ND FFA Foundation

"Bringing you news of the best 
students in North Dakota"

Molly Elaine Brag-Environmental Science & Nat. Resource Mgmt. Placement Proficiency Award Winner

 Science and Research

 Molly Brag, a 19 year old from the Kindred FFA Chapter, started her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Program while volunteering for an NDSU animal and range science graduate student. The next summer she was asked to work at the Ekre Ranch and Camp Grafton near NDSU.  

Molly’s SAE incorporates scientific studies on weed control, range management, soil testing, water sampling and tree growth practices. She was also involved with managing the herds of cattle and sheep that NDSU used within these research projects. The Albert Ekre Grassland Preserve is a 1,600 acre ranch which is run by NDSU. The range land holds many cow/calf pairs and several sheep herds.  

Molly has worked for NDSU for three summers and now is working for a private natural resources contractor. “I have always had an interest in agriculture sciences and found I was strong in the range sciences area.” said Molly. She has learned many skills like identifying the many types of North Dakota species by scientific name.  

Molly’s hard work has allowed her to learn a lot about experiments occurring that will effect environmental science. Molly said, “My horizons have broadened about grasses, forbs, and conducting research projects.  Some of the projects I have studied in detail are range conservation, leafy spurge reduction using different grazing and spraying systems, weed science, soil conservation, and fertilizer application methods for native grass species.”  

The Environmental Science & Natural Resources Proficiency awards are sponsored by Bridgette and Randy Readel. 

By: Melissa Mitchell

Ths page is sponsored by the ND Grain Growers Association

Send mail to bethbakke@btinet.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: April 22, 2008