The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative

Connecting food, health, and rural communities

In this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson talks with Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist, about the programs helping North Dakotans learn more about food, movement and health at every age. Garden-Robinson discusses Extension’s Field to Fork program, On the Move to Better Health, Nourish, youth health programs, and the work being done to update nutrition curriculum for students. She also explains how Extension reaches rural communities through county agents, online classes, statewide partnerships and resources available through the NDSU Extension website. “Food connects to everything." - Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist The conversation also touches on Garden-Robinson’s background as a food scientist and dietitian, her long-running Prairie Fare column, and the recipes and educational materials that help make food and nutrition information accessible to people across the state. Read more on the topic here. [https://www.newscoopnd.org/programs-aim-to-get-rural-north-dakotans-moving-eating-healthier/]

Chasing longevity in rural North Dakota

A federal push for rural wellness is underway, aiming to tackle state health concerns and get North Dakotans moving. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about his latest article on the Rural Health Transformation Program and the "Make North Dakota Healthy Again" initiative. The conversation highlights how federal funding is being used for grassroots solutions like community gardens, school "zero-hour" PE programs, and local walking groups, while exploring the challenges of rural health access and the power of social connectedness in creating "Blue Zones" of longevity. “This is a big piece of these areas that are blue zones, the people are very connected with their communities, they're out farming together, walking together,” Standaert said. The discussion also dives into the practical realities of rural wellness, such as how to keep a walking program active when it drops to 20 below zero in January, and why state officials are looking for innovative, community-led ideas to help the program expand.

When asking for help feels hard: Male suicide in North Dakota

Why do so many men struggle in silence before reaching out for help? In this episode of The Backstory, Melissa Markegard, Suicide Prevention Administrator for North Dakota Health and Human Services, discusses the factors that can increase suicide risk, the warning signs friends and family should recognize, and the role communities can play in supporting mental health before a crisis develops. "We need you here. No matter what your brain is telling you, your family, your friends, your community, they all need you here. They are not better off without you." - Melissa Markegard, Suicide Prevention Administrator for North Dakota Health and Human Services The conversation stems from a recent North Dakota News Cooperative article by Michael Standaert examining male suicide and the challenges that can keep men from seeking support. Markegard discusses the unique pressures facing farmers and veterans, how major life stressors can compound over time, and why reaching out to someone who may be struggling can make all the difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 FirstLink 211 Helpline: Dial 211 or 701-235-7335 Mental Health America of North Dakota Help Line: 701-255-3692 or 888-705-5763

The many voices of North Dakota voters

The latest North Dakota Poll takes a closer look at how residents are responding to major national issues and reveals some notable divides across the state. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about the latest North Dakota Poll results, which examine presidential approval ratings along with opinions on issues such as the war in Iran, immigration, and the economy. The conversation highlights how responses break down across party lines, regions, and independent voters, groups that often signal shifts in broader public opinion. “People were pointing out this kind of east-west divide and what it might mean going forward,” Standaert said. He noted that approval ratings differed sharply between Fargo-Cass County and western parts of the state. The results show that while party affiliation remains a strong predictor of opinion, independent voters and regional differences continue to shape the political landscape. In particular, the contrast between eastern population centers and western communities offers insight into how demographic growth may influence future elections and policymaking. The episode also underscores how statewide polling helps move beyond assumptions about North Dakota as a single group of voters, offering a clearer picture of how residents across different regions view national issues and leadership.

Ripple effects across North Dakota from farming uncertainty

Rising fertilizer and fuel costs are creating ripple effects across North Dakota’s economy, reaching far beyond the farm. In this episode of The Backstory, reporter Michael Standaert’s latest story looks at how global disruptions, tariffs, and supply chain uncertainty are driving up agricultural costs at a critical time in the planting season. Sabrina Halvorson speaks with economist John Bitzan of the Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth at North Dakota State University about what those pressures mean beyond the farm. He explains how reduced farm spending can ripple through equipment dealers, retailers, and local businesses, ultimately affecting workers and families across the state. "The farm economy is so intertwined in our entire North Dakota economy that it's going to have an impact on the state when farmers struggle," Bitzan says. Bitzan also points to rising uncertainty as one of the biggest challenges facing producers. With fertilizer prices increasing sharply and equipment purchases declining nationwide, farmers are making cautious decisions that can slow economic activity across multiple industries. Those ripple effects can influence everything from local employment to state tax revenue, making agricultural stability a statewide concern.