Dr. Melvern Anderson Plant Sciences Endowed Scholarship

Mel Anderson was raised on a farm in the Red River Valley at Shelly, Minnesota. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in 1965 and a Ph.D. in 1969 in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from North Dakota State University. Until 1978, Mel held research and teaching positions in the Agronomy departments at the University of Kentucky and North Dakota State University. From 1978 to 1983, he was employed as a senior barley breeder with North American Plant Breeders. In 1983, he joined Busch Agricultural Resources, Inc., the agricultural subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. He served as director of the company’s barley and rice research programs, with primary responsibility for the development of malting barley and rice varieties. In 1989, Mel was named Vice President and General Manager of Busch Agricultural, with responsibilities for the management of the entire subsidiary. He was named President of Busch Agricultural Resources, Inc. in 1994 and served in that role until his retirement.

A proud Bison alum and agriculture advocate, Mel is committed to supporting the next generation of NDSU ag students through the Dr. Melvern Anderson Plant Sciences Scholarship.