By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension has officially announced the dates for the 2025 Western Crop and Pest Management School. Scheduled for March 5-6, this event will take place at the Ramada Hotel in Bismarck, North Dakota, providing a vital platform for agricultural professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills.
The program is meticulously designed to cover a broad range of topics crucial for modern farming success. Attendees will gain insights into weed, insect, and disease management, along with soil acidity, fertility, and nutrient management.
Additionally, the school will delve into agronomy, forage, cover crops research, and market trends, providing attendees with comprehensive updates and price forecasts for North Dakota’s agricultural crops.
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. on March 5, beginning with a session featuring expert speakers on weed control and management. This will include a panel discussion with leading weed scientists and industry experts, offering attendees the opportunity to discuss their current challenges and explore effective control strategies.
An expanded hands-on training component includes five breakout sessions, allowing for deeper engagement and learning. These sessions focus on practical skills such as weed identification, soil management, crop disease identification, and more. Participants will rotate through these sessions to maximize their learning experience.
Continuing into March 6, the program features further hands-on training and discussions on disease management in broadleaf crops and small grains, along with the latest agronomy research results. The afternoon sessions will cover new research in forage crops and soils, including strategies to alleviate soil acidity issues prevalent in western North Dakota.
The event concludes at 3:45 p.m. on March 6, after a panel discussion on soil management and agricultural economics. A total of 12.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) attending the event.
Registration is required by February 14, 2025, with a fee of $100. Attendance is limited to 120 participants to ensure a quality learning environment. Attendees will receive notepads, pens, handouts, and other training materials.
For more information or to register, visit the event’s dedicated webpage at ndsu.ag/cropsschool25.
Photo Credit:north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Education, General