NDSU North Central Research Extension Center

🌾🚜First alfalfa cutting is complete at the NCREC!

Thankfully, we wrapped up harvest last week—just before all this rain arrived. ☔️

This year's plots have put on quite the show, with a beautiful range of flower colors—from deep purple to soft cream and bright yellow—reminding us that research fields can be both productive and beautiful. 💜💛

Research harvests may only last a few days, but the information gathered will help guide forage recommendations for years to come. Every pass through the field helps us evaluate traits like yield potential, stand persistence, and overall forage performance to identify varieties that will thrive in North Dakota conditions.

Research may start with tiny seeds and colorful blooms, but it ends with practical information that helps producers make informed decisions.

And let's be honest… it's hard to beat a day spent among blooming alfalfa under a North Dakota sky. ☀️

Today (6/23/2026) at 8AM - 1.37" of moisture was observed at the NCREC.

🥁 Drumroll, please... 🥁

Join us in congratulating Phil Koapke on an incredible 30 years of service with NDSU Extension! 🎉👏

Thirty years of dedication, hard work, and commitment is an amazing milestone and a testament to the impact Phil has made over the years. We are grateful for the knowledge, experience, and support Phil has brought to NCREC, our colleagues, and the communities we serve.

Thank you, Phil, for three decades of service and for all you've done to help move our mission forward. Here's to celebrating this remarkable achievement! 🎊💚💛

Have you ever heard of honeyberries? The extremely hardy, edible blue honeysuckle grows in almost any soil, and the fruit can be used like blueberries.

Most honeyberries are ready to harvest mid to late June or late June to early July.

Learn more from NDSU Extension >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/windbreak-cookbook-featuring-fruits-prairie-forests

Pollinators play a vital role in North Dakota agriculture and our natural ecosystems. From bees to butterflies, birds, bats and other beneficial insects, these hardworking species help support the production of crops from the fields to home gardens.

Want to help support pollinators in your landscape? Consider planting native flowers that bloom throughout the growing season.

Learn more about pollinators >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/gardening-and-horticulture/pollination

The extreme winds that swept across the region last month served as a powerful reminder of the importance of soil health.

The Soil Health Express demonstration is returning to this year's Field Day.

Interactive rainfall and wind erosion demonstrations will show how soil management practices can improve water infiltration, reduce runoff and help protect soil during high wind events.

You'll also get an up-close look at cover crop root systems and learn how different species support soil health below the surface.

Full Field Day details https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/events/north-central-rec-annual-field-day

NDSU Extension Agonomist, Ana Carcedo joins our Field Day this year with a canola and soybean update.

See the full lineup of speakers and topics https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/events/north-central-rec-annual-field-day

Sadness vs. depression - do you know the difference? The ag community is no stranger to hard work. We expect a lot from ourselves......but could we be wearing down our bootstraps?

If you are feeling overwhelmed, sad, frustrated......it's time to talk to someone. Your health is the most important asset on your farm/ranch.

Depression in Farming – Let’s Talk About It https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/depression-farming-lets-talk-about-it

Ready to talk to someone? We've got several resources listed on our website. https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/farm-safety-health/managing-stress

Today (6/12/2026) at 8AM - 0.36" of moisture was observed at the NCREC.