When Doug Goehring was appointed North Dakota commissioner of agriculture two years ago, he promised an active, inclusive and progressive approach to farming and agribusiness. He's delivered. He's earned re-election to a full four-year term.
Goehring, a Republican, was named to replace popular Democratic Ag Commissioner Roger Johnson, who resigned to become president of the National Farmers Union. Gov. John Hoeven appointed Goehring to the post that Goehring had unsuccessfully sought twice at the polls, both losses to Johnson.
The new commissioner has had two years in office to demonstrate both his management skills and his impressive understanding of the complexities of 21st-century agriculture. He's done so on several levels.
First, he knows the importance of global markets to North Dakota farmers and ranchers. Much of what producers grow in the state goes into exports. Goehring has worked with state and national trade experts to find, define and open up more markets to North Dakota's farm products.
Second, as an active farmer/
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rancher near Menoken, he experiences firsthand the impacts of federal policies, whether from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the federal Environmental Protection Agency. He has become a strong voice in resisting unreasonable, unworkable regulations, but also understands that agriculture must be subject to regulations that enhance farm operations while protecting soil and water resources. It's the way he operates on his own farm.
A champion of value-added agriculture, he's continued certain policies of his predecessor regarding processing, promoting and marketing the state's commodities-based consumer products. He understands that the business of modern farming is more than harvesting crops in the fall.
Goehring's deep knowledge of North Dakota's production agriculture is enhanced by his grasp of trends in farming and land use, including organic farming, specialty and niche crops, locally grown foodstuffs, wildlife considerations, and soil and water conservation.
Finally, his low-key style and informed management are welcome in the state's top ag office.
Merle Boucher, a longtime Democratic legislator from Rolette, is making a passionate bid for the ag job. His agenda for farming is based in part on his multi-generational history in farming and ranching, and in part on his populist view of family farming and big agribusiness. In that regard, Boucher sometimes sounds like a voice from a previous century.
Goehring has earned a full term.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.
