The Northern Crops Council (NCC) met Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Northern Crops Institute (NCI) on the North Dakota State University campus in Fargo, N.D. The NCC, the governing board of NCI, consists of representatives from commodity groups of northern grown crops in the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana region.

Enthusiasm for the future was high during the bi-annual meeting. Kris Folland, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) director from Halma, Minn., represents MSR&PC on the NCC and expressed eagerness when hearing about NCI’s plans for the future.

“As a new member of NCC, I’ve enjoyed learning about the Northern Crops Institute and how their technical training and courses assist in adding value for northern grown crops by working with end users,” Folland says. “NCI staff is continually developing new educational courses and has great plans for the future that I’m excited to see.”

NCI staff presented completed reports on trials and testing, along with strategies to adapt to consumer food and beverage trends. Staff also wrapped up courses held this past year and previewed upcoming courses. NCI Director Mark Jirik shared potential strategies to increase NCI’s revenue and global reach. NCC members voted to form a strategic planning committee to develop plans for the future of NCI.

“With a lot of our projects at MSR&PC, there has to be an education component,” says Kim Nill, Minnesota Soybean’s director of market development. “NCI helps us when we play for a high stake in international markets.”