Portland, ND
Brad Thykeson farms in east central North Dakota with his wife, Karla, and their two sons. The family raises soybeans, corn, wheat, black beans, and alfalfa. Brad and Karla started farming in 1983 and still live on Brad’s grandfather’s farm, where they raised their two sons and a daughter. Today, the farm is a great spot to gather all 12 grandchildren together for making memories and enjoying wide open spaces.
Thykeson served as North Dakota’s Farm Service Agency executive director from November 2017 to January 2020. He says that managing 300 employees and delivering aid to North Dakota farmers and ranchers was challenging but very rewarding. Thykeson also served as a director with North Dakota Grain Growers and National Association of Wheat Growers
Thykeson has a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Mayville State University. He coached basketball and taught for 14 years. Carpentry, lake life, golfing, and flying are a few of his hobbies.
