2020 Bruce Miller Award Winner; Sheila Ostrem
North Dakota Farmers Union
Sheila Ostrem is a lifetime resident of rural Rugby, North Dakota.(Geographic Center of North America) After our children graduated from college I started helping my husband on our farm. I have been serving on the Pierce County Farmers Union Board since 2009. I’ve hosted many local events. I’ve attended NDFU and NFU Conventions as a member and as a delegate. I attended a NFU Fly-in as a member. I’ve attended several WILD Events. I served on the NDFU Credentials Committee. I’m currently serving on the NDFU WILD Council. As a strong believer in Farmers Union I appreciate how Farmers Union is an organization that gives its members a voice and works for the betterment of family farms. As times are changing it is more important to me than ever that we be the best leaders in our communities for Farmers Union. I have met many great people through Farmers Union who have helped me be a better leader and I want to pass that on. I think co-ops are a very important part of a community, and my goal is to embrace activity in my community. Serving is who I am. It’s something I learned from serving in the U.S. Navy. I often say every person has a story and so let’s continue to get together and share our Farmers Union story. I enjoy volunteering, and if you are ever looking for me you can find me in my happy place which is working in my back yard.