Mark your calendar: Upcoming Nitrogen College events in Hutchinson, Mankato

Nitrogen management continues to be a primary focus for farmers and the agricultural industry. Driven by high fertilizer prices, recent low commodity prices, and ongoing environmental concerns, producers face a complex landscape when making fertility decisions. To address these challenges, University of Minnesota Extension is hosting Nitrogen College, a series of free workshops designed to refine nitrogen (N) management strategies.

Building on the foundation of the popular Nitrogen Smart program, these events offer deep dives into fertilizer efficiency, emerging technologies, and environmental stewardship.

Event Details and Locations

The Nitrogen College events will be held at two locations this February. There is no cost to attend and pre-registration is not required due to support from the Minnesota Corn Growers.

• Hutchinson: February 23–24 at the McLeod County Extension office, located on the McLeod County fairgrounds. More information
• Mankato: February 25–26 at Offsite Meetings and Events, adjacent to Minnesota Soybean at 1020 Innovation Lane. More information

Comprehensive Curriculum

Both events feature five sessions over two days, allowing attendees to choose any or all sessions that fit their needs.

• A Deep Dive Into the 4Rs: This session details different types of N fertilizer, management best practices, and methods for determining the best application rate for a field in a specific year.
• Adapting N Management to Climate: Evaluates the stresses placed on N fertilizer by temperature and moisture to help farmers adjust management based on environmental conditions.
• Reducing Nitrate Loss to Water: Focuses on techniques and technology aimed at improving water quality to ensure the best outcomes for a farmer's investment.
• Biological Nitrogen Products: A new hour-long session exploring emerging biological technologies and their place in a fertility program.
• Variable Rate Technology for Nitrogen Applications: A new hour-long session looking at how farmers can benefit from utilizing variable rate technology.

Professional Development

Ag professionals who are Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) can receive pre-approved CEUs for attending these workshops. Participants can earn a total of five Nutrient Management and six Soil and Water credits by attending all sessions.

Additional Information

Attendees should note that lunch will not be provided and should plan accordingly. Detailed schedules, including specific meeting times, are available for both the Hutchinson and Mankato locations at the following links:

• Hutchinson: https://extension.umn.edu/event/nitrogen-college-2026-hutchinson
• Mankato: https://extension.umn.edu/event/nitrogen-college-2026-mankato

Contact

Brad Carlson, Extension educator, bcarlson@umn.edu

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