North Dakota State University Extension honored several individuals and organizations for their support at the 2026 NDSU Extension Spring Conference, which took place April 7-9 in Fargo, North Dakota.
The awards highlight contributions to the mission of NDSU Extension, which supports rural communities and promotes sustainable agriculture practices across North Dakota, according to the official website. The organization focuses on education, research and extension services that support agriculture throughout the state.
Three people received the Friend of Extension award: Dan Wogsland, former executive director of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association; Perry Turner, former president of the North Dakota County Commissioners Association board; and Sarah Lovas, former chair of the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education. The Northarvest Bean Growers Association was recognized with the Friend of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences award for its support to family and community wellness agents.
Lynette Flage, associate director of NDSU Extension, said about Wogsland: “Dan’s collaborative leadership, deep policy expertise and unwavering commitment to NDSU agriculture make him exceptionally deserving of the Friend of Extension award.” Regarding Turner’s recognition she said: “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.” On Lovas’ achievements Flage said: “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.”
The awards are sponsored by Epsilon Sigma Phi’s North Dakota chapter. The association is known as one of the oldest groups for extension professionals. The family sciences honor is given for significant contributions supporting related programs. In recent years, Northarvest Bean Growers Association has provided materials such as beans as well as funding and training aimed at increasing bean use in local kitchens.
North Dakota State University Extension functions as part of North Dakota State University where it operates undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture along with natural resources studies according to its official website. Its services extend statewide within both agricultural education initiatives and broader community engagement efforts.
Photos from this year’s spring conference can be found online at bit.ly/NDSUspringconference-26.
