ND Wine & Prairie Traditions: From Vineyards to Spelling Bees and Higher Ed

Published March 24, 2026 at 4:54 PM CDT

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North Dakota State University presidential finalists are, from left, Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement at Kansas State University; Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success at the University of Tennessee; and Alan Smith, dean and professor of kinesiology and health science at Utah State University.

Today's Segments

Prairie Plates: ND Wine & Food Festival Preview: Cold-Climate Craft
Winemakers Greg Cook and Sean Ballinger preview the ND Wine & Food Festival, highlighting cold-climate grapes, regional varietals, and food offerings. You can hear all episodes of Prairie Plates here.

Plains Folk: The Spelling Bee Craze
Tom Isern explores the late-1800s spelling bee craze in Dakota Territory, where “old-time” bees became lively social events blending competition, music, and community. You can hear all episodes of Plains Folk here.

Prairie Beat: NDSU Search and Higher Ed Changes
Prairie Beat examines the NDSU presidential search and broader leadership transitions across North Dakota’s higher education system amid enrollment and strategy shifts. You can hear all episodes of Prairie Beat here.

Our Living Lands: Denver Helps Tribes Restore Bison
Tribes work to restore bison herds with help from Denver’s managed herds, reconnecting Indigenous communities with a vital cultural and ecological resource.