Minnesota Crop News

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Feeling squeezed by compaction? Register now for the virtual Northern Soil Compaction Conference

Are you feeling the squeeze from soil compaction? Learn how to protect your yields at the virtual, four-day Northern Soil Compaction Conference ! Soil compaction is a growing concern for farmers and land managers, especially across the northern United States and southern Canada. Every pass of heavy equipment increases compaction risks, leading to lower overall yields. Join us and explore the latest research and practical solutions from top experts in the United States and Canada. Gain actionable insights to address current compaction issues, develop long-term management strategies, and learn about the benefits of these practices for productivity and profitability. February 3: Causes of soil compaction February 10: Effects and symptoms of soil compaction February 17: Soil-machine equipment management options February 24: Avoidance and alleviation of compaction Certified crop advisor CEUs will be available. Register The cost for the full 4-day event is $75....

Reminder! Register now for January Research Updates

UofM and NDSU agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, soil, and weed science extension faculty invite you to the Research Updates for Ag Professionals in Crookston, Waseca, Willmar, Farmington, and Lamberton during the first half of January. Come with your questions and interact with the specialists as they share their data, interpretations, and conclusions with you. Registration Preregistration is strongly encouraged. The registration fee is $60 through December 31, and $70 at the door. For crop producers only at Waseca and Lamberton, use code “Standard” for free tuition thanks to support from Minnesota Corn Growers and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. On-site registration begins one hour before the start time at each location. Follow this link for online registration: Register online Be sure to select the location you want to attend when you register. We do not offer refunds for no-shows, but do accept location changes. Simply c...

Reminder! Register now for Strategic Farming: Let's talk crops 2026

Liz Stahl, Extension educator - crops, and Phyllis Bongard, Educational content development and communications specialist Photo: Liz Stahl Reminder! If you haven’t done so yet, it’s time to register for the 2026 “Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops!” winter webinar series. Key issues and questions facing Minnesota farmers today around commodity crop production will be discussed through this live, interactive, online program. Sessions will be held over Zoom, which can be accessed via your computer, phone, or other mobile device, and will run from 9:00 to 10:00 am Wednesdays, January 7 through March 25, 2026. Register once for all sessions at: z.umn.edu/SF2026 . Sessions will be very informal and open to all interested. Each session will start with a brief presentation by the discussion leaders for the day, followed by discussion framed around farmer/participant questions on the topic. If you can’t join us live, all sessions will be recorded...

Let Extension know how alfalfa insect issues are affecting you

In recent years, Minnesota alfalfa growers have been reporting increased issues with alfalfa insects to Extension staff. Especially for alfalfa weevil, there have been reports of reduced pesticide efficacy for this pest along with issues persisting past first cutting and concerns about how to manage other insects in addition to alfalfa weevil. In order to respond to these concerns and assess how widespread these issues are, University of Minnesota Extension is hosting a multi-state survey focused on alfalfa grower perspectives and needs for alfalfa weevil management and other related insects. The short 22-question online survey covering the 2021-25 growing seasons can be found at https://z.umn.edu/alfalfapestsurvey . Reduced alfalfa regrowth due to prior feeding under windrows near Morris, MN. Photo: Anthony Hanson This online survey lets you voice what issues you are seeing in the field first-hand for alfalfa pests. Participating in the survey will help determine what areas of the...

Get the latest independent research findings at the Research Updates!

Are you curious about the latest independent and unbiased research findings of your Land Grant Universities and how those findings pertain to advising your clients to best manage their crops? The UofM and NDSU agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, soil, and weed science extension faculty are going on the road in the first half of January to share their data, interpretations, and conclusions with you at the Research Updates for Ag Professionals in Crookston, Waseca, Willmar, Farmington, and Lamberton. Registration Preregistration is strongly encouraged. The registration fee is $60 through the end of this year, and $70 at the door. For crop producers only at Waseca and Lamberton, use code “Standard” for free tuition thanks to support from Minnesota Corn Growers and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. On-site registration begins one hour before the start time at each location. Follow this link for online registration: Register online Be sure...

Interested in growing food-grade oats in southeast Minnesota? Attend the ‘Grain Gathering’ Feb. 18 in Rochester

Join University of Minnesota Extension for the first annual Grain Gathering on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Aune Hall on the Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester. As demand for food-grade oats grows, this event focuses on how small grains can strengthen both profitability and resilience in Upper Midwest farming systems. Sessions will cover oat variety trials & breeding, agronomic recommendations, development & fungicide application, economics of a three-crop rotation, soil health benefits, market opportunities, and more! Registration link: z.umn.edu/GrainGatheringRegister Event webpage: z.umn.edu/GrainGathering A farmer panel will highlight real-world experiences with integrating oats—from choosing varieties to managing cover crops and harvesting. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with researchers, Extension specialists, and fellow growers. Come and find out how high-quality oats are fitting profitability into crop rotations in southeast Minnesota farms....