As director of North Dakota State University’s Dickinson Research Extension Center, soil scientist Chris Augustin is serving in his “dream job.”

 “Soil science involves biology, geology, chemistry and physics,” Augustin explains. “You get to play with all those sciences while working with ag producers.”

For this self-proclaimed “farm kid who liked science,” the Crystal, N.D., native remains passionate about his role. “Every day, there are more mouths to feed than the day before,” he says, “so the need for agriculture continues.”

Augustin has served as the director for Dickinson Research Extension Center since spring 2020 and oversees 21 staff, as they conduct research and demonstrations at six locations. In total, DREC encompasses about 6,500 acres across southwestern North Dakota.

The team conducts research in agronomy, soil science, livestock, integrated crop and livestock systems, rangeland, and horticulture. Their goals are to offer solutions that assist agriculturists in practices that are sensible and sustainable, and advance stewardship.

On the horizon

The center is designing an agricultural laboratory and shop, which received $2.2 million in funding from the state. Augustin says the new and improved facility, which is slated for completion in summer, will “be for all of agriculture.”

As an urban outreach effort, a 40-acre horticulture plot was created within the city, which includes over 100 tree species, a living snow fence, plantings of 20 cash crops important to North Dakota, and a pollinator garden. “This extends our effort to bring ag to the public and continue to teach them about natural resource management,” Augustin says, adding that it could lead more youth to seek out agriculture and science. 

DREC research will dig into soil acidity and soybean fertility, including remediating acidic soils with lime recommendations, as well as integration of grazing cover crops where cattle may help address soil acidity issues. With livestock integration into cropping systems, “we are seeing good things that show we can feed the world and improve our resources,” he says.

After 12 years as an Extension specialist, Augustin says he finds it rewarding to connect producers with practical applications for their farm or ranch. “That feels good,” he says. “I’ve had some sometimes brutal conversations with producers, but the personal relationships that develop are pretty darn cool. When your research or information helps someone, they appreciate how that benefited their business.”

Ag forecast

Augustin remains optimistic for the future of ag. He anticipates technology and precision ag tools will not only help management improve, but also offer cost savings and environmental benefits. “It’s going to be interesting to see how autonomous things can go in the next 10 to 15 years,” he says.

He also sees the popularity of biofuels continuing and offering expanded opportunities to utilize co-products for animal feed.

Augustin says consumers’ awareness in food production and interest in direct marketing from farm to plate will continue. To meet consumer interests, “producers who implement special practices will have more opportunities for direct marketing,” he says.

Augustin’s advice to others — of all ages — is to “listen and read.”

“I saw a quote a few years ago that said: ‘Five years from now, you’ll be the same person plus the books you’ve read and the people you’ve met.’ Today, society is more apt to respond than to listen,” he adds. “But if you listen, you educate yourself, and you are more likely to set yourself up for success.”

Gordon writes from Whitewood, S.D.