ND Corn mourns the loss of Executive Director Dale Ihry
Fargo, North Dakota – January 4, 2018 – It is with deep sadness that we announce that Dale Ihry, Executive Director of the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council and the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, died Thursday due to complications from a recent illness. The entire ND Corn family mourns his loss.
Ihry had served ND Corn in this capacity since 2015. Prior to 2015 he was the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director in charge of Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs in North Dakota since 1987. In both roles, Ihry maintained close working relationships with federal USDA agencies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, State government agencies, the Governor’s office, congressional offices, commodity groups and agricultural media. He brought passion, experience and energy to his role with ND Corn.
Previous to working in the North Dakota State FSA Office, Ihry served as the County Executive Director at the Ward County FSA Office from January 1984 through June 1987. Prior to 1983, Ihry worked as a field assistant during the summers for the Steele County FSA Office.
Dale received a degree in Business Administration from Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN. He was born and raised on the family farm that produced wheat, feed, grain, sunflowers and cattle near Hope, ND. Dale also owned livestock with his family members and enjoyed visiting the farm when ever time permitted. Despite his MSUM ties, Ihry was a die-hard North Dakota State University Bison football fan and a Minnesota Vikings fan.
“Dale worked tirelessly for agriculture throughout his career. Dale’s contributions to our organizations, our community, and our industry are indispensable. He will be greatly missed,” said Terry Wehlander of DeLamere, ND, ND Corn Utilization Council Chairman.
Randy Melvin of Buffalo, N.D., president of the North Dakota Corn Growers, shared that the state has “lost a leader who worked tirelessly for the farmers of North Dakota for many, many years” and said that it was an “absolute pleasure” working with Ihry. Melvin said Ihry was a mentor, and the two worked on a National Corn Growers Association Risk Management Action Team, which Melvin chairs.
Ihry is survived by his wife, Brenda, three grown children — Jessica, Jamie and Tyler — and several grandchildren. Arrangements are pending with Boulger Funeral Home.
*Update (1/7) – Funeral arrangements as follows:
Visitation – Wednesday
January 09, 2019 – 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo
Prayer Service – Wednesday
January 09, 2019 – 7:00pm
Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center
Funeral Mass – Thursday
January 10, 2019 – 11:00 am
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Vasculitis Foundation, Celiac Disease Foundation, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, or any agricultural-related charity of the donor’s choice.
