North Dakota State University’s North Central Research Extension Center located near Minot, has welcomed James Rogers as a North Dakota State University Extension forage crops production specialist.
Rogers has a wealth of knowledge in the area of agriculture, specifically in extension as well as forages and livestock in general.
“With his experience and knowledge of Extension, livestock and forage production, Dr. Rogers will make an immediate impact,” said Shana Forster, NCREC director.
Rogers grew up immersed in agriculture, growing up on his family’s farm in South Carolina. The operation encompassed both row crops as well as registered cattle. This laid the foundation for his interest in livestock as well as farming.
Rogers received his master degree as well as his doctoral degree from Clemson University, in the areas of animal science and agronomy. Prior to taking his new role within NDSU Extension, Rogers was a livestock specialist for the University of Missouri Extension and filled various roles for the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Oklahoma.
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Through those roles, Rogers worked in many different areas of the country. During his time working in Missouri as well as Oklahoma, he was helping producers navigate the drought that had plagued the state. Rogers found it interesting how similar the problems are for producers in North Dakota; no matter the location they have similar questions. However, the answers to those questions differ greatly, he said.
Rogers is excited to be working in North Dakota and by all the opportunities the state offers.
“It’s an adventure. By the time I decided I wanted to wrap up my career, I would have worked with producers in the Midwest, the southern Plains and the northern Plains. I think that’s pretty exciting,” Rogers said. “North Dakota is an ag state, it’s driven by agriculture. I am just amazed at the things that producers have the ability to grow here. It’s a major livestock producing state here as well. There are just a lot of opportunities here.”
In his new role, Rogers will be working to provide education in the area of forage and crop production, utilization and management. He will also provide his knowledge to area clientele and work alongside Extension agents in forage crop issues.
