Farming was tough in the 1980s and former Beach (ND) FFA member Greg Lardy knew he wouldn’t return to the farm. It was FFA advisor Doug Vannurden who encouraged Lardy to stay in agriculture. “He was a tremendous influence,” says Lardy. “I’d credit him as one of the main reasons I pursued an agriculture major in college.” Lardy is now the North Dakota State University Associate Vice President for Agriculture Affairs and helps lead NDSU Extension. “There’s typically maybe two or three people who have a profound influence on your life. Vannurden had a major influence on mine.” Hear more of the conversation.