NDSU and UMN Host 2026 Soil Summit

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota State University Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension are teaming up to present the 2026 Soil Management Summit (SMS) and Dakota Innovation and Research Technology (DIRT) Conference.

This collaborative event will be held on January 14–15, 2026, at the Delta Marriott Hotel in Fargo, North Dakota, with a virtual option for those unable to attend in person.

The conference highlights a wide range of topics focused on soil health and sustainable farming. Participants can choose from 18 concurrent sessions that cover cover crop management, reduced and alternative tillage practices, soil biology, soil management economics, and integrating crop and livestock systems.

These sessions aim to help farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals improve their operations while protecting natural resources. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for attendees seeking professional credits.

A defining feature of the SMS and DIRT Conference is its emphasis on learning and relationship building. “When you put farmers, ranchers, agencies, industry and Extension in the same room, the ideas really start to flow,” says Carlos Pires, NDSU Extension soil health specialist. “It’s about building a future where agriculture thrives, while soil and water are protected for generations.”

The conference offers a variety of engaging formats, including slide presentations, panel discussions, interactive table talks, and dedicated networking time. This mix allows participants to learn and connect in ways that suit their preferences.

Registration for the in-person event is $150 before December 22, 2025, increasing to $190 after December 23. The fee includes refreshments, lunch on both days, Thursday breakfast, and appetizers with a beverage at the Beer and Bull social. The virtual registration fee is $150 and provides full access to all sessions.

This joint effort between NDSU and the University of Minnesota invites producers, researchers, and industry leaders to share ideas, gain practical knowledge, and strengthen connections for a more sustainable agricultural future.

Photo Credit: pexels-binyaminmellish