Jerry Doan
Jerry Doan is a respected leader and advocate for North Dakota agriculture. He has spent countless hours at the North Dakota Legislature and U.S. Congress to help spread agriculture’s message.
A fourth-generation rancher and producer from McKenzie, North Dakota, he and his family operate Black Leg Ranch, a large ranching, farming, hunting and agritourism operation.
In 1997, Doan was elected the first chair of the legislatively mandated State Board of Agricultural Research and Education. His leadership in the early years of the board helped develop an important group that has been an integral part of the budget planning process for NDSU agricultural research and Extension.
Doan served on the board for eight years, working with state legislators to fund numerous additions and improvements at the Main Station, as well as the state’s Research Extension Centers. The Animal Nutrition and Physiology Center, AES Greenhouse Complex and Rural Leadership North Dakota program became realities thanks, in large part, to his hard work.
He also has chaired the North Dakota Ag Coalition, the North Dakota Beef Commission and the Joann Hetzel Memorial 4-H Building campaign. Doan is past president or chairman of the Moffit Lions Club, Mandan Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo, End of the Trail Saddle Club, Burleigh County 4-H Council and Bismarck-Mandan Folkfest. He is a past director of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and was a board member of the state 4-H Foundation, the NDSU Alumni Association, N.D. Junior High Rodeo Association and the N.D. High School Rodeo Association. He also served on the National Beef Industry Council and the National Livestock and Meat Board. In addition, he was active with the N.D. Consultation Board, Governor’s Value-Added Ag board, Bismarck State College Ag Advisory Board, Vision 2000 Committee, NDSU President’s Advisory Council and NDSU Presidents Club.
His honors include North Dakota Outstanding Young Farmer in 1988, National Outstanding Young Farmer in 1989 and Outstanding Young North Dakotan in 1993. He also received the Master’s Award from the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; Outstanding Agriculturist award; North Dakota Friend of Extension award; and Burleigh County Soil Health Award.
Currently, he is president of Rural Leadership North Dakota Council, Central Grasslands Research Extension Center advisory board chair and a mentor with the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition. He is a Logan Township supervisor and a member of the Northern Great Plains Research Lab focus group and Bison Caucus.
Doan has been a 4-H leader for four decades, serving in many capacities, including chair of the Missouri Valley Fair Association youth rodeo. He has judged numerous competitions through the years and been involved in many charity and fundraising events.
He and his wife, Renae, recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They have four children – Shanda, Jeremy, Jay and Jayce. They have four grandchildren, with one on the way.