People who have given their time and talents to North Dakota State University Extension were recognized at the 2026 North Dakota State University Extension Spring Conference, held April 7-9 in Fargo, North Dakota.

The Friend of Extension award is the highest recognition for honoring people, businesses or organizations for their support and involvement in Extension efforts.

NDSU Extension honored three people as the 2026 Friends of Extension: Dan Wogsland, former North Dakota Grain Growers Association executive director; Perry Turner, former North Dakota County Commissioners Association board president; and Sarah Lovas, former North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education chair.

The Northarvest Bean Growers Association received the Friend of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences award.

For over four decades, Wogsland has advocated for North Dakota agriculture and has been a strong partner to NDSU Extension’s mission. His work as a farmer, state senator, policy advisor and longtime executive director of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association reflects a career centered on improving the well-being and economic resilience of North Dakotans.

“Dan’s collaborative leadership, deep policy expertise and unwavering commitment to NDSU agriculture make him exceptionally deserving of the Friend of Extension award,” says Lynette Flage, associate director of NDSU Extension.

Turner served as a McIntosh County commissioner from 2014 through 2024, dedicating a full decade to improving county government and championing statewide collaboration. During his tenure, he served on the North Dakota County Commissioners Association board. As NDCCA president, Turner testified before the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, voicing the Association’s strong support for the state funding needed for NDSU Extension to maintain high-quality research, education and service.

“For his unwavering support, visionary leadership and meaningful contributions to the success of NDSU Extension, I am honored to present Perry Turner with the Friend of Extension award,” says Flage.

Lovas has worked in a range of roles across both private industry and cooperative agronomy, gaining hands-on experience in crop production, nutrient management and pesticide stewardship. Lovas has been committed to agricultural leadership and advocacy through her service on the North Dakota SBARE for over a decade.

“Through her leadership, she helped elevate the board’s message, strengthen relationships with decision-makers and promote long-term investments in agriculture that support farmers, rural communities and the state’s economy,” says Flage.

The North Dakota chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, the oldest and largest association for Extension professionals, sponsors the Friend of Extension awards.

The Friend of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences award honors a person or organization for significant contributions and support of family and consumer science programs.

Over the past several years, the Northarvest Bean Growers Association has supported local NDSU Extension family and community wellness agents by providing materials, beans, funding and specialized training to increase the use of beans in North Dakota kitchens.

*Photos of all spring conference award honorees can be found at bit.ly/NDSUspringconference-26.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – April 21, 2026

Source: Lynette Flage, 701-231-7782, lynette.flage@ndsu.edu

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