By Scout Nelson
Madeleine Smith has joined North Dakota State University (NDSU) as an Extension pesticide specialist, starting her role on October 2. She is based on the NDSU campus in Fargo, North Dakota.
Smith has nearly five years of experience as an Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Pembina County. In this role, she worked closely with applicators, administering private pesticide recertification training and supporting agricultural safety programs.
Since her appointment, the NDSU Pesticide Certification Program has conducted three commercial recertification training courses and organized in-service training for Extension agents and support staff.
“I hope that through the certification and training program we can help applicators stay connected to regulations, safety information, emerging application technologies and new research on pest management,” says Smith.
Smith aims to expand and enhance the program previously managed by Andrew Thostenson for nearly 30 years. Her focus is on fulfilling the evolving needs of pesticide applicators and supporting sustainable agriculture in North Dakota.
Before joining NDSU, Smith gained extensive experience in agricultural research. She worked for three years on sugar beet viral diseases at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Amarillo and later at the University of Minnesota Northwest Research and Outreach Center as an Extension specialist in small grains and canola pathology.
Originally from Nottinghamshire, England, Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in plant science, a master’s in plant breeding and biotechnology, and a Ph.D. in plant and environmental science specializing in plant pathology.
Smith’s expertise and dedication will strengthen pesticide training and certification programs, benefiting North Dakota’s agricultural community. Her efforts will ensure that applicators are well-prepared to meet industry challenges.
Photo Credit:north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Sugar Beets, Education