Chris Augustin has been appointed director of North Dakota State University’s Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC).

Augustin has been the Extension soil health specialist at NDSU’s North Central Research Extension Center near Minot, N.D., since March 2012. Prior to that, he was a nutrient management specialist at NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center for four years.

“Dr. Augustin has extensive experience with the Research Extension Center network in North Dakota through his work at the Carrington REC and North Central REC,” says Greg Lardy, vice president for Agricultural Affairs at NDSU. “This perspective will be valuable as he steps into the leadership role at the DREC.

“Chris’ background and training in soil science and his experience in applied research will also prove valuable as we look to enhance the presence of that discipline at the center,” Lardy adds. “Chris recently completed his Ph.D. program in soil science and is looking forward to this new role.”

Augustin grew up on his family’s farm near Crystal in northeastern North Dakota, where he helped with the small grains, sugarbeets and potatoes operation. He earned bachelor of science and master of science degrees in natural resources management, with an emphasis on soil science, from NDSU. He received his doctorate in soil science from NDSU in December 2019.

“I’m excited to help the agricultural producers of southwestern North Dakota by leading a multifaceted team in Dickinson,” he says. “I’m a farm kid who loves science and look forward to my boots on the ground and getting to work.”

He starts work at the center in early April.

The DREC is one of seven RECs that are part of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. The centers are placed strategically throughout the state to respond to issues and challenges in a particular area. The DREC provides research on cropping systems, crop rotation, sustainable agriculture, grazing systems, farming methods for dryland agriculture, native grassland and pasture improvement, beef cattle and swine breeding, feeding management and disease control in southwestern North Dakota.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - March 6, 2020