The first Farm Institute was held in 1912. Topics slated for discussion were grain growing, grasses, clover, forage crop, dairying, livestock growing, forestry, farm management. Speakers were brought in from the Agricultural College in Fargo.
These institutes became a yearly affair. Discussion on weed eradication, better livestock feeding, and other topics that were of an interest to the farmers. It proved to be a good way to learn about new practices and an opportunity to visit with other farmers and perhaps gain some insight into solving some of their problems.
The people on the main streets of the various towns and villages in the county were very much interested in the success or failure of the farmer in this area. They realized that it was necessary for the people who tilled the land to have success, so that they, too, may continue to grow and succeed. The more people that were forced to give up their farms meant fewer people that would need the goods and services that these businessmen were equipped to provide.
A very early sponsor of the 4-H club program was the Kiwanis club. They have an agricultural committee that is working to find ways in which to be helpful.
In 1921, three banks, First National Bank, Foster County State Bank, both from Carrington, and the Security National and Farmers Merchant Banks of Kensal, sponsored a Holstein project. It was felt that it was necessary to get some good milk stock started in the county. Three carloads of cattle were shipped in that consisted of 59 cows and 4 purebred Holstein bulls that were purchased in Wisconsin. Eighteen farmers received the cattle. They formed an association and kept track of the results. Some of the cows produced well but some didn't do as well as the native cattle.
In 1952 the North Dakota Bankers Association and other firms sponsored a winter short course that was held from the first Monday of the year to the first of March at NDSU. Some of the subjects that were offered were:
Livestock feeding
Beef production
Crops
Soil shop
Personal and home living
Communications and physical education
James Skadberg from Birtsell Township attended this course in 1955, being sponsored by the Foster County State Bank.
In 1958-59 the Foster County Bank sponsored the 4-H Leader recognition banquet. It was felt that these adults that were willing to give of their time to help the young people with their projects should have some kind of recognition. Awards were presented for their years of service. This banquet is still being held.
In 1969 an award called "Scissors Award" was established by the businessmen to be given to some girl who has had some outstanding accomplishments during her 4-H career.
The businessmen also came to the fair to purchase animals of the 4-H members or to pay a premium that goes to these boys and girls for their efforts during the year.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 110