The 34th annual Harvest Bowl program at North Dakota State University will be held Oct. 26-27. Highlights of the event include a Harvest Bowl dinner and awards on Oct. 26, and the Harvest Bowl football game between NDSU and Southern Utah on Oct. 27.

As the state’s land-grant university, NDSU plays a major role in contributing knowledge through research, academic programs and the Extension Service. More than 1,800 agriculturists have been recognized and more than $76,000 in scholarship dollars have been awarded to NDSU student athletes with agricultural backgrounds.

The NDSU Harvest Bowl program recognizes the success, dedication and hard work of outstanding agriculturists in 53 counties in North Dakota and five counties in Minnesota.

An agri-business award recipient is chosen annually. This award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of agriculture and business in North Dakota and beyond. Al Gustin, farm broadcaster, will receive the 2007 award.

Celebrating his 40th year of broadcasting in North Dakota, Gustin, may be considered the “dean"" of farm broadcasters in the region. He has traveled across the country and around the world to report on farming issues.

With commitment and integrity, the programs Gustin has developed have made him a familiar face and trusted voice in farm communities across North Dakota and the region. He also writes a monthly magazine column and has spoken to many local and national farm groups.

Six scholarships also are awarded to outstanding male and female athletes. The 2007 Harvest Bowl scholarship recipient is Michael Brown, a defensive tackle on the football team. Brown is from Larimore. The recipient of a Harvest Bowl scholarship in memory of Robert Johansen is Whitney Carlson, a member of the women’s track and field team. Carlson is from Carrington.

The Bob and Darlene Yaggie football scholarship is awarded to Matt Gratzek, a defensive tackle from Argyle, Minn. Receiving the Bob Lauf Memorial Scholarship is Nick Compton, a defensive end on the football team. Compton is from Rosemount, Minn. The Ron and Karen Offutt scholarship goes to Gerald Ebel, an offensive lineman from Yankton, S.D.

The 34th annual Harvest Bowl festivities begin Friday, Oct. 26, at the Fargo Ramada Plaza Suites and Conference Center 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, visit the NDSU Alumni Association Web site at http://www.ndsualumni.com/ or call the NDSU alumni office toll-free at (800) 279-8971, locally at (701) 231-6800, or e-mail marilyn@ndsualumni.com.

NDSU Agriculture Communication