Inductee Listing

Dr. Kenneth F. Grafton has had a significant impact on North Dakota agriculture, serving in multiple roles at North Dakota State University, from the dry edible bean program to his leadership of NDSU Agriculture in the roles of Vice President for Agricultural Affairs, Director of the NDSU Agricultural Experiment Station and Dean of the College of Agriculture. His leadership helped shape the agricultural research that has played a critical role in the productivity and profitability of farm and ranch families in this state.

The NDSU dry bean breeding program independently developed and released ten varieties under Grafton’s leadership. Today, the program works with eight market classes of dry edible beans; and North Dakota is the largest producer of dry beans in the United States.

During his tenure as Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, the agency expanded; and funds were received for several new buildings and laboratories, including the Beef Cattle Research Complex, the AES Vet Diagnostic Lab, new or improved field research labs and headquarters buildings at all NDSU Research Extension Centers, and the newly named Dalrymple Greenhouse Complex at the Main Station.

Originally from Ohio, Dr. Grafton retired in June of 2020 after 40 years of service.