Ag Aviation Operator Annual Open House Commemorating National Ag Week Held at Fargo Air Museum
For the third year since 2021, on March 21st, North Dakota NAAA operator member Toby McPherson organized a public open house commemorating National Ag Week at the Fargo Air Museum in Fargo, North Dakota. The highlight of the event was McPherson’s Ag Cat Serial Number One and a Piper Pawnee, both of which are housed at the Fargo Air Museum, as well as a display from NAAA operator member Rob Aslesen of Airborne Custom Spraying in Halstad, MN, who brought his Air Tractor AT-802 to showcase. Additional features included a TBM Avenger and a Stearman, which were both used for aerial applications, as well as the 100th agricultural aviation anniversary display panels, showcasing the history and development of aviation in agriculture. The Ag Cat pulling up out of the wall was a visual centerpiece, symbolizing the growth of the aerial application industry. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about crop protection, local commodities, new developments and the evolution of agricultural aviation. The event brought together a diverse range of agriculture professionals and enthusiasts to celebrate the aerial application industry.
During the event, a local talk show host from KFGO Radio broadcast live from the museum, speaking with representatives from the North Dakota Corn, Soybean, Sugar Beet, Wheat, and Edible Bean Associations, along with North Dakota Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring. They discussed agricultural information and shared their outlook on the upcoming season, enriching the event with valuable insights into the future of farming in the state.
In addition to the exhibits, the event featured multiple vendor booths, including chemical representatives, seed salesmen and an e-tour led by Goehring, who discussed a variety of important agricultural topics. The event also celebrated North Dakota’s record number of acres sprayed aerially in the state for 2024, which was 5.5 million acres.
“We’ve had great support from the local agricultural community, and this event is an important part of National Ag Week,” McPherson said. “It’s a great way to highlight the work that aerial applicators do and the positive impact we have on farming and crop production.”
Overall, the event was a success that offered a valuable opportunity to highlight the aerial application industry and strengthen ties within the agricultural community. As the event continues to grow, McPherson is optimistic about the future of the open house and its role in educating the public about the critical work being done in agriculture and aerial application.