Row-crop Field Tour Set at NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center for Sept. 2

Farmers, crop advisers and agricultural industry representatives are invited to attend a row-crop field tour scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center. The tour will begin at 3 p.m. and conclude with a sponsored supper.

According to Greg Endres, NDSU Extension Service area agronomist, participants will view field research trials and receive production recommendations on sunflowers, corn and soybeans.

The sunflower session will be conducted from 3 to 4:45 p.m. Current and future sunflower hybrid options for producers will be highlighted. Plant nutrition, including efficient use of nitrogen and phosphorus among tillage systems, will be discussed. Disease issues to be discussed are sunflower rust impact and management, and hybrid screening for tolerance to sclerotinia (middle stalk and head rot). Also, the tour will provide tips on determining crop physiological maturity and the use of desiccants for a timely and efficient harvest.

A two-hour session focusing on corn and soybeans will begin at 5 p.m. at the Carrington REC’s headquarters. Tour participants will hear presentations and be able to view research trials on soybean variety performance, crop establishment and plant nutrition, which include specialized inputs. Discussion during the corn session will include late-season plant development and pending management challenges with the harvest and storage.

Refreshment and meal sponsors are the North Dakota Soybean Council and Growers Association, National Sunflower Association, and North Dakota Corn Growers Association and Utilization Council. Each organization has been invited to provide brief updates on its activities during supper.

Four continuing education credits (3 credits for crop management, 0.5 credit for nutrient management and 0.5 credit for pest management) will be available at no cost for certified crop advisers.

Additional information about the tour is available from the Carrington REC at (701) 652-2951 or on the Web at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/carringt/.

NDSU Agriculture Communication