Best of the Best in Research and Marketing meetings have been set for dates in January and February.
Two meetings in eastern North Dakota will focus on wheat and soybean production recommendations and marketing strategies. The meetings are scheduled for Jan. 31 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead, Minn., and Feb. 1 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D.
"As in the past, these meetings will present the latest research results addressing some of the most critical issues facing wheat and soybean producers in the region," said Joel Ransom, NDSU Extension Service agronomist and one of the meeting organizers.
Five hands-on demonstrations are planned.
"These demonstrations are always popular with the participants because the learning is highly interactive," said Hans Kandel, NDSU Extension Agronomist and one of the presenters.
Additional meetings will be held at the Ramada Grand Dakota Lodge in Dickinson, N.D., on Feb. 7 and the Grand International in Minot, N.D., on Feb. 8. The meetings will address issues related to production and marketing of wheat and barley.
Other presentations will address the growing problem of saline soils and explain factors that contributed to the poor crop yields this past season.
"In addition to the latest information on wheat production, many of the topics will have tips to help producers who are interested in barley but haven't grown it for a while," said Karen Hertsgaard, NDSU Institute of Barley and Malt Sciences information specialist, who will lead a demonstration on barley and malt quality.
The meetings are sponsored by the Minnesota Wheat and Soybean Research and Promotion Councils, Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, North Dakota Wheat Commission, North Dakota Soybean Council, North Dakota Crop Improvement Association, North Dakota Barley Council, NDSU Institute of Barley and Malt Sciences, University of Minnesota Extension and NDSU Extension Service.
The meetings in Moorhead and Grand Forks will begin at 8:30 a.m. The meeting in Dickinson will begin at 8:55 a.m. and the meeting in Minot will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. or after the general session of the North Dakota Crop Improvement Association.
A noon lunch will be provided at each venue. There is no participation fee, but advanced registration is required. Register at www.smallgrains.org for Moorhead and Grand Forks meetings and www.ndgga.com/events.htm for Dickinson and Minot meetings. For questions or to register by phone, call 800-242-6118, ext. 13, in Minnesota and 701-325-5111 in North Dakota.