A fifth generation farmer and graduate of North Dakota State University, Mark Askegaard has a passion for preserving the land and promoting the health of communities through organic agriculture and local foods. He transitioned his farm to organic in 1995, with his primary crops being wheat, soybeans and flaxseed. Mark is proud to serve on several committees that aim to promote local foods including the Minnesota Grown Advisory Committee, and the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Developmental Partnership. In his free time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family - his wife, Barb, and two daughters, Claire and Beth.