BISMARCK – More than 50 Pride of Dakota companies will be offering their products to retail establishments Wednesday, April 20, at the 11th Pride of Dakota Wholesale Show.

“The wholesale show gives retailers the opportunity to stock up on popular Pride of Dakota merchandise for the upcoming season.” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “It is also an opportunity for companies looking to place their products in other stores.”

The show is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Best Western Ramkota Inn, 800 S. Third St., Bismarck.

BISMARCK – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is advising farmers, ranchers, homeowners and other persons with pesticides or fertilizers to the necessary steps to prevent flood contamination of and by these chemicals.

“Pesticides and fertilizers pose a risk to human health and the environment if they are accidently released through flooding,” Goehring said. “If you have pesticides or fertilizers, including anhydrous ammonia tanks, that could be affected by flooding, please move them to a safer location.”

BISMARCK – More than 60 Pride of Dakota companies from across the state will gather Saturday, May 7, in Williston for the first-ever Pride of Dakota Spring Showcase.

“Member companies and consumers alike have repeatedly expressed interest in a Pride of Dakota showcase in northwestern North Dakota,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “We think everyone will find it was worth waiting for.”

Showcase hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT), Saturday, at the Raymond Family Community Center, 1102 11th St W. Admission is $1 per person with children under 12 free.

BISMARCK – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has asked the federal government to allow livestock producers to use Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to hold cattle and sheep during calving and lambing season.

“High water levels from spring snow melt will adversely affect our livestock producers,” Goehring said in a letter to Aaron Krauter, state director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Livestock facilities used for calving or lambing are especially vulnerable in years like this.”

BISMARCK – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says applications for the 2011 Specialty Crop Grants are due in less than two weeks.

“The federal government has allocated about $600 thousand to North Dakota to promote the production, processing and use of specialty crops,” Goehring said. “We encourage individuals, organizations and institutions to submit proposals, either on their own or in partnerships, for grants of up to $100,000.”

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Bankers Association (NDBA) has awarded saving bonds for $150 to each of the three winners in the 2011 Pride of Dakota Essay, Video Essay and Poster Contests.

“The North Dakota Bankers Association is proud to honor the achievements of young people who understand the value of North Dakota’s quality agriculture industry,” said NDBA President and CEO Rick Clayburgh, “We will always be proud of our state’s businesses, farmers and ranchers that offer excellent products that complement healthy lifestyles.”