Funding Allows FarmNet Services to Expand Website
Posted on June 19, 2001

BISMARCK, ND - FarmNet Services Inc., Harvey, received a $75,000 investment from the North Dakota Development Fund to expand the company website, www.farmnetservices.com, to include 20 more grain-producing states and introduce grain marketing features.

�FarmNet Services is an ideal recipient of Development Fund dollars,� said Gov. John Hoeven. �As a result of its expansion, FarmNet expects to hire additional marketing and support people and will primarily profit from out-of-state money.�

The North Dakota Development Fund, a financing entity within the state's Department of Economic Development & Finance (ED&F;), is devoted to job creation and economic gain for the state.

FarmNet Services was started in March 2000 by Harvey residents, Richard Haman, Carol Zuther and Jerry Hovland. They perceived a need for a comprehensive Internet-based service for farmers, suppliers and related agriculture businesses and developed the concept for the website. The site is targeted toward individuals and businesses involved in the small grain and soybean industries.

�With the rapid changes taking place in the agriculture industry, the Internet is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for both producers and agribusinesses,� said Lee Peterson, director of ED&F.; �This site offers more detailed information and unique features than other agriculture sites on the web.�

FarmNet�s web site provides specific information to help producers including daily grain quotes, equipment location services, and details about grain elevators, chemicals, seeds, fertilizers and implements. The site acts as an advertising medium for ag-related businesses, giving them the option to develop a web site within or place a link on the FarmNet site.

The North Dakota input is complete and is generating revenues from advertisers and individual website fees. After adding the other 20 states, the site will include 95 percent of small grain production and 92 percent of soybean production in the United States.

�Our site will allows producers to market directly to the elevators, food processors, milling companies and other end users,� said Richard Haman, president of FarmNet Services. �Buyers will be able to get exactly what they are looking for through a search of grain inventories listed on the site, which is revolutionary in this industry.�

The Department of Economic Development & Finance provides strategic direction and quality products and services that stimulate and support local economic growth and diversity for North Dakota communities. For more information on ED&F;, visit the web site at www.growingnd.com.

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Contact: Lee Peterson, ED&F; Director, 701-328-5300.