Candidate's Name:  Willie Huot

Candidate's Current Address: 151 So. 4^th St. S-302, Grand Forks, ND 58201

Accomplishments and Contributions:

As the Extension Agent in Grand Forks County, Willie excels in his passion for farm business management and economics. Willie continues to attend conferences at the regional and national level to increase his proficiency in farm economics and enhance his computer skills using the latest farm economic software.

At the state level, Willie has overseen Annie�s Project for the last two years. He is committed to the education of farm women in the area of commodity marketing and believes Annie�s Project helps women to be empowered as better business partners. Because of his support for this project, Willie has successfully raised operating funds for the program to be offered across the state at 15 locations. In 2006, the Farm and Ranch Guide selected this project as an award winner under the large team category.

Willie also works with three marketing clubs in Grand Forks County and periodically offers an eight-week series on marketing agricultural commodities. In addition, Willie deals extensively with reasonable rental rates from producers and absentee landowners.

At the MPU level, Willie continues to provide leadership in the development of programs related to farm economics. For example, in 2006 he helped to design "2006 Finding Details in the Dollars" for both MPU 3 & 4. The program addressed the issues of rising costs associated with fertilizer, fuel, and land rent.

Willie has provided leadership as president of the North Dakota County Agricultural Agents Association. In addition, he has served on the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce as a board member and as chair of the Ag. Committee.