The North Dakota Wheat Commission appointed Jim Peterson as Administrator of the Commission at its July 1, 2025 Board meeting. Peterson has been with the North Dakota Wheat Commission since 1991, and was serving as Policy and Marketing Director. He succeeds Neal Fisher who had been Administrator since 1998, and on the staff of the North Dakota Wheat Commission since 1977. Fisher retired from the NDWC on July 1, after announcing his plans to the Board at an earlier date.
Chairman Mark Birdsall says “change is a natural part of any organization, and the Board’s goal was for a smooth transition. Peterson is certainly qualified to fill this role, based on his years of experience with the critical work of the North Dakota Wheat Commission on behalf of North Dakota wheat producers. He has had extensive involvement with all our activities and partner organizations through the years, and has served in leadership positions in national organizations.”
Birdsall said that “Fisher will be missed in the wheat industry, not just in North Dakota, but within the U.S. and internationally. He has a great reputation and track record of accomplishments on behalf of our state’s wheat producers. We appreciate all that Neal has contributed to our success, and wish him the best in his retirement.”
The North Dakota Wheat Commission is directed by a board of seven producers, six are elected through a county and district election process, with the seventh appointed by the Governor, from a slate of producers put forth by allied organizations. There are currently four staff members. It is solely funded by a check-off invested by producers at time of sale. The annual budget is between $5 and $5.5 million, and invested in market development programs, research, trade and domestic policy, producer education and national wheat promotion.
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North Dakota Wheat Commission
