Northern Prairie members heard from representatives of two local commodities when they gathered at Red Trail Vineyards, in Buffalo, ND, on June 22.

Gary Hoffman, Executive Director of the North Dakota Dairy Coalition, provided fresh cheese made the same day on a dairy farm in Sterling, ND.  Hoffman spoke about the development of dairy farms in North Dakota and the challenges currently being faced from local consumers.

Rodney Hogen, wine vintner and owner of Red Trail Vineyards, shared highlights about growing grapes and cold-climate varietals in the northern plains.  While attendees tasted seven different wines, Hogen gave a summary of each.

Following the presentations by Hoffman and Hogen, attendees toured the vineyard and, if interested, were able to purchase wine made on the premises.