Regional agronomy research results, managing alfalfa pests and incorporating cover crops into western Dakota’s crop rotations will be featured topics at the 38th annual Western Dakota Crops Day, hosted by the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Hettinger Research Extension Center (REC). The event will be held at the Hettinger Armory on Dec. 16.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts, and presentations starting at 10 a.m. Participants will be able to view exhibits and visit with vendors throughout the day.

South Dakota State University Extension entomologist, Patrick Wagner, will be discussing common alfalfa pests and their control, as alfalfa is an important crop in the region. Wagner also will discuss common insect pests including alfalfa weevil, potato leafhoppers, aphids, plant bugs cutworms and blister beetles.

Ryan Beer from Lemmon, S.D., will discuss incorporating full season and post-harvest cover crops into cropping systems for the western Dakotas. Though it can be difficult to incorporate cover crops in areas with 16 inches of precipitation, Beer will discuss what he has seen work for him and other farmers and ranchers in the region, and how livestock grazing can improve the economics of cover crops.

Results from agronomy research in the western Dakotas will be presented by Caleb Dalley, Hettinger REC weed scientist; John Rickertsen, Hettinger REC research agronomist; Ryan Buetow, Dickinson REC Extension cropping systems specialist and Chris Augustin, Dickinson REC director and soil scientist.

Topics will include updates on new crop varieties, new herbicides, crop production and current agronomy issues in the West River region.

“This year’s crops day will provide excellent information on alfalfa pest management and utilizing cover crops in the semi-arid western Dakota’s, along with the traditional variety performance and ongoing regional agronomy research,” says Rickertsen.

The day will also include commercial exhibits by several seed, pesticide and agricultural service companies displaying their newest products and innovations.

The event is free of charge and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Hettinger REC at 701-567-4323.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Dec. 10, 2021

Source: John Rickertsen, 701-567-4323, john.rickertsen@ndsu.edu

Editor: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-6136, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu