The Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC) recently presented its Agriculture Partnership Award to Dickinson State University’s (DSU) Agriculture & Technical Studies Department, recognizing the many years of collaboration between DREC and DSU in enriching student learning and strengthening agricultural education.
The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Agricultural Partnership Award celebrates partnerships built on shared goals, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening North Dakota’s agricultural community. Through collaboration, these partners help advance research, education, outreach, and practical solutions that benefit producers, communities, and the broader agricultural industry. The award honors those who exemplify the spirit of partnership and demonstrate how working together can create meaningful opportunities and a stronger future for agriculture.
“DREC has supported DSU by assisting with classes, mentoring student projects, and providing hands-on learning opportunities, while DSU has helped DREC connect with student interns who gain valuable experience while furthering their studies,” said Chris Augustin, DREC Director. “This ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship exemplifies the true spirit of partnership and demonstrates the positive impact that collaboration between education and agricultural research can have on students and communities.”
Dr. Chip Poland, DSU Director of Agriculture and Technical Studies, said this award recognizes the many collaborative efforts DREC and DSU have accomplished over the past 35 years in service to the agricultural industries of western North Dakota.
“The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies program at DSU that started in 2001 could not have happened without the active participation of the DREC and NDSU,” he said. “That interaction was essential then and continues to be an integral part of the DSU agriculture program into the future.”
For DSU agriculture students, Poland said the proximity of DREC to campus is quite valuable.
“Given that DSU does not have agricultural land on campus, having a strong working relationship with the DREC ‘just down the street’ is an awesome resource,” he said. “Whether that relationship involves guest lectures, an actual course instructor, mentors on senior projects, providing hands-on lab experiences, very in-depth agricultural internships or discipline focused workshops, our collaborations have enhanced the learning environment for students and producers alike.”
DREC and DSU’s continued collaboration will continue this fall and winter with scheduled workshops and educational programs.
“Doug Landblom, DREC animal scientist, and DSU co-host a workshop coming up in mid-September, and we have historically co-hosted a cattle reproduction educational program for students/producers in later winter,” Poland said. “Dr. Augustin has also been an active participant in our senior level soil courses – teaching soil genesis and guest lecturing in other courses. With the addition of Dr. Jed Grow to the DSU faculty, we hope to see additional interactions in the areas of crop production and soils.”