Business retention and expansion programs help communities assess their business environment.

This year’s events will feature the latest research on issues that impact agriculture in North Dakota.

Participants will receive updates on crop pest and soil management recommendations.

As a new industrial crop, energy beets are expected to help meet the need for renewable feedstocks to replace high-cost fossil fuels.

Producers will receive recommendations that will help them make production decisions.

Extension personnel receive awards at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents conference.

Scholarships will be awarded to 24 North Dakota State University athletes during this year’s Harvest Bowl program on Nov. 19.

Visitors will be able to learn about crop production, the drought, farm stress and NDSU’s Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department.

More than $125,000 in scholarships have been awarded to NDSU student athletes.

Events include the hall of fame banquet on Feb. 10 and the livestock show on Feb. 11.