Former NARC superintendent honored

While the 2015 Field Day and 100th Anniversary for Montana State University's Northern Agricultural Research Center were important celebrations Wednesday, the research center, MSU and the Montana Board of Regents also paid honor to a former superintendent of NARC.

Gregg Carlson served 42 years in agriculture with 12 years as an Extension agent and 30 years at NARC, retiring as agronomist and superintendent of the station in 2010.

The center's office and lab building was named the Gregg R. Carlson Agricultural Science Center in his honor for his significant contributions to agriculture along the Hi-Line.

Securing funding and starting of construction on the building was one of his last duties before he retired following injuries from an accident

Gregg, his wife, Ruth, their two children, and four grandchildren took to the stage to accept the honor and thank all who were instrumental in making this happen.

"It is all about family," Ruth said, referring to a theme that had run through comments throughout the ceremonies. "We are not Havre natives, but Havre is our home because of the many, many friends and people we've met along the way. We just thank you very very much for this extreme honor."

Among other accomplishments, Gregg is credited with encouraging no-till farming practices in the state and working with the first GPS system in Montana for harvest, seeding and fertilizer placement, said a press release from MSU.

In Hill County, said Ruth, he was instrumental in starting the weed district and Hill County Seed Growers organization, and he gave employment and guidance to many Havre High School and college students each summer.

She said that Gregg was not just an A-type personality, but a triple-A personality. Many of the comments about Gregg were about how he would often be working well past midnight.

"All my relatives are really proud of that man," said Gregg's 98-year-old uncle, Don Schenck from Helena, one of the handful of extended family members who came to see Gregg honored.