Craig Kleven is the latest to join the North Dakota Soybean Council in the newly created role of director of industry relations. Kleven is responsible for establishing, expanding and maintaining key relationships with industry partners and stakeholders for North Dakota soybean producers and the state.

Originally from Maddock, N.D., Kleven grew up on a farm and ranch in the Sheyenne River Valley. He most recently served as the agricultural education state supervisor and executive secretary of North Dakota FFA.

“The NDSC is very pleased to have Craig join our team as director of industry relations,” says NDSC Executive Director Stephanie Sinner. “This position serves a critical role supporting the North Dakota soybean producers and the industry. Craig brings to the position true passion and enthusiasm for working for North Dakota soybean producers. His work experience will contribute to the success of the NDSC, bringing greater value to North Dakota soybean farmers. We are delighted to have Craig on our team!”

Bringing experience to table

Kleven previously served as the agronomy manager at Central Dakota Frontier Cooperative, as an associate professor at Bismarck State College and as a Kidder County Extension agent with North Dakota State University Extension. He is a graduate of NDSU, holding master’s and bachelor’s degrees in agriculture education.

“I am excited to represent North Dakota soybean producers and work closely with production agriculture,” Kleven says. “I am thrilled to work collaboratively with soybean industry representatives in our state to ensure opportunities are pursued to expand the demand for North Dakota soybeans and create awareness of the industry.”

Kleven will be based in Bismarck, working from Extension’s Central and West District Office.

North Dakota soybean farmers across the state are represented on the North Dakota Soybean Council Board, which oversees the promotion, research and marketing program funded by soybean checkoff dollars.

Source: North Dakota Soybean Council