MAKING CONNECTIONS AND FINDING COMMON GROUND

Words by Susan A. Stibbe

Bring together a group of farmers and guests, add the amazing cuisine of Tony and Sarah Nasello, mix in lively conversation, top with a gorgeous North Dakota sunset while sitting at beautifully appointed tables, and you have the perfect recipe for the second annual Banquet In A Field held August 4, 2015 at Peterson Farms Seed near Harwood, North Dakota.

Banquet In A Field is hosted by CommonGround North Dakota in order to bring together farmers and consumers to share conversations about food and farming and to discover how North Dakota farmers provide safe, nutritious food to American families. Julie Peterson welcomed guests to her and husband Carl’s farm. “Many of you have ag roots, but you need to connect with farmers today. Both Carl and I are passionate about agriculture,” said Peterson.

She introduced Chef Tony Nasello. “Sarah and I are excited to be here. You cannot imagine how our lives and food ideas have changed getting to know farmers. It is work that matters to us. It is fun to come up with recipes to showcase our North Dakota crops. After getting to know farmers who feed the world, we realize they are rock stars,” he said. The dinner featured eleven crops and three meats all grown in North Dakota.

Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney, a first-time guest, commented, “We work to have solid relationships with Cass County farmers. It is an honor to be here.”

Kim Badenhop, who is originally from Georgia and now resides in Bismarck, said, “North Dakota is #1 in honey production and #1 in sugar beets. It’s a very sweet state!”

And a very sweet evening it was!

Join in the conversation at findourcommonground.com fb.com/commongroundnorthdakota