Our Heritage
Since our inception on March 22, 1929, Horizon Resources has woven a rich tapestry of growth, innovation, and service. It all began when Farmers Union Oil Company of Williston opened its doors to 110 original members, quickly expanding to 500 within months. Our cooperative has always been more than a business; it’s a community cornerstone that has flourished alongside our members.
Timeline
The timeline of Horizon Resources is marked by significant milestones and strategic expansions that have shaped our identity and capabilities. In 1936, we laid the foundation for our first service station, a pivotal development that set the stage for future growth. This expansion continued in 1965 with the construction of a new, modern service station, further cementing our presence in the community.
The 1970s brought diversification; in 1973, we ventured into propane, acquiring tanks and a plant to meet growing energy needs. The mid-70s also saw the construction of a storage and bulk anhydrous ammonia fertilizer plant, enhancing our agronomy services. In 1991, our commitment to local agricultural support was underscored by the acquisition of a local soil service, which enabled us to provide tailored agronomic solutions.
Our reach extended into eastern Montana in 1994 with the acquisition of the Fairview and Savage fertilizer plants, marking a significant expansion of our agronomy division. The petroleum division was not left behind, as it grew with the acquisition of Major Oils INC. in 1997 and the opening of a new convenience store in Ray, ND, in 2001.
2001 was also a landmark year for our grain division. The merger of Northwest Grain Cooperative in Williston, Watford City, Epping, and Trenton with Prairie States Cooperative Terminal of Zahl, Grenora, and Alamo created a central grain shipping location for North Dakota, streamlining our operations and enhancing our market reach.
Our journey of integration and expansion reached a pinnacle in 2006 when Farmers Union Oil merged with Prairie States Cooperative Terminal to officially form Horizon Resources. This merger was a strategic alignment that united our shared values and visions for the future. In 2012, we expanded our footprint further by acquiring Farmers Union Oil Company of Wildrose, adding another agronomy, propane, and convenience store location to our growing network. In 2015, we added Malta, MT to our network with the addition of a 5th convenience store, and in 2022, All Around Feed in Watford City joined our family, continuing our tradition of growth and service.
Today, Horizon Resources stands as a testament to nearly a century of dedication and growth. We continue to honor our promise to connect customers with essential resources and markets, not just for today but for many generations to come. Our history is not just about the milestones we’ve reached but about the enduring relationships and trust we’ve built along the way.
Celebrating Our Legacy, Driving Forward Together
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wagner and his wife Jill, reside south of Bainville, Montana. A proud Montana State alum with a degree in Ag Business, he is a fourth-generation producer who farms and ranches in the rolling hills along the Missouri River in Eastern Montana. The Harmon Family legacy continues on their operation with the fifth and sixth generations working on the ranch today. Their family also owns and operates Montana River Ranch hunting lodge specializing in upland game, mule deer, and whitetail deer.
Wagner has been actively involved in the cooperative since 2007, following in the footsteps of his father, Dean, who served on the Williston Farmers Union Oil board for nine years. His great grandfather, Harp, was one of the beginning members of Williston Farmers Union Oil, which later became Horizon Resources. He believes deeply in the cooperative model and values Horizon Resources as a trusted partner for producers.
Beyond his work in agriculture, Wagner has been committed to his community in many ways. He is a former president of his local community club, an FFA alumnus, and has served as a high school basketball coach. His leadership extends to water conservation and outdoor industries, having previously served on the Roosevelt County Conservation District and the Dry Prairie Rural Water Board. He has also been a board member of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association.
Currently, Wagner also serves as a board member for the Montana Board of Outfitters, and the Senior Ag Water Right Alliance. His passion for agriculture, rural communities, and conservation continues to shape his leadership and advocacy efforts.
Wagner’s current term expires in 2026.
Brent Kjorstad was elected to the board in 2021 and has served as Vice President since 2024. He and his wife, Brandi, farm and ranch alongside his parents, just outside of Williston, North Dakota. Brent is a fourth-generation farmer, raising small grains, hay, and Red Angus cattle.
He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Plant Protection. He worked as an agronomist for Horizon Resources in our Williston office for 16 years before going full-time into farming and ranching.
Brent takes pride in serving on the board, as he believes Horizon Resources plays a critical role in promoting and supporting the agricultural community. Since 2002, he has also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Williston Rural Fire Department.
Outside of his professional commitments, Brent enjoys woodworking and spending time with his family. He and Brandi have four children: Dale, Jacob, David, and Delaini. As a family, they are actively involved in hockey and 4-H.
Brent’s current term expires in 2026.
Jason Leiseth has proudly served on the Horizon Resources Board of Directors since 2007. Jason and his wife Peggy operate a fourth-generation farm and ranch in McKenzie County, North Dakota. They grow small grains, hay, and manage a commercial Red Angus cow-calf operation. Together with their three sons, Erik, Brady, and Tyler, who is currently attending college.
Jason earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University. His commitment to agriculture extends beyond the farm. He has been an active volunteer with the McKenzie County 4-H Livestock Program and previously served on its committee. Jason also spent eight years on the board of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, including serving as its President in 2023 and 2024. Currently, he serves as the President of the ND Stockmen's Foundation.
As a Horizon Resources board member, Jason values the opportunity to contribute to a cooperative that supports local producers and strengthens the community. He takes pride in ensuring Horizon Resources continues to provide vital services and opportunities for its members.
Jason’s current term expires in 2026.
Gerald Gillund and his wife, Brenda, reside near Wildrose, North Dakota. Their farm, originally homesteaded by Gerald’s great-grandparents, produces durum, canola, and peas. A lifelong farmer, Gerald has been involved with Horizon Resources since 2006, first as an associate board member, and later as a board member beginning in 2012 when Horizon Resources expanded its footprint by acquiring Farmers Union Oil Company of Wildrose.
Gerald takes pride in being part of a farmer-owned cooperative and is committed to serving his fellow producers in any way he can. In addition to his work in agriculture, he has served on several industry and community boards, including the Farm Service Agency and the Soil Conservation District. He is also an elder at the Alliance Gospel Chapel in Wildrose and remains actively engaged in his local community.
Alongside his farming operations, Gerald co-owns In the Potter’s Hand Inc. with his children and cousin. In the Potter's Hand, which started on their farm, specializes in allergen-free personal care products, and is now based in Crosby, ND.
Gerald has two adult children, Daniel, and Sarah. Daniel is a mechanical engineer at SpaceX, and Sarah is a nurse. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
Gerald’s current term expires in 2027.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
