Crops Day Highlights Weed and Insect Challenges

By Scout Nelson

The annual Western Dakota Crops Day provides farmers, advisers and community members with important updates on crop production in the region.

Hosted by the North Dakota State University Hettinger Research Extension Center and Dickinson Research Extension Center, the event takes place on December 9 and focuses on research and field issues that affect crop decisions in the western Dakotas.

The event begins in the afternoon, with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. MST and presentations starting at 1 p.m. A series of speakers share timely information on weeds, insects and agronomy research that influences crop productivity.

One of the main presentations is given by Joe Ikley, NDSU Extension weed specialist. He offers updates on weed control and talks about managing palmer amaranth, a weed that has recently been found in an Adams County field.

His session helps farmers learn about new challenges and practical strategies for managing hard-to-control weeds.

Patrick Wagner, an entomology field specialist from South Dakota State University, presents new sunflower insect research. His work includes results from a regional survey that studies insect pressure in sunflower fields. This research helps growers understand insect trends and prepare for future risks.

Agronomy research results are also shared by several NDSU scientists, including Caleb Dalley, John Rickertsen and Chris Augustin. They discuss herbicide trials, planting dates for canola, fertilizer trials for canola, wheat and corn, lime trials for low-pH soils and soybean inoculation studies.

These findings provide farmers with useful information that supports crop planning and soil management.

Organisers say this year’s event includes a strong mix of weed control updates, insect research and traditional agronomy data. Farmers who attend also have an opportunity to earn continuing education credits.

The event is free, for more information, visit ndsu.ag/westerncrops25 or contact the HREC at 701-567-4323.

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