The ND FFA Industry Tour takes North Dakota FFA state officers and Foundation staff to agricultural and energy operations across the state. The 2026 tour covered more than 1,500 miles in five days, with stops including the Bakk Farm and Falkirk Mine near Underwood. Here’s what the Foundation’s communications intern took away from it.
A Minnesota Native's First Trip West
Imagine driving five and a half hours across state lines for a week-long road trip in what I thought was the most boring state ever… North Dakota. For some, that might sound like a nightmare. For me, it was the beginning of a week full of new experiences, unexpected lessons, and memories that would leave a lasting impact.
As a Minnesota native, I wasn’t very familiar with North Dakota. Before this trip, I had never traveled farther west than Valley City, and even then, I had only been there for about 15 minutes. So, driving to Bismarck to meet up with the Foundation staff and State Officer team felt like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Along the way, I passed quirky roadside statues, endless fields of blooming canola, and, yes, even a few trees. By the time I arrived in Bismarck, my nerves had started to fade, and my excitement to learn about North Dakota agriculture had taken over.
After packing up our belongings and spending a few more hours on the road, I quickly realized that the tour wasn’t just about putting miles on the vehicles; it was about seeing the stories behind North Dakota agriculture. That became especially clear when we arrived at one of my favorite stops, the Bakk Farm.
The Bakk Farm: How One Farmer's Gift Still Funds ND FFA
Before we even stepped out of the vehicle, I learned that the farm was much more than just another stop on our itinerary. Fridtjov (Fred) Bakk, a Norwegian immigrant and former FFA member, arranged for his farmland to support future generations of students interested in agriculture. Today, the North Dakota FFA continues to benefit from his gift to help provide opportunities for FFA members across the state.
Getting to see that legacy in person made the story even more meaningful. We met the farmers who care for the land every day and learned about improvements, like drain tiling, that have helped the farm remain productive. Seeing the past and present come together to support the future was something I’ll always remember.
Falkirk Mine: What Land Reclamation Actually Looks Like
As the tour continued, each stop showed me a different side of agriculture. While the Bakk Farm highlighted legacy and stewardship, our visit to Falkirk Mine demonstrated how agriculture and industry can work together to care for the land. The scale of the operation was incredible. Massive mining trucks, enormous dozers, and our small tour bus weaving through it all as we learned about coal mining operations.
One of my biggest takeaways from our visit was learning about the reclamation process and the work that goes into restoring the land. Their reclamation efforts ensure the land can thrive again, providing habitat for wildlife and opportunities for future agricultural use. Nothing compared to the opportunity to sit in the dragline and watch the operator at work. Looking out from the dragline, I could see crops growing and farmers tending fields that had once been part of the mine. Seeing reclaimed farmland in person was all the proof I needed that Falkirk’s process works. It was also the perfect reminder that every stop on the Industry Tour offered a different perspective on agriculture, and each one challenged me to think about the industry in a new way.
If you’re interested in touring the mine for yourself, they also offer public tours (available by appointment)!
What 1,500 Miles Taught Me About North Dakota Agriculture
Like many people who have never explored North Dakota, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Five days and more than 1,500 miles later, I realized every stop had a story to tell, and together, they completely changed my perspective on the state and its agriculture. From learning about Fred Bakk’s legacy to witnessing land reclamation at Falkirk Mine, I discovered that agriculture is built on innovation, stewardship, and people who care deeply about the future. What began as a road trip across a state I knew very little about became one of the most influential learning experiences I’ve had. And perhaps my biggest takeaway? North Dakota isn’t boring after all.
Meet the Author
Isabelle Smith, or Izzy, is the Foundation’s 2026 Communications and Events Intern. Izzy grew up as a third-generation poultry farmer in Brainerd, Minnesota, raising meat birds alongside pigs, cattle and four younger brothers. A former Region II President, she brings years of FFA leadership experience along with a love of travel, thrifting, and adventure to the team.
