Welcome to Center Points!

Today we initiate a new feature on the NDSU CREC home page designed to provide another means for our constituents to learn about program activities and project progress.  Center Points will be updated weekly by the Carrington Research Extension Center staff who will share thoughts and observations derived from their program activities. These updates may simply be a sharing of crop development notes, review of weather influenced issues, interesting research treatment responses or a more in depth discussion of specific research projects. The CREC is one of eight out-state Research Extension Centers of North Dakota State University. As a department, the CREC represents both the NDSU Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the NDSU Extension Service (EXT). The majority of the CREC’s programs and activities are associated with conducting research which represents the mission of the Agricultural Experiment Station. In 1986 the CREC became the first out-state Research Extension Center of NDSU when Extension Service specialists were co-located with researchers in one facility. The CREC’s program of education or extension represents the mission of the Extension Service. Together the AES and EXT staffs of the CREC work to enhance the productivity, competitiveness and diversity of agriculture in central North Dakota and the state as a whole. Through our programs we work to address issues that present near and long-term challenges to the viability of farm and ranch enterprises. The hope and expectation is that these viable agricultural enterprises will help sustain vibrant rural communities and the natural resources that are the basis of agriculture’s potential.

In the weeks ahead, I invite you to check Center Points for updates that will share observations from across the diverse program areas of the CREC. Anticipate briefs related to crops and soils, animal science, nutrient management, fruits and berries, foundation seedstocks along with details related to upcoming tours and workshops. We will also share program updates from the Farm Business Management Education and North Dakota Forest Service programs that have staff based at the CREC.

We look forward to utilizing Center Points as a means to broaden our constituencies’ knowledge of CREC program activities. Thank you for reading and on behalf of the team at the CREC we thank you for your support in helping to position the CREC to serve you now and into the future.

Blaine Schatz
Director & Agronomist