Young Farmer Inspires With Ag Passion In North Dakota

By Scout Nelson

Billie Lentz, a fifth-generation farmer from Rolla, North Dakota, is making her mark on agriculture. A 2022 graduate of North Dakota State University (NDSU) in agricultural economics, Lentz shares her journey as a first-year farmer on Instagram, growing soybeans, canola, barley, and wheat. She uses social media to showcase farming life and highlight the role of women in agriculture.

Her passion for farming goes beyond the field. Lentz also works full-time at Legacy Cooperative in Bisbee, North Dakota, managing marketing, communications, and recruitment. The cooperative supports local farmers and strengthens rural communities. “From showing farm life, to educating others on the crops we grow and the technology and other practices that go into it, I want all people to feel that there is a corner of the agriculture industry they can belong in and that they are free to safely ask questions or simply learn,” said Lentz. “I am trying to show how women like me are quickly becoming the new face of farming.”

Lentz serves on the board of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association and is part of the Global Farmer Network, using her voice to promote farming worldwide. Her connection with NDSU opened doors, including scholarships and leadership roles, shaping her into a leader within the ag industry.

She credits NDSU’s supportive faculty for encouraging her growth. One standout moment was a farm succession planning class during COVID-19 that sparked important family conversations.

“My work is most rewarding when I see that we are able to provide vital services that farmers need in our areas, and how that, in turn, improves our communities as a whole,” she said.

After college, Lentz gained experience working in several states before returning to North Dakota, drawn by its close-knit community and opportunities in agriculture. “In North Dakota, you can chase your passions and grow your career,” she said.

Looking ahead, Lentz is excited about North Dakota’s proactive approach to agriculture, from research at NDSU’s Peltier Complex to innovations at Grand Farm near Fargo.

“From incubators like the Grand Farm outside of Fargo that support the research and development for agriculture specific technology, to ongoing research taking place at NDSU’s state-of-the-art Peltier Complex, which houses the Northern Crops Institute, all these efforts keep North Dakota relevant on a global scale,” said Lentz.

Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university