Mark Weber has been named the new director of Northern Crops Institute after a national search. He will assume his new duties Sept. 19.
Weber has more than 18 years of experience in agricultural leadership. He served as the executive director for the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association for 12 years and, previous to that position, he was the first executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Council and Growers Association for nearly six years.
“This is a wonderful opportunity,” Weber said. “Agriculture has an exciting future filled with challenges. The Northern Crops Institute has had a strong role in agriculture’s past successes and has an impeccable reputation regionally and nationally, as well as worldwide.
“Part of the reason for the region’s agricultural success is due to our export markets. Through its technical education and services, NCI has played a large part in that success. The 21st century is here, and Northern Crops Institute will have a solid place in that future. I am happy to be part of NCI,” Weber concluded.
Robert Majkrzak, chair of the Northern Crops Council, said, “Mark brings to NCI a unique blend of agriculture leadership, involvement with commodity groups, work on legislative issues and most importantly, his experience as a grower. These broad experiences will continue to enhance Northern Crops Institute’s long established world reputation for promoting crops. Mark’s energy, vision, communication and leadership skills will make him a pleasure to work with.”
Weber earned both his bachelor’s degree in mechanized agriculture and agronomy and his master’s degree in agricultural economics from NDSU.
Weber is a widower with two children — Harrison, a college sophomore, and Sheyenne, a high school junior. They live in Casselton, N.D., where Weber also is involved in his family’s farm.
He replaces Brian Sorenson, who left in March to join Dakota Specialty Milling, Fargo.