Ag Life sessions inspire rural, city neighbors

Central Dakota Ag Day, Monday, December 16, 2024, at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center, features speakers of interest to anyone involved in agriculture, from small yard gardens and pollinator habitats to large farms and cow-calf operations. This free event, which is open to the public, begins at 9:30 a.m.

Keynote speakers include Tom Brusegaard, Field Representative for U.S. Senator John Hoeven; and Frayne Olson, NDSU Extension Crops Economist.

Along with concurrent session tracks focusing on production-scale agronomy, livestock production, and NDSU agriculture research, an “Ag Life” room will feature specialty topics to inspire everyone. Scheduled topics and presenters include:

• Beekeeping the way my family taught me. Ethan Johnson, beekeeper with Robson Honey Company, has 40+ years of experience working with a multi-state honey production company.
• What is a pollinator garden? Michelle Gilley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, NDSU Extension agent for Eddy County will showcase her successful efforts with community, school, and private gardens that sustain and nurture bees and other pollinators.
• North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network. Cassidy Holth, NDAWN Field Technician and Climatologist for the ND State Climate Office is from the Eddy/Foster County area, and worked with the Carrington REC plant pathology crew before earning her meteorological degree from UND. Holth will demonstrate the scope of NDAWN and its worth to North Dakota citizens.  
• Kids win and farms win with North Dakota Farm to School. Amanda Olson, Farm to Child Nutrition Specialist, ND Department of Public Instruction, is a champion for the Farm to School program that allows schools to purchase farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, honey, dairy products and more from local producers for their school lunch menus.
• Ag History in Foster County. Kim Watson, volunteer for the Foster County Museum will bring artifacts from Foster County’s past for display and discussion.  
• Landscaping ideas and plants for color and fun. Dennis Swanson, Co-chair of the Carrington Garden Club has been gathering photos and notes from Garden Club projects and private ‘yardens’ that are functional, sustainable, and beautiful.

Sponsors of the 2024 Central Dakota Ag Day include the ND Corn Utilization Council, the ND Soybean Council, the ND Wheat Commission, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, and Northern Canola Growers Association.

The full program begins at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts. Welcomes begin at 9:50 a.m., and at 10:00 a.m., concurrent sessions and keynote speakers begin. A sponsored lunch will be served.

The Carrington Research Extension Center is located 3.5 miles north of Carrington on Highway 281. There is no fee associated with Central Dakota Ag Day, and preregistration is not required. 

For more information about Central Dakota Ag Day visit: ndsu.ag/CDAD2024. Direct questions or request accommodations to Jeff Gale at 701-652-2581 or by email at jeff.gale@ndsu.edu.