Dry edible bean producers and crop advisers will have an opportunity to learn about North Dakota State University’s current production research and recommendations during NDSU Extension's Getting-it-Right in Dry Bean Production workshops at Park River and Fessenden, N.D., in late January.

""Dry bean production challenges include plant establishment and protection, as well as harvesting and marketing a high-quality crop,” says Greg Endres, NDSU Extension cropping systems specialist at the Carrington Research Extension Center. “These educational workshops will help farmers make dry bean production decisions in preparation for and during the 2020 growing season."

The meeting dates, times, locations and contacts are:

• Thursday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Park River City Auditorium, 504 Briggs Ave. S; for more information, contact Brad Brummond, NDSU Extension agent in Walsh County, at 701-284-6248 or bradley.brummond@ndsu.edu
• Friday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Festival Hall, Wells Co. Fairgrounds; for more information, contact Lindsay Maddock, NDSU Extension agent in Wells County, at 701-381-8606 or lindsay.maddock@ndsu.edu

Speakers and hosts include the participating Extension agents and Extension specialists: Endres, Dave Franzen, Extension soil science specialist; Joe Ikley, Extension weed specialist; Hans Kandel, Extension agronomist; Jan Knodel, Extension entomologist; Sam Markell, Extension plant pathologist and Frayne Olson, Extension crops economist.

The workshop topics are:

• Plant establishment factors: market type and variety selection, row spacing, populations, planting date, tillage systems, cover crops, tile drainage and ground rolling
• Plant protection strategies: disease management including root and stem disease, and white mold (sclerotinia); weed management including Palmer amaranth and narrowleaf hawksbeard, and soil-applied herbicides, insect management
• Plant nutrition, including fertilizer application timing and placement
• Market update

A farmer panel will discuss unique management strategies including reduced-tillage systems, cover crops and harvest management.

The Northarvest Bean Growers Association is a partner with NDSU Extension for the Getting-it-Right in Dry Bean Production workshops including providing financial support for refreshments and the noon meal. The association oversees promotion, research and marketing programs funded by dry bean checkoff dollars.

The event is free of charge. Preregistration is not necessary. Continuing education credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisers.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Jan. 8, 2020