Alumni Spotlight: Matt Perdue ’16

Dickinson State University (DSU) alumnus Matt Perdue was elected president of the North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) in December.

Perdue farms with his parents near Ray, North Dakota, raising spring wheat, durum, canola, lentils, and soybeans. He and his wife, Abby, have two daughters, Ellie and Eva, and split their time between Jamestown and Ray.

He graduated from DSU in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in Composite Social Sciences, along with a minor in leadership. He was drawn to DSU by the opportunity to challenge himself academically through the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and to play football as a Blue Hawk. His decision was further influenced by family ties, as both of his parents graduated from DSU.

After graduating, Perdue moved to Washington, D.C., to begin his career advocating for family farmers and ranchers. After three and a half years, he returned to North Dakota and spent nearly six years working at NDFU, where he led state and federal policy efforts, helped develop education programs, supported farmer-owned cooperatives, and managed business development projects. During that time, he also remained involved in his family’s farming operation.

While working full-time, Perdue continued his education, earning a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University.

Last June, he stepped away from his role at NDFU to run for the organization’s presidency. “After a lot of miles, roast beef dinners at county Farmers Union conventions, and late-night conversations, I was elected in December,” he said.

“I am honored to have earned the trust and support of NDFU members,” Perdue said. “The farm economy is in rough shape right now. It’s during the tough times that NDFU’s work matters most. As a fifth-generation Farmers Union member, I’m eager to do my part to help family farmers and ranchers overcome the challenges we face.”

From DSU to the presidency of NDFU, Perdue’s path reflects a continued commitment to leadership, service, and strengthening the future of family farming.

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Written by Alician Parks – DSU HF Student Writer