By Scout Nelson
Annual wheat and soybean research meetings will be held in early February to share research findings and practical farm management advice with farmers and agriculture professionals. The meetings are designed to help growers better understand crop performance, pest control, soil management, weather trends, and farm finances.
The events will take place on February 4 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and on February 5 in Moorhead, Minnesota. The meetings bring together Extension experts from North Dakota and Minnesota to present research-backed information that supports real-world farming decisions.
“NDSU and UMN Extension are pleased to continue this long-running program to bring wheat and soybean growers the most current, research-backed information for their operations,” says Clair Keene, NDSU Extension small grains agronomist. “We have a great lineup of speakers this year, as well as hands-on breakout sessions that allow attendees to learn and ask questions in a small-group setting.”
The program begins with morning registration and refreshments, followed by a full day of presentations and learning sessions. A free lunch is provided, and the meetings conclude in the afternoon.
Presentations cover spring wheat variety selection, soybean breeding progress, and fungicide use in wheat. Soil compaction and its effects on crop growth are discussed, along with nutrient and water management practices that may improve economic returns in wheat and soybean rotations.
Breakout sessions allow participants to gain hands-on knowledge in smaller groups. Topics include early-season wheat yield development, pesticide application methods, insect identification, and weed seedling identification. These sessions encourage discussion and practical learning.
Additional presentations focus on weather trends, including a recap of the previous growing season and an outlook for the year ahead. Farm management sessions provide updates on farm programs and tax issues that may affect producers.
The meetings are free to attend, but advance registration is encouraged to help with meal planning. Certified crop advisers can earn continuing education units by participating. The events are supported by several wheat, soybeans, and grain organizations committed to farmer education.
The Best of the Best events are free to attend, but registration is highly encouraged to help with lunch planning. Registration information, as well as a full event agenda, is available at ndsu.ag/BoB-meetings26.
Photo Credit: istock-zhaojiankang
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Wheat