The 2026 Eastern Crop Pest School in Fargo

By Scout Nelson

The 2026 Eastern Crop Pest Identification and Management School will take place on February 24 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central time at the FargoDome in Fargo, North Dakota. This program is designed for undergraduate students and first- and second-year crop scouts who want to improve their field skills.

The school will focus on helping participants correctly identify crop diseases, insects, herbicide injury symptoms, and other production problems. Crops covered include wheat, barley, corn, soybeans, dry beans, canola, and sunflower. The main goal is to prepare individuals to become successful field scouts in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Speakers include scientists from NDSU Extension, the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, and private industry. These experts will share practical knowledge and real field examples to help students understand common crop issues. The training supports both classroom learning and field work preparation.

Participants will receive reference materials, including a binder filled with useful resource information. Extra binders are available for purchase at a cost of $60. To purchase extra binder, please click here. These materials will help attendees review key concepts after the program ends.

The agenda includes sessions on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and additional program details are available through the organizers. Individuals who need disability-related accommodations should contact the event coordinator.

For more information about the school, interested individuals may contact Barbara Nilles by email, barbara.nilles@ndsu.edu, Wade Webster by email, richard.webster@ndsu.edu, or Andrew Friskop by email, andrew.j.friskop@ndsu.edu, or in the NDSU Plant Pathology Department. The program provides an excellent learning opportunity for students and early career crop scouts who want to strengthen their pest identification and crop management skills before the growing season begins.

This event supports the development of trained crop professionals who can help farmers protect yield and manage field challenges effectively.

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