Advisory Board

Precision Product Manager - Crop Production - CNH Industrial

Chad Biegler (NDSU Mechanical Engineering 2010), is a Precision Product Manager for CNH Industrial, based in Sioux Falls SD. Raised in agriculture and through his family’s aftermarket equipment business, he developed a deep appreciation for problem-solving and innovation. Today Chad plays a key role in advancing CNH’s Precision Ag Technology, leading Sense and Act & Autonomous vehicle initiatives.

Innovation Manager - Farm Credit Services of America

Dane Braun is an Innovation Manager for three collaborating Farm Credit Associations—AgCountry Farm Credit, Farm Credit Services of America, and Frontier Farm Credit. In this role, he drives organic growth initiatives, business model innovation, and open innovation through partnerships with universities, startups, and ecosystem builders such as Grand Farm.

Previously, Dane spent seven years at Bushel, a Fargo-based agtech startup, where he led development of its flagship customer portal, directed four acquisitions, integrated FarmLogs into the platform, and helped shape the company’s M&A strategy.

Dane holds a master’s degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics from North Dakota State University. Outside of work, he enjoys contributing to his family’s farm in Wheaton, MN, traveling with his family, and snowmobiling in the mountains.

Student Representative - NDSU

CEO - Amity Technology

Howard Dahl is CEO of Amity Technology. Amity follows in the proud tradition of a family that has been involved in the manufacturing business in North Dakota for 70 years. Howard and Brian Dahl, the founders of Amity, are grandsons of E. G. Melroe, the founder of the Melroe Company, which developed the Bobcat Loader.

In 1977, Howard and Brian Dahl incorporated Concord, Inc., which became the U.S. leading manufacturer of Air Drills. Concord, Inc. was sold to Case Corporation in 1996.

The day Concord was sold, Amity was formed. Amity Technology is a global leader in harvesting equipment for sugar beets.

In 2015, Howard was a founder of FarmQA, a leader in digital tools for agronomists. He is also Chairman of the company.

CTO - Gooseneck Implement

Sandeep Joshi is the Chief Technology Officer at Gooseneck Implement, a leading John Deere dealer based in North Dakota. He leads the deployment of precision agriculture and other advanced technologies that drive customer success through productivity, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture. He previously worked at John Deere for more than 12 years in various leadership roles in advanced engineering, innovation, and technology.

Sandeep holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He has also completed executive programs in leadership and innovation at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

A lifelong learner and technology enthusiast, Sandeep holds multiple certifications in data science, AI, and IoT to name a few. He is passionate about leveraging technology to create meaningful and real impact in agriculture and beyond.

Dean - NDSU College of Engineering

Alan Kallmeyer is the Dean of the NDSU College of Engineering. He has been a member of the NDSU community for nearly three decades. He joined the university in 1995 as an assistant professor in the mechanical engineering department and served as chair from 2005 to 2022. He also served as interim dean of the College of Business from 2022 to 2023.

Kallmeyer earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Utah and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Iowa. His research focuses on the deformation, fatigue and fracture behavior of engineering materials, including monolithic and composite materials. His work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Air Force, GE Aviation and the Aerospace Testing Alliance.

Advanced Engineering Manager - Sensors and Controllers, John Deere

Kartheek Karna is a technology leader with over three decades of experience in electronic systems development, engineering management, and strategic innovation. Currently serving as Advanced Engineering Manager, Sensors and Controllers at John Deere ISG, he leads enterprise-wide initiatives in electronics technology, focusing on sensing and control systems. His career spans roles in digital product management, embedded software development, and advanced technology leadership. Prior to John Deere, Kartheek held key engineering roles at Daktronics, contributing to systems for legislative voting, transportation, and sports scoring. He holds an MS in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University and a Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering from Bangalore University, India.

Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture - NDSU

Gregory Lardy has served as Vice President for Agricultural Affairs at North Dakota State University since 2020. The role includes responsibilities as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; Director of NDSU Extension, and Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.

Innovation & Enterprise Operations Sub-Hub Lead - Bayer Crop Science

Dr. Magan Lewis is the Bayer Crop Science Innovation & Enterprise Operations Sub-Hub Lead for North America Field Testing & Pipeline Delivery, where she drives the development of advanced digital tools and sensors that transform enterprise operations. An award-winning scientific leader and STEM advocate, she has received numerous accolades, including recognition as an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador, Forty under 40, Seed World’s Future Leader of the Seed Industry, and NDSU Distinguished Alumna.

Magan is a dedicated advocate for STEM education, serving on the board of the Science Center of Iowa and the Iowa Regional STEM Advisory Board. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from North Dakota State University, along with M.S. and B.S. degrees from the University of Minnesota. Residing in Iowa with her husband and two daughters, Magan is a proud swim mom, fueled by chlorine and caffeine as she cheers on her girls in their competitive swimming adventures!

Agronomist - GK Technology, Inc

Student Representative - NDSU

Isaac Mauch is double majoring in Agricultural Technology and Biotechnology with a minor in Chemistry and Microbiology at North Dakota State University. He conducts research with the Dry Bean Breeding Program, with a focus on flavonoid expression. Originally from Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Isaac is an active leader on campus with a passion for innovative, research-based approaches to the future of agriculture.

Executive Vice President - Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative

Mike Metzger has worked at Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative since 2001. Serving as the Cooperative’s Executive Vice President, he oversees and manages the agronomic research, production, harvest, storage and delivery of sugarbeets for processing from 500 shareholders raising sugarbeets on 105,000+ acres. Mike also serves as a technical specialist and educator in areas of current sugarbeet production and future technology to the cooperative’s Ag Staff, shareholders and growers. He currently serves as a Board Member and Chairman of the Beet Sugar Development Foundation, Past President of the American Society of Sugarbeet Technologists, and a Director of the Sugarbeet Research and Education Board of Minnesota and North Dakota. Mike holds both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from North Dakota State University with research projects focused upon fungal and bacterial root rots of sugarbeet. He and his wife Jessica have three teenage children and reside on their hobby farm near Fergus Falls, MN.

Director of Fargo Site TechSpark Engagement - Microsoft

Taya Spelhaug is the Director of Fargo Site TechSpark Engagement for Microsoft, leading philanthropic initiatives and managing the Fargo campus. Taya serves on several local and state boards, including the Grand Farm Board of Directors and TechND. She grew up on a farm near Kindred, ND, was active in FFA and 4-H, and is a proud graduate of North Dakota State University. She lives in Horace, ND with her partner, Grant, who farms south of Moorhead and their two children.

Certified Crop Adviser - Agri-Trend

Joshua Stutrud returned to his family’s sixth generation farm near Rugby, North Dakota, after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop and Weed Science with a minor in Agribusiness from North Dakota State University. Since returning, he has been an early adopter of innovative agricultural technologies aimed at reducing the farm’s environmental footprint while enhancing its long-term financial sustainability.

Joshua was highly involved in FFA and was recognized as a 2014 American Star Farmer Finalist. He later earned his Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) designation after successfully completing both national and state examinations.

An active advocate for North Dakota agriculture, Joshua has served as President of the Rugby FFA Alumni, Secretary of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, and County Representative on the North Dakota Barley Council.

Director - Peltier Institute

Dr. Xin (Rex) Sun serves as the inaugural endowed chair and Director of the Peltier Institute for the Advancement of Agricultural Technology at North Dakota State University. He integrates robotics, sensing and digital technologies to advance crop, livestock and food production systems. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and conference papers, and has been supported by over $20 million in various funding from federal agencies, state programs and industry partners. At the Peltier Institute, Dr. Sun leads initiatives that drive agricultural innovation, build strategic partnerships and prepare the next generation of professionals to strengthen sustainable and resilient farming systems.

Director - Plains Ag

Marc Taylor is the Director at Plains Ag, and has been in the equipment industry since 1973. Marc started working with smaller paving equipment as a service rep, service manager, trainer, and more. He then moved to Case in January of 1976 and worked as a service representative, assistant service manager (in late 1977), region service manager (1979 - North Dakota), and territory sales manager (1980). He and his wife bought the Mandan Case location in April of 1984. That business merged with what is now Plains Ag in 2013. From there, Marc moved to director of short lines (all wholegoods not CNH branded) plus store audits in 2015.

Marc has served on the following outside organizations: North Dakota Agricultural Association (President), Bismarck-Mandan Chamber (Executive board), Rough Riders advertising organization for ND Case Dealers (President), North Dakota Implement Dealers Association (Past President). Marc is currently Chairman for the Mandan Airport Authority Board and Pioneer Health Trust.

Owner and Founder - Casual Cattle Conversations LLC

Shaye Wanner is a multi-passionate agriculturist in south-central North Dakota. She founded the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast in 2019 to connect ranchers to people, stories and strategies that will improve their bottom line and continues to grow that business today. When she isn't behind a mic, Shaye splits her time between two farming and ranching operations. She raises a variety of crops with her husband Phillip Wanner as well as manages their commercial cow herd. Shaye also raises registered Red Angus bulls with her parents Steve and Tracey Koester. Shaye believes in the future of rural America and the power of entrepreneurship and innovation to keep agriculture and rural life thriving.