Many local producers rely on services and advice offered by the impartial Farm Management Educators across the state of North Dakota, and the Carrington REC is pleased to continue to host ND Farm Management Education in our area.

The purpose of the FME program is to assist clients in meeting business and personal goals through the use of quality records and sound business decisions.  North Dakota FME provides instructional assistance in four major areas:

• Business and family goal setting
• Farm and ranch business records and accounting
• Planning, including budgeting, marketing, and succession
• Business analysis

The Carrington FME program began in 1980 with Steve Metzger, who had an office in the Carrington High School Ag. Ed. Building, where he taught high school vocational agriculture classes and worked with adult producers part-time.  The FME program moved to full-time status in 1985, and in 1997 Steve moved his office to the Carrington REC.  Until last year, local instructors have been employed by Carrington Public Schools. Steve “retired” to part-time status in 2015.

After the resignation of Jory Hansen this summer, the program has transitioned employment and management to Lake Region State College, but still has its office at the CREC. The FME program will operate as it has in the past, with the same services and programs.

Joel Lemer is one of 16 FME instructors across the state, but he is not new to agriculture nor to education.  Joel most recently served eight years as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for Foster County, and prior to that was an Ag. Ed. Instructor and FFA advisor at Carrington Public Schools for 28 years. Joel is originally from Drake, ND, is married and has three adult children and five grandchildren.

Joel recently mailed packets to current participants, outlining new procedures required by Lake Region State College.  Most notable is a change in registration:  clients enroll as students at Lake Region, and pay college tuition instead of program fees. (Farm Management Education 241 is for producers just beginning the program, and FME 242 is for veterans.)  Fees have increased slightly, but producers earn college credits for their participation.  Clients must enroll for both semesters to retain year-round coverage.  New clients are welcome!

As with all higher education, there are deadlines.  Enrollment for the Fall Semester is due by September 15.

And Steve Metzger?  He’s continuing to work part-time, now as staff at Lake Region State College, with his office still at the CREC.

If you have Farm Management Education questions please call 701-652-2951 or visit Joel/Steve in person at the CREC.

Welcome to the CREC, Joel!

CREC Staff
NDSU.Carrington.REC1@ndsu.edu