Mark Weber has been named director of the Northern Crops Institute after a national search. He will assume his new duties Sept. 19.

Weber has more than 18 years of experience in agricultural leadership. He served as the executive director for the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association for 12 years. He also served as the first executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Council and Growers Association for nearly six years.

“This is a wonderful opportunity,” says Weber. “Agriculture has an exciting future filled with challenges. The Northern Crops Institute has had a strong role in agriculture’s past successes and has an impeccable reputation regionally and nationally, as well as worldwide.

“Part of the reason for the region’s agricultural success is due to our export markets,” he adds. “Through its technical education and services, NCI has played a large part in that success. The 21st century is here, and Northern Crops Institute will have a solid place in that future. I am happy to be part of NCI.”

Weber earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanized agriculture and agronomy and a master’s degree in agricultural economics at North Dakota State University.

“Mark brings to NCI a unique blend of agriculture leadership, involvement with commodity groups, work on legislative issues, and most importantly, his experience as a grower,” says Robert Majkrzak, chair of the Northern Crops Council. “These broad experiences will continue to enhance the Northern Crops Institute’s long established world reputation for promoting crops. His energy, vision, communication and leadership skills will make him a pleasure to work with.”

Weber replaces Brian Sorenson, who left in March to join Dakota Specialty Milling in Fargo.

The Northern Crops Institute on the campus of North Dakota State University, supports regional agriculture and value-added processing by conducting educational and technical programs that expand and maintain domestic and international markets for northern-grown crops. NCI is funded by the states of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and commodity groups in those states and Montana.

NDSU Agriculture Communication