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January 20, 2005 Learn More About Raising Legume Crops at MonDak Pulse Day The fifth annual MonDak Pulse Day will be Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Airport International Inn, Williston, starting with registration at 8:30 a.m. CST. Researchers and Extension personnel from North Dakota State University, Montana State University and Canada, along with representatives from grower groups and private industry, will discuss important aspects of raising field peas, lentils and chickpeas in the MonDak region. Individuals interested in attending are asked to note the change in location. The event has been held at the Williston Research Extension Center in previous years, but has been moved to the Airport International Inn this year to better accommodate participants and trade show exhibitors. The opening presentation will feature Jill Clapperton, soil scientist with the Lethbridge Research Centre in Alberta, Canada. Clapperton is one of the leading authorities on soil quality. She has presented research findings internationally to promote a better understanding of how soil biology and ecology interact with cropping and soil management systems to facilitate long-term soil quality and productivity. For Pulse Day, she will provide an overview of why soil quality is important and the contributions of pulse crops to soil quality. A pulse crop production update will follow Clapperton’s presentation. This will include an update on pulse crop varieties and North Dakota research by Kent McKay, area Extension agronomist; weed control issues presented by Brian Jenks, weed scientist at the North Central Research Extension Center in Minot; and an update on Montana pulse crop research by Perry Miller, assistant professor of cropping systems at MSU in Bozeman. Just prior to the noon lunch, Eric Bartsch, executive director of the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Association, will provide an update on the pulse crop industry and issues being addressed by the NDDPLA. Noon lunch will be served by the Airport International Inn. A $10 registration fee at the door will cover the noon lunch, plus break refreshments. The opening session in the afternoon will be a presentation on pulse crop development and growth staging by McKay. Other afternoon presentations will include Jack Riesselman, Extension plant pathologist at MSU, on the issue of managing pulse crop root and foliar diseases. As more and more pulse crops are grown in the MonDak region, this is becoming more of a concern. George Flaskerud, NDSU Extension crops economist, will discuss pulse crop markets and marketing. Understanding the marketing of pulse crops and what markets are available to growers is as important as agronomic management. The day will conclude with a panel discussion on pulse crop harvesting, handling and storage. The panel will consist of growers and industry representatives. A trade show will be held in conjunction with the program. Producers will be able to visit with industry representatives at various times during the day. Application also has been made for continuing education credits for certified crop advisers and the program has been approved for two pesticide recertification points for Montana producers. The MonDak Pulse Day is open to the public and organized by NDSU and MSU Extension agents in northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota. For more information, please contact the center at (701) 774-4315 or any of the local county Extension offices in northeastern Montana or northwestern North Dakota. ### Source:
Keith Brown, (701) 965-6501, kbrown@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
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North Dakota State University |
