While North Dakota’s overall child poverty rate ranks well nationally, poverty continues to be an issue for many children in North Dakota.

North Dakota ranks 12th best in the nation on child well-being indicators, slipping from its typical spot among the top 10 states.

Issues North Dakotans are concerned about include energy development, protecting natural resources, health and wellness, and education.

["Seventy-one percent of ACT-tested 2010 North Dakota high school graduates were ready for college English, 48 percent for math, 56 percent for reading and 31 ...

The average North Dakota composite ACT score in 2009 was 21.5 out of a possible 36.

Pine and spruce trees are showing signs of decline.

Drought is impacting about a quarter of the state.

Information about new seed varieties will be among the topics.

The facility will help meet the needs of the seed industry.

Farmland values across the state are up a modest 1.74% while cropland cash rents are up 0.77%.