NDSU Agriculture Honors Distinguished Alumna Shannon Hauf

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources (CAFSNR) honored Shannon Hauf with the 2024 CAFSNR Distinguished Alumni Award at a ceremony on April 18 on NDSU's campus. 

The award recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding NDSU Agriculture alumni and provides an opportunity to showcase their talents with students, faculty and the university community.

Hauf received her master’s degree in plant breeding and her doctoral degree in weed science from the NDSU Department of Plant Sciences.

She met with students, faculty and researchers during her visit to campus.

“I am forever grateful to NDSU and my time in Fargo,” said Hauf.

Following her graduate studies, Hauf joined Monsanto, which later merged with Bayer Crop Science. Throughout her 21-year career at Bayer, Hauf has held diverse roles with increasing leadership responsibilities, reflecting a breadth of experience and expertise within agriculture and science from chemistry to product management, to business strategy and people development, to R&D and product supply. Currently, Hauf serves as Bayer’s Senior Vice President and Head of North America, Australia, and New Zealand Product Supply.

Hauf is a passionate supporter of STEM education, a highly collaborative and innovative researcher, and a team-focused leader. She has been recognized with numerous awards for exceptional service by industry, organizations and her community.

She also advocates for female leaders in science, agriculture and other STEM fields and serves as a passionate mentor for youth through 4-H, Adopt-a-Family and as a Board member for Marian Middle School. 

“We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Hauf with our Distinguished Alumnus Award. Her career as a leader in Bayer Crop Science is remarkable and the impact she has through that role and her other service activities are significant achievements. She clearly demonstrates and exhibits all the characteristics we look for in our graduates and she does all this with a quiet humbleness that makes her even more deserving of the recognition,” said Greg Lardy, the Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for NDSU Agriculture. 

Hauf resides in the Greater St. Louis, Missouri, area with her husband and two children, where they grow sweet corn and raise livestock on their small farm.