Two specialists are joining the staff of NDSU’s Central Grasslands Research Extension Center, located near Streeter, North Dakota.

Lisa Pederson is the center's NDSU Extension livestock specialist. Erin Gaugler, who starts Aug. 1, will be the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station's range research specialist at the center.

Both have NDSU experience.

Before joining the center, Pederson spent 19 years as Extension's beef quality assurance specialist at NDSU's Dickinson Research Extension Center. "Lisa will continue working in the area of beef quality assurance while strengthening the Central Grasslands and NDSU Extension outreach and programming as a livestock specialist," said Kevin Sedivec, the center’s interim director. "We feel fortunate to have her on our team."

Pederson earned bachelor's degrees in agricultural business and animal science and her master's degree in farm and ranch management and livestock production from Colorado State University.

Gaugler has been the NDSU Extension agent in Bowman County since May 2016, providing Extension programming in agriculture and natural resources, as well as working with 4-H.

She earned associate of science degrees in wildlife management and human communication from Casper, Wyoming, College, her bachelor’s degree from Berea, Kentucky, College and her master’s degree in range science from NDSU.

"She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience looking at real-world application of grazing management on range and pasture, late-season grazing alternatives and using cover crops to enhance soil health," Sedivec said. "Erin will not only strengthen the center's research portfolio, but add depth to our opportunities to conduct demonstration projects with local ranchers and Extension agents within the Missouri Coteau."

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