On June 9, the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education held elections during a meeting at North Dakota State University’s Harry D. McGovern Alumni Center in Fargo, North Dakota, marking leadership transitions and the addition of new members.

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 leadership

John Nordgaard of Bottineau, who has served SBARE since 2022, was elected chair and has begun his second term on the board. Nordgaard brings more than 46 years of experience in soils, agricultural production and research.

Nordgaard now serves alongside Vice Chair Pam Gulleson of Rutland, a longtime farmer-rancher with extensive experience in agriculture, public policy and community health. Gulleson previously served as chair since June 2025 and has begun her second four-year term.

Membership updates

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

Galbreath fills the term of Jason Schmidt, who died unexpectedly on Aug. 8, 2025. Galbreath joined the board on Oct. 30, representing NDSU Extension’s Multicounty Program Units 7 and 8. Galbreath is a livestock producer and sales nutritionist for a national feed supplier. He is active in multiple livestock organizations, serves on state and local associations, and works closely with farmers and ranchers across the state.

Jaeger and McDonald have begun four-year terms. Jaeger replaces Julie Zikmund of Park River, who served two terms on SBARE, and represents NDSU Extension’s Multicounty Program Units 3 and 4. McDonald replaces Doug Bichler of Linton, who also served two terms on SBARE, and serves as an Ag Coalition appointee.

Jaeger is a partner on her family farm, where they raise soybeans, corn, wheat, canola and beef cattle. She is vice president of the Benson County Farmers Union Board, has served on the Farm Service Agency State Committee and is a graduate of the Rural Leadership North Dakota program through NDSU Extension.

McDonald has extensive experience in crop and livestock production, including corn, soybeans, oats, canola, rye and alfalfa hay and a cow-calf operation. He serves as a director for the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, has held roles on local boards and earned a degree in agricultural systems management from NDSU with minors in agronomy and economics.

Legislative appointee Rep. Austin Foss of Fargo is now serving the remainder of Rep. Alisa Mitskog’s term. Rep. Foss was appointed by Sen. David Hogue, Legislative Management chair, on Jan. 21, 2026. Sen. Jerry Klein of Fessenden continues his service on the board.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – July 14, 2026

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

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