The present commissioner is Doug Goehring, a Republican.

The agriculture commissioner's term was then extended from two years to four, and was placed on a party affiliated ballot, while the commissioner of labor was placed on a no party ballot.

[2] The office is a high-profile position, as agriculture is key to the state economy.

The commissioner of agriculture is also a member of the North Dakota Industrial Commission, a three-member panel that oversees North Dakota's state-owned enterprises and also includes the governor and attorney general.

The agriculture commissioner also sits alongside the governor and seven other members on the State Water Commission.