(July 30, 2026) – I enjoy gazing at fields of blooming yellow sunflowers as I drive by midwestern farmland at this time of year. Many people snap photos from their vehicles, and others seize the opportunity to hop out and use the golden fields as a scenic backdrop.

The North Dakota Tourism Department provides an interactive map so you know where to look for these beautiful flowering fields. Search online for North Dakota Tourism and sunflowers, and you’ll find a map highlighting prime viewing areas.

Most sunflower fields are in full bloom in early August. North Dakota is the leading sunflower producer in the U.S., with South Dakota and Minnesota rounding out the top three. Kansas, however, is known as the “Sunflower State” and has designated the sunflower as its state flower.

Sunflowers, known scientifically as “Helianthus annuus,” are native to the Americas. You may have heard of the “Three Sisters” gardening method of Indigenous or Native American peoples. The three sisters are corn, beans and squash. Sunflowers are often considered the fourth sister in this style of companion planting.

Sunflowers have a fascinating feature. Young sunflower heads track the sun from east to west throughout the day. This movement is called heliotropism. As the plants mature, however, the flower heads typically face east for the remainder of the growing season.

Sunflower seeds can be classed as “oilseed” or “non-oil” (confectionery). Most of the sunflower crop in the U.S. is of the oilseed variety. Confectionery sunflower seeds are typically black with white stripes and are larger than the black oilseed type. Sunflower seeds are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Besides beautifying our environment, sunflowers have many practical uses, including cooking oil, as roasted crunchy snacks and as a nonallergenic peanut butter alternative. Sunflower kernels can add crunch to salads, baked goods and main dishes, especially in households with a family member having a peanut allergy.

Peanuts, by the way, are among the most common food allergens. Federal regulations require packaged foods containing peanuts to be clearly labeled.

Someone with a peanut allergy may experience mild to severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include hives, rash, stomach pain, nasal congestion, sneezing or several other symptoms.

Severe peanut allergies can be life-threatening, because swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness can occur. Many schools restrict or prohibit peanut-containing foods.

The development of SunButter was a major benefit for those with peanut allergies. It was developed by Red River Commodities in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture beginning in 2000. Several flavors are produced in Fargo, North Dakota, and sold throughout the country.

Sunflower seeds also serve as livestock feed and birdseed. Oilseed sunflowers can be used in biofuel production. In fact, you may be driving a vehicle fueled with ethanol. After the oil is extracted, the meal can be used as nutritious livestock feed.

I hope I have inspired you to take a little road trip. Bring some crunchy sunflower seeds or this granola as a pick-me-up. Be sure your phone has a full battery to snap some photos to post on social media.

Crunchy Chocolate Granola

1½ cups unsweetened coconut flakes

½ cup pumpkin seeds (unsalted)

½ cup flaxseeds

1 tablespoon SunButter or almond butter

1 tablespoon canola oil

¼ cup dried cranberries

¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Mix together coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds in a medium bowl; set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add canola oil and SunButter or almond butter. Add the dry coconut flake/seed mixture to the skillet and stir well. Make sure dry ingredients are evenly coated with the nut butter mixture. Toast in the skillet for about

10 to 15 minutes on medium-low heat. Pour mixture onto a tray lined with parchment paper, and after a few minutes of cooling, add chocolate chips and dried cranberries and toss to mix. The chips will continue melting, making the granola creamy and chocolatey. Enjoy with your favorite milk, yogurt or by itself.

Makes 12 servings. Each serving has 160 calories, 12 grams (g) fat, 5 g protein, 11 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber and 5 milligrams sodium.

Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences. This article is republished from NDSU Extension under a Creative Commons license. To view the original column, visit https://tinyurl.com/ydddkkkd.

You know, college football can be odd. You can win two games decisively, covering the spread against FBS competition in the Ohio Bobcats (+23.5) and the Bowling Green Falcons (+30.5). The Nebraska Cornhuskers did that to open the 2026 campaign, beating the Former Fighting Frankies 49-21 on September 5 before routing the really bad Bowlers 56-7 this past Saturday.

But with the FCS division’s North Dakota Fighting Hawks knocking on the Memorial Stadium door, the FanDuel Sportsbook is holding an early line as Nebraska at 24.5 point favorites.

(I kid, you played for the Titans, you’ve suffered enough.)

The Hawks are not to be overlooked. North Dakota is 3-0 on the season and can score. They haven’t scored less than 42 points in a game and are averaging 50.3 ppg in 2026.

Yes, Nebraska is 2-0 and they are getting some attention from national eyes, receiving votes in the American Football Coaches Association. But the early schedule has been built to give the team confidence, to give us hope, and to drive ticket sales. But the Hawks are the sixth-ranked team in the FCS. Nebraska is the lone FBS school on NoDak’s schedule before they hit the gauntlet of the Missouri Valley Conference, where they will face teams like South Dakota State (3), Illinois State (4), Youngstown State (9), South Dakota (12), and Southern Illinois University Carbondale (25). The MVC is the toughest overall conference in the FCS (damn Montana and Montana State standing in the way). In the Hawks’ last game against FBS competition, they lost 38-35 at Kansas State.

This is the last tune-up before Big Ten play. For the Huskers, it’s a chance to fix some mental errors and clean up their game before the trek to East Lansing. What does Dana Holgorsen have dialed up in this game? Will Rob Aurich’s defense continue to minimize the damage? Will a number-one running back emerge, or will it continue to be RB by committee? And will the stable of wide receivers break loose for another big day?

It’s a 6:15pm kickoff on Saturday. And you know you will be watching.

R. Lars Herseth, beloved husband, father and grandfather, as well as proud South Dakota farmer and rancher, respected public servant and agricultural leader, died of cancer on September 12, 2026, at the age of 80. He passed away in his lifelong home overlooking the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge surrounded by his loving family.

Born June 16, 1946, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Lars was the son of Ralph E. and Lorna B. Herseth and was raised on the family farm and ranch near Houghton. The land that shaped his childhood would remain at the center of his life for the next eight decades.

After graduating from the University of South Dakota, Lars returned to northeastern South Dakota to raise his young family and devote his life to farming and ranching—the third generation of Herseths to do so. He raised many types of crops and livestock over the years, primarily corn, soybeans and Black Angus cattle. For Lars, agriculture was a way of life; he knew many good years as well as some devastating ones due to drought, hail and flooding.

Public service was also woven deeply into Lars’ life. The son of South Dakota Governor Ralph Herseth and former Secretary of State Lorna Buntrock Herseth, Lars began his own legislative career in the South Dakota House of Representatives in 1975. He went on to serve for two decades in Pierre—12 years in the House and eight years in the Senate. During those 20 years in the South Dakota Legislature, Lars became one of the state’s most prominent and respected legislative leaders, serving eight years as House Minority Leader from 1979-1986, President Pro Tempore of the Senate in 1993-94, and Senate Minority Leader in 1995-96. He was also the Democratic nominee for Governor in 1986.

During those years, Lars was known for his legislative acumen, command of the issues, collegiality that knew no partisan bounds, and being true to his word. He was exceptionally fair-minded and a steadfast advocate for women’s rights and Native American issues. During his final legislative term, he spoke passionately in opposition to a bill that sought to prevent recognition of same-sex marriage.

Lars was particularly engaged in issues affecting agriculture, transportation, economic development and health care. His approach to public life was to put solving problems for the people of South Dakota ahead of political differences. Few issues demonstrated that conviction more clearly than South Dakota’s railroad crisis of the late 1970s and early 1980s. As abandonment of rail lines jeopardized the state’s transportation infrastructure and agricultural economy, Lars worked with Governor Bill Janklow and legislators of both parties to preserve essential rail service.

Following his years in elected office, Lars remained deeply engaged in agriculture, public policy and civic life. He served in leadership roles supporting corn producers and renewable fuels, including as president of the American Coalition for Ethanol and as a member of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council. His advocacy reflected his belief that agriculture, innovation and homegrown energy could strengthen rural communities, the state’s economy and national security. His effective leadership and significant contributions were recognized by multiple organizations, including the South Dakota Corn Growers Association’s Excellence in Agriculture Award and the American Coalition for Ethanol Merle Anderson Award.

Yet the public record tells only part of Lars Herseth’s story.

For the past 32 years, Lars was married to his loving and devoted wife Diane, who shared his affection for the land, the rhythms of planting and harvest, and the stunning visual and auditory gifts of Sand Lake and its wildlife. They also shared a passion for horses. Lars raised quarter horses in the 1970s and 80s, and when Diane came into his life, he not only taught her to ride, but they also traveled extensively to follow high-profile thoroughbreds at premier racetracks across the country. They also visited nearly two-thirds of America’s national parks, experiences that reflected Lars’ appreciation for our nation’s natural beauty and history as well as our shared commitment to preserving these remarkable places.

Lars raised and cherished his three children—Todd, Stephanie and Matthew—demonstrating extraordinary love and support, providing wise counsel and guidance, making them laugh with his great sense of humor, and expressing his pride in their work ethic and accomplishments. His three grandchildren—Addison, Ayson and Zachary—also brought him great joy, especially when they were exploring everything the farm and ranch had to offer. With the older two grandchildren, Lars and Diane enjoyed many adventures and instilled in them a profound appreciation of the natural world. With the youngest, they marveled at his musical talent on the violin and piano, and treasured the opportunity to see him conduct an original composition for chamber orchestra performed in the State Capitol last December.

Three other family members were also his closest friends—elder sisters Karen and Connie and cousin Marc, who was more like a brother since childhood. Their memories became the stories all the nieces, nephews and cousins wanted to hear at every holiday gathering at the Herseth Ranch. Lars and Diane loved spending time with extended family in Pierre on the banks of the Missouri River. The tradition of Thanksgiving at Kabekona Lake in the Northwoods of Minnesota over the past two decades also was particularly meaningful.

Those who knew Lars will remember a man deeply rooted in a particular place, connecting him to the generations who came before in stewarding the land. They will remember his intelligence, kindness and wit, his knowledge of agriculture, ethanol and politics, his optimism, courage and independent spirit, his loyalty to friends and neighbors, and his deep love and affection for his family.

Lars is survived by his beloved wife Diane Friedman Herseth; his grateful children, Todd Herseth, Stephanie (Max) Herseth Sandlin, and Matthew Anderson; his beautiful grandchildren, Addison Anderson, Ayson Anderson, and Zachary Lars Sandlin; his dear sisters, Karen (David) Herseth Wee, Connie (Jerome) Jacobs; his trusted cousin Marc Herseth; and his adoring nieces and nephew, Mari, Allix, Calli, Rebecca and Jonathan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph E. Herseth and Lorna B. Herseth.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2:00pm in the Johnson Fine Arts Center, Northern State University, 12th Ave. SE, Aberdeen, SD.

Memorials may be directed to Feeding South Dakota or South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

www.spitzerfuneralhome.com