By Megan Sheeley, ARA, Appraiser / Partner at Crown Appraisals, Inc.

In June 2024, the community of Casselton ND, opened its doors to the North Dakota Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA). Our group of farm managers and rural appraisers gathered from around the state for an informative day of tours that told the story of North Dakota agriculture.

Our first stop was to visit the brand-new North Dakota Soybean Processors (NDSP) crush plant. With construction crews working hard to prepare the facility for its late summer start-up, we enjoyed an insider’s tour of the state-of-the-art facility, which is designed to process an astonishing 100,000 acres of soybeans each month. As we walked through the plant, we marveled at the advanced technology that transform soybeans from North Dakota and beyond into valuable products, including food-grade soybean oil, soybean oil for renewable diesel, and soybean meal.

Next, we ventured to Abbiamo Pasta Company, where we learned about the fine art of pasta-making. Abbiamo Pasta utilizes semolina (durum flour) and spring wheat flour to create a variety of short goods pasta, such as penne, macaroni, and rotini, for its customers. The team at Abbiamo shared their passion for quality, explaining how they take pride in using local crops milled by the North Dakota Mill in Grand Forks to create delicious pasta that graces tables far and wide.

The afternoon continued with a visit to Tharaldson Ethanol, a facility dedicated to turning corn into 175 million gallons of renewable fuel per year. Tharaldson staff shared keen insights into the intricacies of ethanol production and its role in supporting both the economy and the environment.

Between tours, our group stopped by the Cottonwood Golf Club for a delicious lunch prepared by the clubhouse staff. The atmosphere was lively, filled with conversations about agriculture, innovation, and the shared commitment to serving the local agricultural economy.

After learning about the processing of soybeans, wheat, and corn, our group concluded the day with a barley product – craft beer. We gathered at Icewind Brewery in Mapleton to unwind and share our thoughts on the day’s experiences.

The ASFMRA tour was not just an exploration of facilities; it was a celebration of Casselton’s agricultural tradition. Each stop highlighted the vital role that local farmers, community members, and businesses play in bringing the crop from the field to the grocery store or the fuel pump. It’s a common stereotype that small towns are fading, but Casselton serves as a prime example of how agriculture and community spirit can unite to build a vibrant future.