The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Committee hosted its second annual Banquet In A Field: Western Style at Arrow K Farms near Belfield, ND on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. The event brought together approximately 130 guests.

THE EVENT

Wondering about the evening’s atmosphere? Well, it was nothing less than top notch (even taking into consideration the weather).

This tasty, summer event served up an opportunity for consumers and North Dakota growers and
producers to chat about why agriculture is important to our region. Oh, and appreciate an impressive farm to table (and pint) experience.

“We hear more and more about the separation of agriculture and urban communities. With this event we’re able to educate consumers about where their food comes from, how it’s raised, and bring it right to the table in front of them.” said Dickinson Area Chamber Of Commerce Ag Committee volunteer Linda Schroeder.

THE EXPERIENCE

When it comes to a farm to table experience, Banquet In A Field: Western Style doesn’t leave you wanting.

Area locals started the evening at a social hour where they sampled upscale appetizers at
commodity stations that featured the corresponding crop plot, listened to live music by Jessie Veeder, and engaged with growers and producers.

The evening’s guest chefs were Lady J’s Catering and NDSU BBQ Boot Camp. The commodity stations included barley, canola, corn, dairy, grapes, honey, meat (beef, lamb and pork), oilseed, pulse, soybeans and wheat.

After the social hour, guests were seated at tables decorated with stylish centerpieces, courtesy of 701 Design + Events.

Guests dined on a delicious multi-course meal, that included a soybean salad with sunflower oil & red wine dressing; barley pilaf, corn & zucchini sautéed in canola oil; beef tri-tip and grape zinfandel cake served with honey whipped cream & ice cream.

During the dinner, the evening’s hosts, Greg and Stacey Kessel with their children Jade, Grant, Garett and Griffin shared the story of their vertically integrated operation: how they’ve taken barley from their very own field to the pint in front of guests.

“We think it’s really important to tell people our story. To, tell our customers, our consumers where their food comes from. And to know it’s a safe product. At Banquet In A Field: Western Style, guests are able to see that we are a family who has taken a product from field to table, or in our case, pint.” said Jade Kessel, of Arrow K Farms.

THE EDUCATION

The Dickinson area is steeped with agriculture. With the abundance of produce in the area, it’s no wonder why the Chamber has decided to make Banquet In A Field: Western Style an annual event.

“The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce exists to promote a progressive business environment in our community. We work day in and day out to help make southwest North Dakota a desirable place to live, work and conduct business. With Banquet In A Field, our business focus is Agriculture. The event brings people together to eat food showcasing local commodities, to drink beer featuring home-grown barley, and to visit with producers who have the know-how of where everyday foods come from!” said Christina Jorgensen, Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Chamber Of Commerce.

Guests joined this year’s event from education, legislature, health services, energy and the food industry – just to name a few! Businesses across the country rely on the crops and livestock produced in our region.

LOOKING AHEAD

Because Banquet In A Field was such a success, the Dickinson Area Chamber Of Commerce Ag
Committee is already making plans for next year. The event will be a key community resource, going
forward, for those who want to learn more about how agriculture impacts their daily lives.

We hope you an opportunity to join us at the next Banquet in a Field!

More BIAF: Western Style