The North Dakota Wheat Growers Association was incorporated on February 21st, 1922, headquartered in Grand Forks. Its purpose was to stop the dumping of wheat on the market after the fall harvest. Using funds borrowed from the government, the members were advanced 70 percent of market value upon delivery of wheat. The Association then sold the wheat to millers and exporters throughout the year. After deducting its own expenses, returns where given back to the members. Members signed a five year contract, pledging to sell all of their wheat to the Association. By 1924 membership was 16,000, one-fifth of North Dakota wheat farmers. The Wheat Grower, an official bimonthly publication was sent to all members. To address the problem of declining wheat in the pool the Association reached out to include Montana wheat farmers, and bought and built elevators. By 1930, it owned a total of over 80 elevators. Membership grew in 1929 after the Federal Farm Board offered a guaranteed price through cooperatives. Since the Association was the only wheat cooperative in the state, farmers and elevators poured into the membership ranks. This boom was shortlived, however, as 1929 saw the price of wheat fall. The Association also lost the privilege of trading on both the Duluth and Minneapolis Boards of Trade. These factors caused the Association to go out of business by 1931.
From the description of Records, 1921-1938. (University of North Dakota). WorldCat record id: 49502647
