BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension experts were recognized nationally for their excellence in outreach and Extension programming.
The National Association of County Agricultural Agents provides its members with professional training and support. The annual awards give special recognition to selected Extension professionals who have reached distinguished milestones in their careers. They were presented July 8-12, 2026, during the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Robin Buterbaugh, SDSU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, received the Achievement Award and was a national finalist in two communication categories: publication and bound book/eBook. She was first chosen by the South Dakota Association of Agricultural Extension Professionals, the state chapter of the national association.
“I'm extremely honored and grateful to have received an NACAA Achievement Award,” said Buterbaugh. “During the last few years working with SDSU Extension, I've had the opportunity to work with my colleagues on a variety of projects around the state and get to know people and organizations that are doing great work related to local food, native plants and ecological design.”
The Achievement Award is presented to Extension professionals with fewer than 10 years of service who have demonstrated excellence in their work. In her role, Buterbaugh provides education and programming on urban gardening, contributes to research on the SDSU Native Plant Initiative and is a regular co-host on SDSU Extension’s popular weekly summer series, Garden Hour.
Her winning publication is “Native Plants for Bird Habitat in South Dakota”, which is available to download. Her winning book is a garden activity book.
“It's been extremely rewarding to learn about South Dakotans’ needs and be able to provide them with resources, information and related programming, and I look forward to continuing to work in these areas with more projects and partners into the future,” she said.
Patrick Wagner, SDSU Extension Entomology Field Specialist, was a national communication award winner in the Published Photo category. His photo of flea beetles on canola plants is included with articles on insect identification, including “Start Scouting Canola for Flea Beetle Activity”.
Sydney Paulsen, McCrory Gardens Education Coordinator and SDSU Extension Horticulture Assistant, was a national finalist in communications for her newsletter, “McCrory Gardens Spring and Summer 2026.”
Connie Strunk, SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist, was elected the 112th president of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Board of Directors, and the third woman to serve in the role.
“As I prepare to take on the role of NACAA president for the coming year, I am filled with gratitude, humility and excitement for what lies ahead. I see tremendous opportunity. Agriculture continues to change, communities continue to evolve and Extension professionals continue to meet those challenges with innovation, expertise, and a commitment to service,” Strunk said. “NACAA is uniquely positioned to support our members as they navigate those changes and continue making a difference in the lives of the people they serve.”
Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist, was a national finalist in the Search for Excellence – Environmental Quality, Forestry and Natural Resources, along with participating in the association’s Leadership Academy and giving a presentation.
Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist, was chair of the national committee for the Search for Excellence.
“South Dakota's strong presence in NACAA highlights the outstanding leadership, innovation and professionalism of our SDSU Extension team. From national award winners and finalists in various programs to serving in key leadership roles, South Dakota continues to make meaningful contributions at the national level,” Strunk said. “These accomplishments reflect our commitment to excellence, collaboration and providing high-quality SDSU Extension programs that benefit South Dakota communities and Extension profession across the country."
For more information, contact Robin Buterbaugh, SDSU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist; Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist; Patrick Wagner, SDSU Extension Entomology Field Specialist; Sydney Paulsen, McCrory Gardens Education Coordinator and SDSU Extension Horticulture Assistant; Connie Strunk, SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist; or Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist.
