North Dakota hosts annual crops day

By Scout Nelson

The 41st annual Western Dakota Crops Day is set for Dec. 17, hosted by the North Dakota State University Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC) and Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC). This year’s event will focus on key topics, including annual forage options, soil health, and regional agronomy research.

The event will take place at the Hettinger REC classroom, with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. Presentations will begin at 1 p.m. Attendees can look forward to valuable insights from a range of experts.

James Rogers, NDSU Extension forage crops specialist, will discuss annual and cover crops for haying and grazing, tailored to the needs of farmers in the western Dakotas. Clarence Winter, agronomy field specialist from SDSU, will present findings from a five-year study on soil test phosphorus in no-till practices, highlighting its impact on yield and soil microbes.

Rutendo Nyamusamba, NDSU Extension conservation agronomist, will introduce the Farmers for Soil Health program. Sponsored by the Soy Checkoff, Pork Checkoff, and National Corn Growers Association, this initiative aims to enhance soil health through covering crops. Farmers participating in the program receive technical and financial support to incorporate cover crops into their rotations.

In addition, results from agronomy research conducted in the western Dakotas will be presented by experts including Caleb Dalley, weed scientist; John Rickertsen, agronomist; and Chris Augustin, DREC director and soil scientist.

“This year’s crops day will provide excellent information on annual forage options, phosphorus fertilizer recommendations in no-till, and programs to help implement cover crops, along with traditional variety performance data and ongoing regional agronomy research,” says Rickertsen.

Western Dakota Crops Day promises to be an informative event for farmers and agronomy professionals, offering practical knowledge to enhance farming practices and soil health.

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