By Scout Nelson
Andrew Thostenson, a pesticide program specialist at North Dakota State University Extension, will retire from his 28-year tenure. He began his career in Pembina County in 1996 and led the program from 1998, advancing pesticide safety and application training across North Dakota.
Throughout his tenure, Thostenson has been a pivotal figure, conducting over 1,400 trainings and issuing more than 56,000 certifications to professional applicators and dealers, significantly impacting the agriculture sector.
His efforts also extended to private applicators, where he supplied materials for more than 4,200 trainings, reaching 39,000 farmers and ranchers, thereby enhancing safe and effective pesticide use statewide.
Mohamed Khan, NDSU Extension's assistant director for agriculture and natural resources programs, lauds Thostenson's unwavering commitment and substantial contributions to the professional community and looks forward to honoring his legacy with a retirement reception to be announced later.
Thostenson's academic foundation in plant sciences from the University of Idaho and his entrepreneurial spirit, evidenced by a decade running a seed and crop management consulting firm, laid the groundwork for his influential role at NDSU.
His career is distinguished by leadership positions and accolades, including presidencies and fellowships in prestigious organizations, multiple awards for excellence, and impactful involvement in national pesticide safety education initiatives.
As Thostenson prepares to embark on his well-earned retirement, NDSU Extension is actively searching for a successor to continue the vital work of the pesticide program, ensuring a smooth transition and sustained excellence in pesticide safety education for North Dakota's agricultural community.
Photo Credit -north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, General