(ND Ag Connection) – People who have given their time and talents to North Dakota State University Extension and the NDSU Research Extension Centers were recognized at this year’s fall conference held Oct. 24-26 in Fargo.

NDSU Extension honored Mark Birdsall, former North Dakota Rep. Tracy Boe and former North Dakota Sen. Rich Wardner with the Friend of Extension award. The North Dakota Nutrition Council received the Friend of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences award.

The Friend of Extension award is the highest recognition presented to honor individuals, businesses or organizations for their support and involvement in Extension efforts. The Friend of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences award honors an individual or organization for significant contributions and support of family and consumer sciences programs.

Mark Birdsall has been a dedicated supporter of NDSU research and Extension activities. He was appointed to the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) by the North Dakota Ag Coalition in 2014. He served two terms, including one as chair. His work on SBARE helped support initiatives to fund Extension specialist positions, enhance web and digital delivery, and establish programs in ag health and safety and big data.

“As the chair of SBARE, Mark was a positive champion for NDSU agriculture,” says Lynette Flage, associate director of NDSU Extension. “In addition, Mark grew up in 4-H and the values and lessons learned during his youth inevitably helped him become the leader he is today.”

Boe served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 2003 to 2022. His work as a member of the House Appropriations Education and Environment Committee supported NDSU Extension and the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station budgets through the legislative process each biennium. Rep. Boe also served as a legislatively appointed member of SBARE, providing expertise to the board during listening sessions and helping to determine priorities for NDSU Extension and research.