The NDSU Extension Service is scheduled to hold irrigation workshops Thursday, Dec. 4, in Bismarck, North Dakota, and Thursday, Dec. 11, in Williston, North Dakota.
"On the right soils, irrigation can make a big difference in crop yields," said Tom Scherer, NDSU Extension water quality and irrigation specialist. "Irrigation provides consistent crop production on a year-to-year basis; allows longer- season crops such as corn, potatoes and soybeans to be grown on droughty soils; provides a consistent supply of forage for animal operations; and diversifies the farm enterprise.
The Dec. 4 workshop is in the Grand Pacific Room at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck. It will be held in conjunction with the North Dakota Water Users Association convention. The NDSU Extension Service and North Dakota Irrigation Association sponsor the workshop. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and workshop presentations begin at 8:30 a.m.
Presentations will discuss the Natural Resources Conservation Service's irrigation program, an introduction to the Missouri River Stakeholders Group, sub-irrigation with tile, horizontal wells, irrigation economics and the economic impact of irrigation development along the McClusky Canal.
Other highlights include using unmanned aircraft systems for crop production and updates on irrigation research at NDSU's Carrington Research Extension Center and the Nesson Valley irrigation research site.
The registration fee of $20 is payable at the door and includes lunch.
The Dec. 11 workshop is in the Ernie French building at the NDSU Williston Research Extension Center.
Presentations include diseases in broadleaf crops, appropriate nitrogen application for corn production, weed resistance management and a Nesson Valley irrigation research update.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. Attendance is free of charge. Lunch will be provided. The Mountrail/Williams Electric Cooperative and Agri-Industries will sponsor the lunch.
The workshop brochure is available at www.ag.ndsu.edu/irrigation (look under Irrigation Events). For more information, contact Scherer at 701-231-7239 or thomas.scherer@ndsu.edu.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.