By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension plans to hold the annual Best of the Best in Wheat and Soybean Research Program on January 28 in Minot, North Dakota. The event brings together wheat and soybean growers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals for research-based updates that support crop management decisions.
The program focuses on the two largest crops in the state and provides timely information on variety of performance, pest management, soil health, and market conditions. “The Best of the Best program has provided wheat growers in western North Dakota with locally relevant and current, research-backed recommendations for over 15 years,” says Clair Keene, NDSU Extension small grains agronomist. “This year, we are excited to again partner with the Soybean Council to expand the scope of the meeting and cover the two largest crops by acreage in the state.”
The event begins with a welcome from local Extension leadership, followed by presentations from NDSU specialists. Topics include disease concerns for the upcoming season, weed control successes and failures from the previous year, and planning proactive weed management strategies. Crop specialists will also share guidance on selecting spring wheat, durum, oats, and soybean varieties based on research trial data.
Additional sessions highlight soybean seeding rates, inoculation practices, and practical ways to identify and manage saline and sodic soils. Breakout sessions provide hands-on learning opportunities, including weed identification, managing white mold in soybean and dry beans, and recognizing stress factors in wheat.
The program also features a market outlook presentation from a regional market analyst with experience in farm business management and grain production. The session focuses on helping farmers better understand grain markets and price risk.
After the program concludes, local crop improvement and commodity board elections will take place. The event is free to attend, but advance registration is requested to help plan meals. Certified crop advisers can earn continuing education units by attending.
The Best of the Best program continues to support informed decision-making by connecting producers with trusted research and practical tools for the coming growing season.
The Best of the Best event is free to attend, but registration is requested by Jan. 25 to help the organizers plan for lunch. Registration, as well as a full event agenda, is available at ndsu.ag/BoB-program-26.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Wheat