Eric Branch has joined North Dakota State University Extension as a sugarbeet specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology.
He holds a joint appointment as sugarbeet specialist for University of Minnesota Extension. He started Oct. 28.
A native of Alexandria, Minnesota, Branch is excited to contribute to agriculture in the region. His research and Extension activities will focus on improving the management of foliar and root diseases of sugarbeet, and he will coordinate sugarbeet-centered outreach and educational events in North Dakota and Minnesota.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in plant science from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2018 and a doctorate in plant pathology from Cornell University.
“Dr. Branch has excellent communication skills and is looking forward to build relationships with producers, agents and industry representatives that will bring tangible benefits to our producers and their communities,” says Mohammed Khan, NDSU Extension assistant director and program leader for agriculture and natural resources.
Branch will be based at the NDSU campus in Fargo as he serves sugarbeet producers in North Dakota and Minnesota.