NDSU Field School Shares Crop Management Updates

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota State University plans to host the 2026 Crop Management Field School on June 24 at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center. The event provides agricultural professionals and farmers with updated information about crop production, weed management, soil fertility, and pest control practices.

The field school is designed for crop consultants, agronomists, agribusiness representatives, Extension agents, and farmers who provide crop production recommendations or manage farming operations. Organizers explain that the goal of the program is to share practical research updates through field demonstrations and research trials.

Participants will begin the day with registration and refreshments at 8:30 a.m., followed by an introduction session. The event includes several outdoor learning activities held in the Weed Arboretum and research plots. Attendees are encouraged to dress for outdoor conditions throughout the day.

Morning sessions focus on weed management topics. Participants will learn weed identification by examining live weed samples and discussing weed biology and control practices. Another session covers herbicide site-of-action groups, helping participants identify herbicide injury symptoms in crops and weeds.

After lunch, the afternoon sessions focus on crop management topics. One session teaches crop growth stage identification to support better crop management decisions and proper pesticide application timing. Another session highlights nutrient deficiencies and soil fertility needs to help improve economical crop production.

All participants attend every session during the program. Organizers also provide reference materials, refreshments, and one meal as part of the workshop registration.

Certified Crop Advisers attending the field school may earn 5.0 continuing education credits in crop management, pest management, and nutrient management categories. Registration and payment must be completed by June 22. The workshop fee is $100 per person, and attendance is limited to 50 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university