-6800, toll-free at (800) 279-8971, or e-mail marilyn@ndsualumni.com.
