ND Ag Hall Of Fame Inductees

Eugene Dahl

Eugene Dahl was instrumental in the development of farm equipment and farm equipment companies that all farmers in North Dakota are familiar with, Bobcat and Steiger.  He was born and raised in Gwinner, ND. Following two quarters at NDSU he served in the US Army and entered combat in December of 1944 at the Battle of the Bulge.  He completed his education at Michigan State and UND in Grand Forks.  In 1948 Mr. Dahl joined his brothers-in-law with the fledgling Melroe Company.  They built a company that manufactured equipment that increased productivity for thousands of farmers and ranchers in the upper Midwest such as the windrow pickup, multi-harrows, culti-harrows, plows and the Bobcat.  After selling the company to Clark Equipment, Mr. Dahl and his brother-in-law Les Melroe provided capital and Eugene took the helm as CEO of a struggling Steiger Tractor Company.  Sales grew from $2 million in 1970 to $105 million in 1975.  His next project, this time with his sons, was Concord, Inc. With his capital and tutelage Concord became one of the leading manufacturers of air seeders.  Other companies affected by his expertise were Phoenix, Amity Technology and WillRich.  Mr. Dahl served on numerous boards such as Lutheran Health Systems, Blue Cross Blue Shield and National Association of Manufacturers as well as two terms in the ND House of Representatives.

Year Inducted: 2010