Bismarck-Mandan is a Leader in Value-Add Agriculture in the State and Country

North Dakota is a powerhouse of agriculture production. It is the top producer of cattle in the United States and leads the nation in the production of 13 commodities. While Bismarck-Mandan is one of the most populated regions of the state, it still plays a key role in agriculture. The local counties produce a significant amount of goods while the urban areas of Bismarck-Mandan serve as a hub for value-added processing and agriculture production.

“When most people think about agriculture, they focus on growing and harvesting crops or raising animals,” says Nathan Schneider, Vice President of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber Economic Development Corporation (EDC). “However, you can’t neglect the other half of the industry, which is preparing those products for sale. This is where South-Central North Dakota shines.”

Bismarck-Mandan has strong infrastructure like nearby rail lines and access to highways to support agriculture processing. As part of Agriculture Month in March, learn about the impact that food production has on the region and why there’s room for more.   

Burleigh and Morton Counties are Agriculture Leaders

North Dakota is the top producer of wheat in the United States and leads in other crops like soybeans, vegetables, and honey. It is home to more than 39 million acres of farmland and more than 25,000 farms.

Burleigh County (home to Bismarck) and Morton County (home to Mandan) also contribute heavily to the farm industry. Burleigh County is home to 709 farms across nearly 800,000 acres. Morton County has 688 farms across 1.2 million acres.

Morton County ranks first in the state for cattle production, while Burleigh County ranks seventh. Both counties also lead the state in barley and oats. The agriculture industry in the region is diverse, which means there are opportunities for agriculture-related companies to offer support to a variety of farm types. 

Bismarck-Mandan Attracts Agricultural Processing Companies

Bismarck-Mandan is the second-largest metropolitan region in North Dakota and has one of the best locations in the state. It is centrally located and built along I-94. This metropolitan area is easily accessible by truck, train, or air.

“Farmers from across North Dakota can get to Bismarck-Mandan and easily transport their products to our hub,” says Schneider. “From there, the agricultural goods will travel across the country or go through processing in Bismarck-Mandan so they are ready to hit store shelves.”

Companies looking to establish facilities close to American farmers should consider Bismarck-Mandan for their operations. North Dakota is a leader in farm production and Bismarck-Mandan’s access to national infrastructure makes it an ideal location for accepting materials and shipping out processed goods. 

Local Residents Support Farms of All Sizes

Agriculture is a major employer in Burleigh and Morton Counties, with many residents growing up on farms or developing skills to help them succeed in the agriculture sector. As more value-add agriculture manufacturers move to the region, the skills of the local workforce will continue to grow. Many processing skills are transferable, making it easy for employees to pick up work across different companies.

Bismarck-Mandan residents who don’t work in agriculture often support it locally. Two thriving farmers markets allow residents to enjoy fresh produce and products on a small scale. These markets support experienced farmers and entrepreneurs entering the agriculture scene.

Agriculture’s footprint is everywhere in Bismarck-Mandan, from food processing companies to a family enjoying locally sourced honey.  

Follow Bismarck-Mandan Through its Agriculture Newsletter

Agriculture is such an important industry to Bismarck-Mandan that the EDC has developed a newsletter that specifically covers farming news and supports value-add companies that operate in the area.  

If you’re interested in growing alongside the Bismarck-Mandan agriculture industry, contact Emily Eback at eeback@bmcedc.com to subscribe to the newsletter. She can make sure you have everything you need to keep up with agriculture investment in the region.

North Dakota feeds America, and Bismarck-Mandan serves as an essential hub for processing and transporting food and materials nationwide.