John M. Agrey Award
2001 Recipient
Melvin Maier
The late Melvin G. Maier appreciated the role of transportation in grain marketing early in his career. In three decades of involvement and expertise with wheat market development and promotion, Maier earned a reputation as an energetic advocate for economical transportation of agricultural commodities. Mel knew that a solid and efficient infrastructure was vital to North Dakota agriculture and the success of its producers, processors and growth in the general economy of the state.
Serving for 25 years as administrator of the North Dakota Wheat Commission, Maier was actively involved in many of the rate and service negotiations for better rail service and more competitive rates. He worked tirelessly to improve the transportation environment to benefit North Dakota producers.
Maier understood the vital links among organizations involved in agricultural transportation in the state and region. He aggressively supported funding for the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute and served on the UGPTI Advisory Council.
Beginning his professional work as a vocational agriculture teacher, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural education and agricultural economics from North Dakota State University. He was a United States Air Force aircraft controller and trained military pilot. Mel maintained his military involvement in the Air Force Reserve and the ND National Guard.
In 1963 he began as assistant administrator with the North Dakota Wheat Commission, then worked for five years as European director of Great Plains Wheat, returning to the Commission in 1972 to become administrator. Mel passed away in December of 1997. His wife Sharyl and their two children reside in Bismarck.
