Central Dakota Ag Day set for Dec. 16

The latest recommendations related to tillage, fertilizer application and weed control are among the topics to be covered during the Central Dakota Ag Day on Friday Dec. 16 at the North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center.

The program begins at 9 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts.

"Agronomic input prices have really not changed from the 2022 growing season, and weeds are becoming more difficult to control," says Jeff Stachler, Extension agent for NDSU Extension in Griggs County. "Producers who attend Central Dakota Ag Day will receive information that can improve their bottom line."

Topics and speakers for the crop production portion of this year's program are:

• NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center research crop data – Kristin Simons, research agronomist, Carrington.

• Row crop research review: Selected study results and recommendations – Greg Endres, NDSU Extension cropping systems specialist, Carrington.

• Precision ag options for site-specific weed management – Paulo Flores, assistant professor, NDSU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Fargo.

• Pigweed species and managing weeds – Stachler and Alicia Harstad, NDSU Extension agent in Barnes County.

• 2023 fertilizer recommendations – Dave Franzen, NDSU Extension soil science specialist, Fargo.

• Reduced tillage strategies: Positive impacts on soil, crops and finances – Franzen.

• Crop Marketing Plans – NDSU Extension crops economist/marketing specialist Frayne Olson, Fargo.

The agronomy presentations are among 16 concurrent sessions that will be offered during the daylong event.

Certified crop advisors can receive continuing education units for many of the seminars.

"In addition to agronomy, we're offering sessions on cow health, livestock marketing and horticulture," says Jeff Gale, NDSU Extension agent in Foster County. "Sue Balcom, a frequent guest on Prairie Public's program 'Main Street Eats,' will also speak on German-Russian Christmas traditions."

A veterinarian's perspective on cow health, a weed scientist's recommendation for improving pastures and an economist's forecast of livestock prices are among the livestock-related sessions offered. Other highlights include:

• Cattle market outlook – Tim Petry, Extension livestock economist, NDSU Fargo

• Emerging issues in cow health (two sessions) – Dr. Jerry Stokka, Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist, NDSU Fargo

• Weed control in pastures – Brian Jenks, weed scientist, NDSU North Central Research Extension Center, Minot

• Natural Resources Conservation Service programs for ranchers – Paul DuBourt, NRCS conservation delivery units supervisor, Carrington

• Rules for selling locker meat – Travis Hoffman, Extension sheep specialist, NDSU Fargo.

"With the expectation that herd sizes will be reduced in the United States, the market outlook will provide information to ranchers that is vital to their planning," says NDSU Extension livestock specialist Karl Hoppe.

Hoppe also highlights the importance of Dr. Stokka's presentations to learn about emerging diseases and ways to prevent cattle death.

"No other factor has a larger effect on profitability," adds Hoppe.

Rancher Doug Bichler of Linton, North Dakota, will deliver the keynote address titled "Life Left-handed" at 9:30 a.m.

No registration is required. Lunch will be provided.

Central Dakota Ag Day is organized by NDSU Extension agents in Foster, Eddy, Wells, Griggs, Barnes and Sheridan counties, as well as staff from NDSU's Carrington Research Extension Center.

The Carrington Research Extension Center is three and a half miles north of Carrington on U.S. Highway 281.

For more information about Central Dakota Ag Day, visit https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/events/central-dakota-ag-day.

Direct further questions to Gale at 701-652-2581 or by email at [email protected].