ND Ag Hall Of Fame Inductees

Philip J. Sauer

Philip J. Sauer was born and raised near Sanborn.  He grew up on the family farm and was educated in a country school.  After serving in WWI, he returned home where he married Pauline and raised four children.  His life revolved around his family, church, community and farm. Known as a progressive grain farmer, he had a special interest in raising purebred Shorthorn cattle.  Sauer showed Grand Champion over all breeds at the North Dakota Winter Show in 1954, 1955 and 1956.  He also served as a NDWS director for 30 years and as NDWS president.

He served as president of the North Dakota Shorthorn Association and was recognized in 1957 as a "Builder of the Breed" by the National Shorthorn Association.  He was also instrumental in helping young people started with purebred cattle.  He was a charter member of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, OK.  Sauer served in the North Dakota State Senate from 1951 to 1954. He served as Barnes County Commissioner from 1933 - 1949 and a term on the State Board for County Commissioners.  He was a director of the Barnes County Draft Board, as well as a director in his church for 20 years.  He also served on his local township and school board.  The Philip J. Sauer & Sons Farm was a model of a successful farm.  Sauer passed away in 1984.  Gerntholz noted, "He will be remembered as an outstanding example of a family man with deep interests in his farm, church, community and state."

Year Inducted: 2003