Farmers Gain Knowledge at Extension Roundup

By Scout Nelson

The Lake Region Extension Roundup is a long-standing educational event that brings farmers and ranchers together to learn, share ideas, and prepare for the upcoming growing season. Hosted by North Dakota State University Extension county offices in the Lake Region, the event focuses on practical information that supports strong farm decisions.

The program covers a wide range of agricultural topics, including crop production, livestock management, marketing, weather outlooks, and new technology. According to NDSU Extension, the roundup is designed to give producers timely and reliable information they can use on their farms. “A tradition of many years, the Lake Region Extension Roundup provides area farmers and ranchers with the most up-to-date information to prepare for the upcoming season,” says Lindsay Overmyer, NDSU Extension agent in Ramsey County. “It is where the Lake Region comes together to network with Extension, industry and their neighbors.”

Each day begins with a complimentary breakfast, followed by general sessions and several concurrent sessions. Keynote presentations focus on major issues facing agriculture today. One featured session highlights how agriculture can be shared positively online, led by Greg and Nathan Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers. Other keynote topics include weather outlooks, crop markets, and farmer wellbeing.

Roundtable discussions allow open conversations on soil health, weed management, specialty crops, technology use, and ranching challenges. Concurrent sessions provide focused updates on small grains, soil fertility, farmland trends, crop protection, soybean performance, bioenergy, labor programs, and farm policy.

A special panel emphasizes that farmer health and personal wellbeing are just as important as field performance. This session blends real farm experiences with expert guidance to support mental health in agriculture. 

In addition to educational sessions, the event includes more than 35 breakout sessions and over 45.

An event agenda can be found at the Lake Region Extension Roundup event page at ndsu.ag/lakeregion26.

For more information, contact an NDSU Extension county office or Lindsay Overmyer at 701-662-7027 or lindsay.overmyer@ndsu.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki