Potential merger in North Dakota’s ag sector

The North Dakota Agricultural Association, and the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association will vote on the issue

Two industry groups in North Dakota may become one.

The North Dakota Agricultural Association (NDAA), which supports the state’s farmers through advocacy and education, and the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association (NDGDA), which represents grain elevators in legislative and regulatory affairs, are planning a merger.

The organizations “share a common mission of representing the interests of commercial agriculture in North Dakota,” a joint statement says, adding leadership from both groups acknowledge the synergies and overlaps between the two.

For example, the groups both operate out of the same place – 2417 N University Drive, Suite A in Fargo.

And Stu Letcher serves as the executive vice president of the NDGDA, and the executive director of the NDAA.

Whether the merger occurs will depend on upcoming votes.

Members from each individual organization will vote at respective meetings.

The NDAA will vote during its Agribusiness Expo on Dec. 2 and 3 at the Delta Hotel.

And the NDGDA will cast its votes on the potential merger during its convention on Jan. 19 and 20, 2026 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo.

If the merger is adopted, a new name for the merged organization will be established.

Other ag mergers in the U.S. have taken place in 2025.

In June, for example, Northwest Grain Growers and Mid-Columbia Producers merged.

“We’re stronger together than we are apart,” Chris Peha, CEO of Northwest Grain Growers, told the Capital Press. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to try to bring a bigger group of farmers together.”