Kristin Simons serves as the Research Agronomist and leads the agronomy program at the North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center. Growing up on a grain farm in Western North Dakota, she developed a strong passion for improving the lives of producers and their families. Kristin played a key role in developing one of the first assays using high-throughput sequencing to identify and quantify the Fusarium fungal soil pathogen that affects cool-season pulses. She has also contributed to the creation of new edible bean varieties and is currently engaged in variety testing for over 15 different crops under diverse environmental conditions. Her agronomy program includes a comprehensive range of activities, such as varietal testing, cultural practice comparisons, herbicide and fungicide efficacy testing, and new crop development.