NDSU Celebrates County Agriculturists At 50th Anniversary Harvest Bowl
The success, dedication and hard work of outstanding agriculturists in 53 counties in North Dakota and six counties in Minnesota were honored during the 50th annual Harvest Bowl program at North Dakota State University on November 15.
2024 Harvest Bowl honorees from the area included: Burke County, Jason and Jill Wettstein of Bowbells, ND; and Mountrail County, Heath and Kris Hetzel, Stanley, ND.
Jason and Jill Wettstein have been farming for 10 years and operate a grain farm and cow/calf operation. Their conservation efforts involve utilizing rotational grazing in their pastures and seeding marginal ground to grasses for hay and wildlife habitat. Jason earned a bachelor’s in microbiology from NDSU in 2004. Jill graduated from NDSU in 2008 with a bachelor’s in pharmaceutical science and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Jason serves on the Burke County Soil Conservation board, the Burke County Planning and Zoning board, the Clayton Township board and the Farmers Union Lumber board. Jill is on the Bowbells School Board and organizes and plays the piano at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She also works as the pharmacist with Kenmare Drug.
Heath Hetzel has worked in agricultural banking for 24 years, helping farmers and ranchers meet their financial goals through agricultural lending. For the past 10 years, he has been the Stanley market president with Bravera Bank. Heath was active on his family’s farm while growing up. Heath was awarded an honorary chapter FFA degree, the Friend of 4-H award and the Ag Improvement Distinguished Service award. He is the head coach for the girl’s basketball team at Stanley High School, participates on several community boards and organizations, and is active in his church. Kris Hetzel is the Sibyl Center board secretary, is a founding member of the North Prairie Home School Co-op in Stanley and homeschooled their four children. She is active in her church and volunteers playing piano at the local nursing home.