LEADING ENERGY INDUSTRY
I believe the new technology involved in fracking our vast amounts of oil has impressed me the most. We were 11th in the nation, with 5,000 wells in 2012, but fracking has now moved us to second place, with 1.44 million barrels a day from thousands of wells.
Other states are now using the technology, too. It has helped increase America's energy supply, something that seemed impossible 15 years ago.
Marlene Kouba, member of Slope Electric Cooperative
North Dakota Living readers
ALWAYS HELPFUL
I have been a member of North Central Electric Cooperative for more than 30 years, and my husband was a member all his life. Whenever we’ve called or stopped into the office, the whole staff has been welcoming, patient and helpful. They have assisted in numerous electrical projects for us.
When my husband passed away in March 2018 and I decided to sell the farm homestead, they were accommodating in helping me separate the power from the homestead and my own watering systems, since I still had cattle.
HELPING WITH WAR EFFORT
My favorite part of North Dakota’s history is set in the 1940s, with North Dakota’s impact during and after World War II. In 1943, our state led the nation for war bond purchases per capita, and our universities adapted to provide training for machinists, officers, pilots, medics and radio operators! We trained patriotic citizens to build ships, serve on the battlefield, and heal the wounded.
FINDING A HOME
In 2010, my family embarked on a WWOOF trip around the United States. WWOOF is an acronym for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms and allows volunteers to learn hands-on skills to which they haven’t been exposed before.
Our family’s trip spanned 18 states and we visited 12 farms. At the time, my family was living in Pennsylvania, but my parents were considering moving. This trip would provide the perfect chance for them to observe some states they had never visited before and help them choose a new home.
FISHING WITH GRANDPA
“No,” Grandpa shouted, “that one isn’t big enough.” I looked at the small sunfish at the end of my pole. Quickly, I curled the hook backward, and eased the fish back into the lake.
After my grandfather and I had decided to go fishing that morning, we got out the yellow raft and a mud anchor. “Be careful of the hook,” he said, handing me the long, knobby bamboo pole that was twice as long as I was tall. We walked through the cold, wet grass to the rich-blue lake.
I asked, “Grandpa, do you think I’ll catch any?”
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveal there are more than 2 million farms and ranches in the United States. More than 95 percent of these are owned by families. As family businesses, it is sometimes easy to overlook basic safety precautions which are mandatory in other commercial operations. Among the most basic of these are hearing and eye protection, commonly required in any manufacturing or production facility.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveal there are more than 2 million farms and ranches in the United States. More than 95 percent of these are owned by families. As family businesses, it is sometimes easy to overlook basic safety precautions which are mandatory in other commercial operations. Among the most basic of these are hearing and eye protection, commonly required in any manufacturing or production facility.
