On June 10, the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education held elections during a meeting at North Dakota State University’s Peltier Complex in Fargo, North Dakota, marking a new chapter for several members.

New chair – Pam Gulleson

On June 10, SBARE elected Pam Gulleson as the new chair. A longtime farmer-rancher from Rutland, North Dakota, Gulleson brings decades of experience in agriculture, public policy and community health. She previously served in the North Dakota House of Representatives and as chief of staff to Sen. Byron Dorgan. Gulleson’s broad background in both production agriculture and state and federal leadership uniquely positions her to serve North Dakota’s agricultural interests.

Chair Gulleson will serve alongside Vice Chair John Nordgaard, elected to the position in 2023. Nordgaard has vast experience overseeing corn, potato, soybean, wheat and peanut production, as well as managing global agricultural operations. As the former vice president of AGVISE Laboratories and Black Gold Farms, the Bottineau, North Dakota, resident will continue advancing the SBARE mission.

New members – Scott Huso and Jason Schmidt

Scott Huso of Aneta, North Dakota, was elected as the Ag Coalition appointee beginning July 1. Additionally, Huso serves on the North Dakota Wheat Commission for District 5. A fifth-generation farmer, Huso holds a master’s degree in agricultural economics from NDSU and previously worked on trade policy and biotechnology issues in Washington. His understanding of the wheat industry, coupled with experience in public and private sectors, aligns with SBARE’s efforts to guide research priorities and promote market opportunities for North Dakota crops.

Jason Schmidt, of Medina, North Dakota, was elected as the representative for NDSU Extension’s Multi-county Program Units 7 and 8. A seasoned rancher with a commercial cow/calf operation, Schmidt serves on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board and has also been involved with the North Dakota Beef Commission and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. His leadership and perspective on livestock health, beef markets and rural policy will support the board’s mission.

Conclusion of chair term – Sarah Hall Lovas

Sarah Hall Lovas, who began her time on the board in 2017 and was elected chair in September 2021, concluded her service as chair and board member on June 30.

Lovas, a crop consultant and agronomist from Hillsboro, North Dakota, is known for her commitment to science-based agriculture and service to her community. A former president of the North Dakota Certified Crop Advisers and recipient of the 2022 North Dakota CCA of the Year Award, Lovas has consistently advocated for innovation and accountability in research.

During her tenure as SBARE chair, Lovas helped guide the board through multiple legislative sessions, emphasizing sustainable funding for the NDSU Research Extension Centers, equipment upgrades and targeted research to benefit producers. She advocated for transparent prioritization processes, producer engagement and the importance of pairing Extension education with on-farm solutions.

Exiting member – Mark Urquhart

After four years of service, Mark Urquhart of Jamestown has concluded his term on SBARE. Representing NDSU Extension’s Multi-county Program Units 7 and 8 since 2021, Urquhart brought insight from his work in livestock, small grains and row crops.

In addition to his professional contributions, Urquhart has been active in local organizations such as the Jamestown Airport Authority and the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – July 8, 2025

Source: Greg Lardy, 701-231-7660, gregory.lardy@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.com