The 36th annual Harvest Bowl program at North Dakota State University will be held Oct. 23-24. Ron Offutt, businessman and farm owner, will receive the 2009 Agri-business Award. This award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of agriculture and business in North Dakota and beyond.

Also honored will be outstanding agriculturists from across North Dakota and western Minnesota, and scholarships will be awarded to outstanding male and female NDSU athletes.

Offutt is the founder and chairman of the R.D. Offutt Co. The company consists of a variety of businesses. However, its cornerstone is an eight-state, 160,000-acre farming operation. RDO is the nation’s largest producer of potatoes, with the majority of its 55,000 potato acres under center pivot irrigation.

RDO operates a 26,000-acre farm and dairy operation in Boardman, Ore. This facility includes three dairies milking 21,000 cows. The company also operates food processing manufacturing plants and markets its crops through relationships with major processors, such as Frito-Lay, Simplot, Con-Agra/Lamb-Weston and McCain Foods. Internationally, RDO formed a joint venture with Calbee Corp. in 2006 to build a plant in Boardman to source potato product for snack foods in Japan and other markets.

Offutt also is the founder and chairman of RDO Equipment Co. Founded in 1968, this company owns the largest network of John Deere construction and agricultural equipment dealerships in the country.

Vermeer, Volvo and Mack truck centers also are integral operations of the company, with more than 50 centers in the U.S. Additionally, RDO Equipment Co. has five locations as a John Deere agricultural equipment dealer and importer in the South Federal District of Russia.

Offutt is a native of Orrick, Mo., but grew up on his family’s farm near Moorhead. He attended Moorhead High School and graduated from Concordia College in 1964 with a degree in economics. He is chairman of the board of regents at Concordia College.

“Ron’s business successes are rooted in knowing the value of building partnerships and being on the forefront of industry innovations,” says Eddie Bernhardson, Harvest Bowl Committee chair.

Several scholarships also are awarded to outstanding male and female athletes during the Harvest Bowl program.

The 36th annual Harvest Bowl festivities begin Friday, Oct. 23, at the Fargo Ramada Plaza Suites 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/, call the NDSU alumni office toll-free at (800) 279-8971 or locally at (701) 231-6800, or e-mail marilyn@ndsualumni.com.

NDSU Agriculture Communication