John Crabtree has been named interim director of Northern Crops Institute. He currently is the institute’s assistant director. 

Crabtree is a graduate of NDSU with a master’s degree in agricultural economics. Before joining Northern Crops Institute in 1984, he was an Extension agent and staff chairman for the Oregon State Extension Service. Crabtree also served as the institute’s interim director from 1993 to 1995. He is a native of Plainview, Neb.

“It is a pleasure to serve as interim director of such a great organization that is well known around the world,” Crabtree said. “The dedication of past and current staff, partnerships with private industry, universities, commodity organizations and the support of the four-state region has been instrumental in the institute’s success. As with any organization, there will be challenges and opportunities ahead. I’m confident that we will have the resources and expertise to carry on the mission of promoting the region’s high quality crops.”

David Clough, chair of the Northern Crops Council, said, “John's appointment as interim director will keep NCI in the forefront of agriculture, promoting and finding new uses for all the crops grown in the four-state region. He will keep NCI focused on its mission of supporting regional agriculture with its educational and technical programs in the domestic and international markets.”

Crabtree replaces Brian Sorenson, who served as director from 2008 through March 2011. “Brian's leadership as director during the past three years, and seven years before that as technical director, is greatly appreciated,” Clough said. “Brian helped strengthen NCI in the ever-changing global market. We wish him the best in his new endeavor.”

A national search for a new director is under way. For more information on the position, visit www.northern-crops.com.