Committee advances bill to name rhubarb North Dakota’s state vegetable after family testimony

The House Political Subdivisions Committee voted to advance House Bill 1334 after testimony from the Steckler family and other supporters who described rhubarb’s place in North Dakota foodways and culture.

Representative Matt Heilman, sponsor of the constituent bill, told the committee he uploaded corrected testimony and introduced the measure at the family’s request. Members of the Steckler family — including children who described growing, recipes and facts about rhubarb — told the committee they began the effort as a homeschool history project and found the state had no designated vegetable. "We are trying to make the rhubarb the official North Dakota state vegetable," said Tamara Steckler, describing family experience growing and preserving rhubarb.

Several witnesses said rhubarb is resilient in cold climates, figured into immigrant culinary traditions in the state, and helped families survive difficult years such as the Dust Bowl. Supporters in the hearing also described local festivals and contests celebrating rhubarb.

Committee members asked questions about cultural fit and precedent; Representative Masschenbacher spoke positively and offered a light‑hearted remark in support. After discussion, Representative Heilman carried a motion for a do‑pass recommendation; the committee recorded the final vote as 12 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent, not voting. Representative Heilman was named carrier.

The committee conversation noted that measures declaring state symbols vary in the depth of supporting research and public advocacy, but members praised the family’s civic engagement. The bill will move forward with a committee recommendation.