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ARS Home » Plains Area » Mandan, North Dakota » Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #436265
Research Project: Transdisciplinary Research that Improves the Productivity and Sustainability of Northern Great Plains Agroecosystems and the Well-Being of the Communities They Serve

Location: Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory

Title: July 2026 Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Customer Focus Group Meeting

Author
item Hendrickson, John
item Toledo, David
item Clemensen, Andrea
item Friedrichsen, Claire
item Whippo, Craig

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2026
Publication Date: 7/16/2026
Citation: Hendrickson, J.R., Toledo, D.N., Clemensen, A.K., Friedrichsen, C.N., Whippo, C.W. 2026. July 2026 Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Customer Focus Group Meeting. Meeting Abstract. 1.

Interpretive Summary: The research mission of USDA-ARS depends on stakeholder engagement. At the Mandan, ND location, the customer focus group (CFG) provides a mechanism to encourage stakeholder engagement. To achieve this objective, the CFG meets with location scientists twice a year. This allows the scientists to provide updates and the stakeholders to ask questions. This year updates will include 1) an overall station update, 2) a future vision presentation, 3) an update on the ‘Healthy Food System’ project, 4) a presentation on links between soil health and producer well-being and 5) an update on the new national program structure. The meeting will conclude with a discussion on linking our research to stakeholder interests. The meeting will be followed by a tour of location projects.

Technical Abstract: The research mission of USDA-ARS depends on stakeholder engagement. At the Mandan, ND location, the customer focus group (CFG) provides a mechanism to encourage stakeholder engagement. To achieve this objective, the CFG meets with location scientists twice a year. This allows the scientists to provide updates and the stakeholders to ask questions. This year updates will include 1) an overall station update, 2) a future vision presentation, 3) an update on the ‘Healthy Food System’ project, 4) a presentation on links between soil health and producer well-being and 5) an update on the new national program structure. The meeting will conclude with a discussion on linking our research to stakeholder interests. The meeting will be followed by a tour of location projects.