North Dakota ag research group elects new chair; 74% of state crop blooming

The North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) elected a new chair and new members at its June 9 meeting.

 SBARE works with the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and NDSU Extension to identify needs, establish funding priorities and set policies. All new roles were assumed on July 1.

New chair John Nordgaard of Bottineau, a SBARE member since 2022, brings more than 46 years of experience in soils, agricultural production and research. He serves alongside vice chair Pam Gulleson of Rutland, a longtime farmer-rancher with extensive experience in agriculture, public policy and community health, who served as chair since June 2025.

In addition, Aaron Galbreath of Butte, Christie Jaeger of Esmond and Brian McDonald of Leonard joined SBARE.

Legislative appointee Rep. Austin Foss of Fargo is now serving the remainder of Rep. Alisa Mitskog’s term. Foss was appointed by Sen. David Hogue, Legislative Management chair, on Jan. 21. Sen. Jerry Klein of Fessenden continues his service on the board.

Crop update

As of the week ending July 12, 74% of North Dakota’s potato crop was blooming, compared to 75% at the same time in 2025, according to USDA statistics. The five-year blooming average is 76%.

Twenty-one percent of rows were filled, compared to 35% in 2025 and the five-year average of 33%.

Fifty-five percent of the crop was rated as good, with 24% fair, 20% poor, 1% excellent and 0% very poor. In 2025, 61% of the crop was good, 26% fair, 13% excellent and 0% poor and very poor. The five-year average is 50% good, 43% fair, 6% poor, 7% excellent and 3% very poor.