In her own words

By Val Wagner

Hello! My name is Val Wagner and my husband, Mark, and I (along with our four boys) farm and ranch near Monango, ND, which is about an hour south of Jamestown. I’ve been involved in NDFB for decades but thought I’d take a few minutes to let you get to know me a little better.

Although I grew up on a small farm near Forbes, N.D., I was always interested in law and intended to go to law school. I attended Jamestown College, studying history/political science until my dad started having health problems and life started down another path. Then I met my husband, and my dream pivoted. I spent many years at home, raising our family of four boys, but then returned to work, in my spare time, as a paralegal, and now as a closing agent, for a local real estate attorney. Although it wasn’t the dream I originally had, I feel I have the best of both worlds. And I remind my boys all the time that sometimes your dreams change as you grow and learn…and that’s okay.

I did not grow up on a large, successful farm. My dad came back to North Dakota to help my grandfather when his health started failing in 1977. As anyone who was around then would know, it wasn’t a great time to try to start farming. To make ends meet, my dad went to work for a neighboring farmer. I remember the tense conversations, the long hours, and all of the work we all did around the farm to make sure everything was done.

Those experiences shaped me in powerful ways. They taught me resilience in the face of hardship, the value of perseverance, and the strength that comes when a family — or a community — pulls together. They also instilled in me a deep respect for the grit and determination it takes to work the land and build a life in agriculture.

As a leader today, I carry those lessons with me. I believe in listening first, working hard alongside others, and never losing sight of the bigger picture. Challenges don’t discourage me; they motivate me to find solutions and bring people together. My hope is to lead with the same perseverance and teamwork I saw modeled growing up, and to inspire others to see that even in the toughest times, we can grow stronger and create a better future together.

At the heart of it all, my boys are my greatest motivation. Watching them grow, make decisions, and begin to shape their own futures is truly inspiring. Farming and ranching have given us a unique classroom for life, one that goes far beyond what they could ever learn in a textbook. Through the daily work, challenges, and triumphs on the farm, they’re learning responsibility, resilience, and the value of hard work firsthand.

What I love most about farming and ranching is that it’s about far more than just producing a living. It’s about relationships with family, neighbors, and the community, and about creating a legacy that can be passed to the next generation. It’s a life that teaches patience, problem-solving, and stewardship in a way nothing else can. Knowing that the work we do today shapes not only our farm but the people and community around us is what keeps me inspired every day.

Deciding to run for this position wasn’t something I took lightly. I spent a lot of time talking it over with my husband, Mark, and my family, because I know leadership requires sacrifice, not just from me, but from them as well. Their support and encouragement gave me the confidence to take this step. At the heart of my decision is a genuine desire to do what is best for the organization. I believe in the mission of NDFB, and I want to help strengthen it for both current members and the generations that will follow. Running for this role is not about personal ambition. It’s about serving, listening, and helping guide the organization in a way that reflects the values and priorities of its members.

When I was asked about my motivation for running for this office, I had to stop and think about my purpose. As a member, I have ideas and hopes for NDFB, but I believe true leadership is about carrying forward the vision of our members. As president, my role would be to listen closely, unite our voices, and make sure the priorities of our membership are put into action. My vision is for an energized, engaged NDFB where every member feels valued and heard, no matter the production type, acres, or location, and where we work together to strengthen the future of agriculture in North Dakota. My priority is to help foster a renewed sense of connection and momentum so that our organization not only serves today’s needs but is positioned to thrive for the next generation.

At the end of the day, farming, ranching, and leadership all come down to the same thing: people. It’s about working hard, lifting each other up, and building something that lasts beyond ourselves. I’m proud of where I come from, grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and excited about the future we can create together. With strong voices, steady hands, and a shared commitment to agriculture, I believe NDFB can continue to grow, thrive, and be a legacy worth passing on to the next generation.

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me on my cell at 320-0381 or by email at wagntales@gmail.com.