North Dakota Ag Hall of Fame Inducts New Members

Grain storage expert and ranching couple to be honored for contributions to state's agriculture industry

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame will induct two new members in 2026 - Dr. Ken Hellevang, a leading expert on grain storage and drying, and Melvin and Luella Leland, second-generation owners of a 115-year-old Red Angus ranch in western North Dakota. The induction ceremony will take place on March 4, 2026 during the ND Winter Show in Valley City.

Why it matters

The North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame was established by the state legislature in 1997 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the state's leading industry - agriculture. The induction of Hellevang and the Lelands brings the total number of honorees to 66, highlighting the important role these leaders have played in advancing agricultural practices and innovation in North Dakota.

The details

Dr. Ken Hellevang is recognized as one of the nation's foremost experts on grain storage and drying, having served as the Extension Agriculture Engineer at North Dakota State University from 1980 to 2024. During his tenure, he authored or contributed to over 230 publications and videos that have been distributed internationally. Hellevang's work has been honored with the Sukup Global Food Security Award and the American Society of Agricultural Engineers' International Engineering Achievement Award. Melvin and Luella Leland are second-generation owners of the 115-year-old Leland Red Angus ranch on the edge of the North Dakota Badlands. The Lelands have demonstrated a strong commitment to the agricultural industry, with Melvin serving as president of the North Dakota Stockmen's Association and the Red Angus Association of America, as well as on the state Board of Animal Health. Their ranch has been recognized by the Red Angus Association of America as Breeder of the Year in 1995 and Pioneer Breeder of the Year in 2011, and has been inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

  • The induction ceremony will take place on March 4, 2026 during the ND Winter Show in Valley City.
  • Dr. Ken Hellevang served as the Extension Agriculture Engineer at North Dakota State University from 1980 to 2024.
  • The Leland Red Angus ranch has been in operation for 115 years.

The players

Dr. Ken Hellevang

A leading expert on grain storage and drying, who served as the Extension Agriculture Engineer at North Dakota State University from 1980 to 2024.

Melvin and Luella Leland

Second-generation owners and operators of the 115-year-old Leland Red Angus ranch on the edge of the North Dakota Badlands.

North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame

An organization established by the North Dakota legislature in 1997 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the state's agriculture industry.

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What they’re saying

“The induction of Hellevang and the Lelands brings to 66 the number of men and women in the Hall.”

— Al Gustin

What’s next

The induction ceremony for Dr. Ken Hellevang and Melvin and Luella Leland will take place on March 4, 2026 during the ND Winter Show in Valley City.

The takeaway

The North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame continues to recognize the significant contributions of individuals who have advanced the state's leading industry. The induction of Hellevang and the Leland family highlights the important role of innovation, leadership, and generational commitment in shaping North Dakota's agricultural landscape.