North Dakota is really a magnet ... for students.
We've been on a downward trend for births since 1981, except for the last two years. Hopefully, that has bottomed out and the trend will reverse.
The trick is to get people to think differently.
Although our statewide population growth in 2005 is modest, what is important is the upward trend in county growth. Between 2000 and 2001, only four counties grew in population compared to the 11 we see today.
The bulk of the ones who leave are also the young adults, the very group that has children. So, it's a double-whammy.
They shouldn't lose sight of agriculture because it's always been the backbone, but they need to add value to it and diversify. The economy of the nation and world is changing, moving into a service sector economy.
There's a greater demand for energy across the board: coal, oil and natural gas, all of which North Dakota is a major producer, so we're reaping the benefits of that energy sector.
The economy of the state has changed dramatically. The changing face of agriculture drove out farmers and farm families, which drove off businesses that rely on farm families.
