Ag and Energy Leaders Meet in ND

By Scout Nelson

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring will host the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (MASDA) from June 29 to July 2 in Medora, North Dakota. This important event will focus on the collaboration between agriculture and energy—two key industries shaping the Midwest’s economic and environmental future.

MASDA is a regional body within the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). It includes agricultural leaders—commissioners, secretaries, and directors—from 13 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. While MASDA represents these 13 Midwestern states, all NASDA members from across the 50 U.S. states and four territories have been invited to participate.

NASDA plays a major role in promoting U.S. agriculture by building strong state-federal partnerships and working with stakeholders to shape effective policies. This annual gathering provides a platform for open dialogue, shared learning, and strategic cooperation.

“This annual regional event gathers key staff from the Midwest’s 13 state departments of agriculture for educational discussions on relevant agricultural topics, the opportunity to share successes and challenges and to learn about agriculture in the host state,” said Goehring. “We’ll be having presentations and tours about agriculture and energy and how they work together to grow our economy and create sustainable solutions for North Dakota.”

During the event, participants will attend presentations and field tours that explore how agriculture and energy intersect. The agenda will cover how these sectors can work together to boost the economy and offer sustainable solutions for the future.

With top officials, industry leaders, and experts in attendance, the 2025 MASDA meeting will be a vital space for exchanging ideas and showcasing North Dakota’s leadership in ag-energy integration.

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