Grain genius Ken Hellevang hangs up his hat at NDSU

By Scout Nelson

Ken Hellevang, a North Dakota State University (NDSU) professor and Extension engineer, will retire on May 31. Originally from Eden, South Dakota, Hellevang earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural engineering from South Dakota State University (SDSU) and his Ph.D. in engineering from NDSU.

Before his tenure at NDSU, Hellevang worked as a research assistant, teaching assistant, and instructor at SDSU. He also served as an engineer trainee for Great Plains Supply Company.

He began his journey with NDSU in 1980, where he provided education and technical assistance in grain drying and storage, energy-efficient structures, indoor environmental engineering related to moisture and mold, and flood preparation and recovery.

His expertise benefited farmers, citizens, agribusinesses, and professionals across the U.S. and internationally.

Together with colleague Tom Scherer, Hellevang developed the video “How to Prevent Rain Water From Entering Your Basement,” which has garnered over 865,000 views on YouTube.

Hellevang has received numerous accolades, including being named a Fellow by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, an honor given to only 0.2% of its members.

He also received the Professional Engineer of the Year award, the Sukup Global Food Security Award, and the Gunlogson Countryside Engineering Award for his contributions to engineering practices and professional accomplishments.

Mohamed Khan, assistant director and program leader for agriculture and natural resources programs at NDSU, praised Hellevang's significant contributions to Extension publications and videos.

Hellevang's work has been instrumental in helping people and organizations prepare for and recover from floods, properly dry and store grain, and more.

Hellevang reflected on his career, expressing fulfillment in using his engineering training and interest in agriculture to help people and industry.

Hellevang will be honored at a farewell reception on May 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Ladd Hall 114 on the NDSU campus.

Photo Credit -north-dakota-state-university