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Norm Cross
Norm was born in Synda Township, Ransom County. He
graduated from Milnor High School, and attended one year at NDSSS in
Wahpeton for Auto Mechanics and Welding. He and his wife, Clarice, were
married in February 1951, and they have five children, and 15 grandchildren.
He farmed
with his dad up until his dad retired. He started buying his dad�s share of
the land in 1958. He had a diversified farm, raising wheat, oats, barley,
rye, corn in the early years, and a lot of sunflowers after they gained
popularity. In addition to raising crops he maintained a herd of
approximately 125 pure black angus for many years. When the angus started
getting docked at market for their smaller size he introduced Hereford,
Charolais, and Limousin to the herd to increase calf size. He also raised
hogs, and about 500 head of sheep for many years. He was one of the first
producers in the area to use liquid nitrogen on his corn crop.
While Norm
was farming he practiced crop rotation. In the early 60�s he planted
several one row tree belts to help prevent the soil from blowing and
drifting. Later on he went on to plant 3 and 4 row shelter belts. His
children still recall helping hoe all of those trees.
He
currently has 2000 acres enrolled in the CRP program. He maintains the CRP
by routinely going out and spraying for noxious weeds.
Norm has
also been very active throughout the community having served on several
boards. He was appointed to the Ransom County Water Resource Board when it
was first formed in 1970. He served on this board for 23 years and most of
those years he served as the chairman to that board. While serving on this
board he worked hard to establish Dead Colt Creek Dam and Recreation Area.
He was also a member of the Tri County Water Board for several years. He is
an active member of the United Methodist Church in Milnor, and has served as
chairman of the Administrative Board, on the Board of Trustees, and leader
of the Methodist youth group. He was also very active in the Milnor
Community serving on several boards. He was a member of the Milnor School
Board, and was an initial member of the Milnor Satellite Club. He was also
involved with the Milnor Community Development Corp., and the Minor Golf
Course Association. He was a leader in the square dance world also. He was
a member of several local and national square dancer callers associations,
and served as US Director for the International Convention for several
years.
A few of
the past awards he has received include the Outstanding Young Farmer Award,
ND Waterwheel Award, the Commodore Award given to him in 1983 by Governor
Allen Olson in recognition of meritorious service in promoting conservation
and responsible uses of fresh water resources in the state of ND. He also
received the ND Community Leadership Award in 1988.
His
partners in life have been his wife Clarice and five children; Karen, Conni,
Laurie, Sandy, and Brian.
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