Mark Jirik

FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, U.S.  — Mark Jirik has taken over as director of the Northern Crops Institute, replacing Mark Weber, who retired in December.

Weber had been director for six years.

Jirik received a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University. He has more than 17 years of experience in commodity merchandising and commercial management at Cargill.

“The Council is confident that Mark is the right choice to lead NCI,” said NCI’s Chairman Greg Kessel, a producer from Belfield, North Dakota, U.S. “His education, skills and experience will provide NCI the necessary leadership to continue to enhance its well established global reputation for the promotion of northern grown crops.”