Casselton, N.D. — July 28, 2026 — Grand Farm and BankNorth today announced a new multi-year partnership, the BankNorth Future Ag Leaders Program, designed to give students across eastern North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota greater access to agriculture innovation, technology, and career exploration. The announcement was made on stage at Grand Farm’s Elevate Conference.
Under the five-year agreement, BankNorth will invest $25,000 annually to support student and educator participation in Grand Farm’s major events and programming, including the Cultivate Conference, Elevate Conference, Autonomous Nation, and Grand Farm’s Field Day.
Each year, BankNorth’s investment will provide tickets to every major Grand Farm event for high school students, educators and administrators, FFA chapters, STEM programs, career and technical education programs, and other school-sponsored youth organizations within BankNorth’s service area.
To reduce barriers to participation, the partnership will fund transportation assistance for schools where travel expense might otherwise stand in the way of attending, helping ensure students across the region have access to these experiences. Preference will be given to students within BankNorth’s market area, reflecting the bank’s long-standing commitment to the communities it serves.
Students will also be invited to Grand Farm’s Field Day, where they can engage directly with applied technology demonstrations, autonomous equipment showcases, and career exploration programming.
“This partnership reflects exactly what Grand Farm is here to do – open doors for young people so they can see themselves as part of the future of agriculture,” said Dr. William Aderholdt, Executive Director, Grand Farm. “With BankNorth’s support, we can put students from across the region in the room at Cultivate, Elevate, and Autonomous Nation, and on the ground at our Field Day, so they’re building relationships and exploring careers years before they ever enter the workforce.”
“BankNorth has always believed that investing in our communities means investing in the people who will lead them,” said James Williams III, CEO, BankNorth. “Agriculture is the backbone of this region, and the students sitting in classrooms today are the innovators, operators, and leaders who will carry it forward. We’re proud to help remove the cost and distance barriers that keep students from experiencing opportunities like these firsthand.”
Joining the announcement on stage was Acelynn Lagerquist, a May 2026 graduate of Central Cass High School and newly elected North Dakota FFA Secretary, who attended numerous Grand Farm events throughout high school.
The BankNorth Future Ag Leaders Program builds on a shared vision between the two organizations: strengthening the long-term future of agriculture, technology, and rural communities by connecting students with industry leaders, emerging technologies, career opportunities, mentorship, and real-world innovation environments.
About Grand Farm
Grand Farm is a network of growers, technologists, corporations, startups, educators, government, and investors working together to solve problems in agriculture with applied technology. Through research, testing, validation, and demonstration, Grand Farm ensures AgTech problem-solving aligns with real grower needs. By fostering partnerships and facilitating collaborations, Grand Farm accelerates technology adoption and drives innovation across the agricultural ecosystem.
About BankNorth
Founded in 1905, BankNorth has a long history of supporting customers and communities through values-based banking. Guided by its core values and a commitment to teamwork and service, BankNorth continues to serve communities today with the same care and dedication it did more than a century ago. Now celebrating over 120 years, BankNorth is a trusted financial partner with locations across North Dakota and South Dakota. Learn more at banknorth.bank.
