EXHIBIT 5.1



                                  July 12, 2000




Raven Industries, Inc.
205 East 6th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57117


       Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

       We have acted on behalf of Raven Industries, Inc. (the "Company") in
connection with a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to registration of 250,000 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value,
issued or to be issued by the Company (the "Shares"), pursuant to the terms of
the Company's 2000 Stock Option and Compensation Plan (the "Plan"). Upon
examination of such corporate documents and records as we have deemed necessary
or advisable for the purposes hereof, it is our opinion that:

       1.     The Company is a validly existing corporation in good standing
              under the laws of the State of South Dakota.

       2.     The Shares, when issued and paid for as contemplated by the Plan,
              and when delivered against payment thereof in the manner
              contemplated by the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and
              non-assessable.

       We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.


                              Very truly yours,


                              /s/ Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP


                                        6