Regional agronomy research results, weed control update and sunflower insect research will be featured topics at the 42nd annual Western Dakota Crops Day on Dec. 9, hosted by the North Dakota State University’s Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC) and Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC). The event will be held at the Hettinger REC classroom.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. MST, and presentations begin at 1 p.m.

Joe Ikley, NDSU Extension weed specialist, will provide a weed control update and discuss managing palmer amaranth, which was found in a field in Adams County in 2025.

Patrick Wagner, SDSU West River Research and Extension entomology field specialist, will give a presentation on sunflower insect research and the results of the sunflower survey.

Results from agronomy research in the western Dakotas will be presented by Caleb Dalley, HREC research weed scientist; John Rickertsen, HREC agronomist; and Chris Augustin, DREC director and soil scientist. Some of the topics covered include herbicide trials, canola planting dates, fertilizer trials on canola, spring wheat and corn, lime trials for low-pH soils and soybean inoculation.

"This year's crops day will provide excellent information on current weed control issues and herbicide options, new sunflower insect research, along with traditional variety performance data and ongoing regional agronomy research," Rickertsen says.

The event is free of charge, and certified crop advisers may earn continuing education credits for attending. For more information, visit ndsu.ag/westerncrops25 or contact the HREC at 701-567-4323.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Dec. 2, 2025

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

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu