North Dakota WIFE elects new officers

Phyllis Howatt of Langdon will head North Dakota Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) for 2015 as president and will be taking over the position from Vernice Balsdon of Osnabrock, former president. “I have been a member a long time, have learned much during that time and met some great people. I will do my best to further the goals of the organization,” she said after the election.

Mary Ann Unruh of Dickinson is the new vice-president and Marlene Kouba of Regent will continue her position as the secretary-treasurer.

ND WIFE began its formation in 1980 and was officially organized in 1981 as part of the national organization.

ND WIFE supports essay contests for fourth grade students and have taught Ag in the Classroom classes about various commodities to grades K-6 in schools during National Agriculture Month since 1994.

Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) is a grassroots organization committed to improving profitability in production agriculture. They promote education of agricultural commodities, study ag-related issues and regulations, and keep abreast of legislation that affects farmers and ranchers through the state and nation.

National WIFE gives three $1000 scholarships to young college women who are going into agricultural fields through their educational arm—Foundation for Agriculture Education and Development (FAED). FAED strives to educate and inform the general public about the importance of agriculture and its relationship to the welfare of the national economy.

Annual national conventions are held in various states around the nation—this year in Phoenix, Arizona. Members also make an annual visit to Washington, DC to visit with their congressmen and women plus members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A monthly newsletter called the WIFEline contains reports from each of the chairmen on beef, cereal grains, dairy, energy, homeland security, legislation, natural resources, sheep and goats, rural life—health and safety, sugar, trade and transportation to keep the members aware of events and concerns.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the organization, contact Howatt at 256-2151 or Kouba at 563-4560.