By Scout Nelson
Susie Thompson, a professor in NDSU’s Department of Plant Sciences, has been named the first recipient of the Johansen-Thompson Endowed Professorship in Potato Breeding. This $1.5 million endowment, supported by potato growers in North Dakota and Minnesota, the North Dakota Challenge Grant, and industry advocates, aims to advance agricultural research at NDSU.
The endowment recognizes two influential potato breeders at NDSU: Robert Johansen, who spent over four decades improving potato varieties, and Susie Thompson, who has led the program since 2001. It will provide essential funding to enhance research, teaching, and innovation in potato breeding.
The Northern Plains play a crucial role in U.S. potato production, ranking third in the country and contributing 2.6 billion pounds of potatoes annually, worth $500 million. Strengthening breeding programs is key to improving crop quality, yield, and market success.
Thompson has made remarkable contributions, including the development of the Dakota Russet variety, which was accepted by McDonald’s in 2022 for its French fries—the first approval of its kind in six years. Her work has reinforced the value of NDSU’s research in the industry.
She was officially awarded the professorship on Nov. 15, 2024, during NDSU’s 50th Harvest Bowl, marking a milestone in agricultural innovation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-npantos
Categories: North Dakota, Business, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables