Hansen, N.E. (Niels Ebbesen), 1866-1950

• Hansen, Niels Ebbesen, 1866-1950

Niels Ebbesen Hansen (1866–1950) was a pioneering horticulturist, plant breeder, and explorer whose career at South Dakota State College, now South Dakota State University, spanned more than four decades. Joining the faculty in 1895 as Professor of Horticulture and Forestry, Hansen became a central figure in the work of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. His research focused on developing fruits, forage crops, and ornamental plants capable of surviving the harsh winters, drought, and variable climate of the northern Great Plains. Through systematic plant breeding and selection, he introduced more than 300 hardy varieties that significantly influenced regional agriculture.

Between 1897 and 1924, Hansen undertook multiple plant exploration expeditions to Siberia, Russia, China, and Korea, supported by state and federal funding. From these journeys he introduced species such as crested wheatgrass, smooth bromegrass, and hardy alfalfas, including Cossack alfalfa, which proved transformative for prairie farming. At South Dakota State, he established what is recognized as the first greenhouse in the world dedicated specifically to plant breeding, further advancing scientific horticulture in the United States.

Often referred to as the “Burbank of the Plains,” Hansen combined scientific rigor with practical agricultural application. In addition to his research achievements, he contributed to campus culture by writing the lyrics to the university’s alma mater, “The Yellow and Blue.” He retired in 1937 but continued his research and writing until his death in 1950. His legacy endures on campus through Hansen Hall, dedicated in 1967, and a monument erected in his honor in 1959, commemorating his lasting impact on horticultural science and Great Plains agriculture.

Occupation: Botanists
Associated Groups: United States. Department of Agriculture