Goal 1. An Agricultural System That Is Highly Competitive In the Global Economy

Overview - Changing climate conditions, pests and prices make crop production a challenge. Through these challenges, NDSU specialists and researchers respond b helping the states producers find ways to improve the profitability and sustainability of crop production.

North Dakota leads the nation in production of hard red spring wheat, durum wheat, sunflower, barley, all dry edible beans, pinto beans, canola and flaxseed. The state ranks second in production of all wheat, navy beans, oats and honey and third in sugar beets. Exports of North Dakota commodities and products are valued at $1.7 billion. Crop production is critically important to the economy of the Northern Great Plains. Cash receipts from crops provide more than $3 billion to the economic base of North Dakota. A short growing season and low rainfall limit diversification, yields and cropping potential. Still North Dakota is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation with more than 40 different crops grown.

Similarly, livestock production is big business in North Dakota, accounting for $15.4 percent of the total agricultural cash receipts -- $549 million -- in 1998. And livestock production is the original value-added enterprise adding value to the state's abundant crop forage and rangeland resources. More than 44 percent of North Dakota's land use is associated with rangeland, pasture land and hayland. NDSU programs help producers cut costs, boost returns and fund new opportunities.

A key to the success of crop production in North Dakota is the continued genetic improvement of crops. In 2000, varieties released by NDSU had an annual economic impact based on increased yield alone of about $110 million annually. About 90 percent of that economic impact was from the spring wheat variety Alsen, the first hard red spring wheat variety which combines high quality and good agronomic characteristics with resistance to Fusarium Head Blight.

In addition to improvement in the state's major crops, scientists assess minor crop varieties and production practices. These minor crops give producers crop rotation flexibility for dealing with pest and disease problems in major crops. In North Dakota, lentil acreage has increased from about 2,500 acres in 1993 to more than 44,000 acres in 2000. Dry peas have increased from 2,000 acres to more than 67,000. Canola increased from 20,000 acres to 1.26 million.

The micro-rate system of herbicide application developed at NDSU has been widely accepted by sugar beet growers in North Dakota and Minnesota and shows potential for use in other cropping systems.. Average savings per acre of micro-rate application in sugar beet was $20 with a total industry cost saving of $39 million. The micro-rate system in corn weed control is expected to reduce herbicide costs in North Dakota by $16/acre. Preliminary research in small grains, soybean, and drybean project cost reduction of $2 to $6/acre annually. This herbicide application method will increase both net economic income and reduce herbicide usage.

NDSU specialists are helping livestock producers hone their management skills too. The NDSU Extension Service helps dairy producers assemble diagnostic advisory teams of local experts to identify key areas for improvements. So far, 46 farms have adopted the concept. Some sample results: One farm increased cash flow $7,200 in the first month without any additional expenditures by applying new technology, while using existing farm resources. Balancing herd rations, feed bunk management, and monitoring production helped increase annual income over $86,000. Another farm boosted milk production by 7 pounds per cow per day adding $1,800 per month in income by making ration changes and implementing timely nutrition monitoring. Poor quality forages limited a third farm's income potential, so the team redesigned the farm's cropping system to improve milk production and efficiency of land and labor use.

Better management of rangeland resources if often a key to greater profitability for beef producers. Eighty-four ranchers participated in the 12-month rangeland planning workshop. Roughly 47 percent of the ranchers were beginners in developing new grazing strategies while the remaining individuals looking to further improve their current grazing and forage programs. These four workshops impacted almost 116,000 acres of native rangeland, pastureland, and hayland. Over 75 percent of the participants were planning to add new range improvement practices and over 90 percent planned to implement some of the training strategies learned in the workshops. Two employees of the US Forest Service and the Commissioner of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department participated in the program. These three individuals response to the workshop included trying to incorporate new strategies on a potential 1 to 2 million acres of public lands.

Leafy spurge is a weed that reduces the usefulness of millions of acres in North Dakota. Cattle won't eat the weed, but NDSU specialists found that sheep effectively controlled leafy spurge after one year using a single species grazing approach and after three years using a multi-species grazing approach. Leafy spurge stem densities were reduced by 94 percent and 82 percent on single-species and multi-species grazing treatments, respectively, after five years. Season long grazing using a multi-species approach provided a quicker, more efficient grazing of leafy spurge than rotational grazing; however, both reduced leafy spurge stem densities by 92 percent and 32 percent, respectively, after five years. The research provides new options for North Dakota livestock producers who want to control this invasive weed. Chemical control on large patches of the weed are seldom cost effective. The research shows that sheep can provide some financial return while providing control.

Most calves born in North Dakota are shipped to out-of-state feedlots for finishing, representing an untapped potential to add value to them in the state by feeding them locally grown feed crops.

The NDSU Extension Service showed that it cost up to 3 cents less per pound to finish cattle in North Dakota compared to an out-of-state feedlot. Extension information prompted a group of cattle producers to pool funds and custom feed more than 1,300 head in North Dakota feedlots. With help from Extension specialists and agents, they realized a return of more than 31

percent last year. Another group built a 7,000-head feedyard in Bowman County. Other producers will earn a premium of up to 3 cents per pound for cattle that meet processing specifications of a new local processing company. More than 130 producers attended Extension feedlot schools last year. One participant estimated that better health practices, bunk management and feeding practices cut his cost of gain by up to five cents per pound.

The NDSU Agricultural Experiment Station has breeding and research programs in most of these crops with the goal of releasing new varieties. Germplasm from these research programs is shared with public and private breeders worldwide. In sunflower and sugar beet, which are also major crops, germplasm is released by the USDA for use by private and public breeding programs. USDA scientists provide basic genetic information and in some cases develop and provide germplasm to assist breeding programs. In some crops, USDA coordinates regional trials that allow the plant breeder to determine the adaptability of his genetic material across a wide range of environments outside North Dakota. The plant breeders, which are located in the Department of Plant Sciences, cooperate extensively with their counterparts in the Departments of Plant Pathology, Cereal Science and the research extension centers in varietal development and genetic research. Crosses made by the breeder are evaluated for agronomic characteristics by the breeder, quality characteristics by cereal scientists, and disease resistance by plant pathologists. Based on the information provided, the breeder then makes a decision on which material to discard and what it moves forward in the program. The extension service has a major role in educating the producers about new varieties.

Impact - Genetically improved varieties that possess improved agronomic performance and quality have a major impact on the state and region. Varieties that have increased yield and improved disease resistance and quality provides producers with the opportunity to increase their economic potential through wider accessability to markets and improved prices. The genetic improvement of major crops for successful crop production requires research effort by the scientist and subsequent dissemination of the knowledge and education to the producer, product purchaser, and the end use of the finished product by extension personnel. Extension efforts are directed at the state, county, national, and international levels.

Several new and improved crop varieties were developed and released using conventional methods of plant breeding. Some of these varieties have increased yield due to improved disease resistance, especially head, kernel, and leaf disease resistance while others that have been released have improved agronomic and quality factors (for example, greater test weight, kernel size, higher protein (wheat), improved milling extraction percentage, lower protein (barley for malting purposes), increased fiber levels in oat for human consumption, specific oat varieties for race horses, hulless oats for improved livestock feeding efficiency, etc.

In 2000 varieties released by NDSU had an annual economic impact based on increased yield alone of about $110M annually. About 90 percent of the economic impact was from the spring wheat variety 'Alsen'. Alsen is the first HRSW variety which combines high quality and good agronomic characteristics with Type II resistance to Fusarium Head Blight (FHB). The variety will also have an impact in South Dakota, Minnesota, and to a lesser extent, Montana. Almost 40,000 bushels were increased and available to producers in North and South Dakota and Minnesota. If the variety is approved for production in Canada, where it is well adapted, it will also have a significant economic impact there.

Other varieties were released for use by oat, durum, dry edible bean, six-rowed barley, and soybean producers. The acceptance of the two-rowed barley 'Conlon' as a malting variety will have a major impact on barley production in central and western North Dakota. The benefits will also be felt in South Dakota to a lesser extent. The recent release of several high quality and high yielding durum varieties has had a major impact in northwestern North Dakota and northeastern Montana. The education of producers about the strengths and weaknesses of new varieties is a primary function of the extension service. A typical crop variety lasts 5-6 years, at which time it is probably replaced by another that possesses improved agronomic characteristics and yield. If the variety finds a niche area or market, it can last much longer. As a result, there is a continual need for programs to provide producers the option to select those varieties from public and private breeding programs that best fit their needs.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Scope of impact: Multi-state Integrated Research and Extension: SD, MN, MT

Key Theme -- Agricultural Profitability: Assessment of Minor Crops

Much of the agronomic assessment of minor crops is conducted at the NDSU Research Extension Centers located throughout the state and by one or two research projects located at the main station in Fargo. Efforts can be divided into minor crops, which involve both research and extension, and new crops, which typically involve research only, since crops in this area are not commercially grown. Research and subsequent extension training on minor crops are typically directed toward answering producers' problems. These include variety evaluation for agronomic performance and quality, disease and insect resistance, and information on agronomic practices including stand establishment, weed control harvesting procedures and storage. Agronomists, plant pathologists, and entomologists and extension personnel located at the REC and at the main station, and cereal scientists at the main station are heavily involved in all aspects of the work. One of the major factors that limits the production of new crops is nonadaptability of available varieties and the availability of a market.

Impact - Since 1993, disease problems in hard red spring wheat and durum wheat, and barley have increased dramatically and reduced acreage, yield, and quality. As economic returns from the major crops were reduced, minor crops become increasingly important in North Dakota. Acreages of crops such as peas, canola, crambe, and lentils all of which were considered minor crops just 8-9 years ago, became major crops as producers sought increased economic gains or in an attempt to incorporate them into crop rotations in an effort to reduce insect and disease buildup that developed under the more monoculture system.

The scope of the impact in North Dakota and neighboring states is evident by the changes in acreage. In North Dakota, lentil acreage has increased from about 2,500 acres in 1993 to over 44,000 acres in 2000. Dry peas have increased from about 2,000 acres to more than 67,000 acres during the same period. Canola increased from 20,000 acres to 1.26 million acres. North Dakota, despite its northern climate, has 1.8 million acres of soybean which is greater than barley, an older traditional crop. Other minor less extensive crops in which research and extension efforts have focused include carrots, onions, and borage.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Scope of the impact: Multi-state Integrated Research and Extension: MN, MT

Key Theme -- Plant Production Efficiency: Develop management strategies to sustain crop productivity

Research on methods of correcting iron deficiency chlorosis in soybean by the Soils Department indicated varietal selection was the most important method of control, followed by increased seeding rate. Seed treatments were found to be ineffective. In another area of research, significant efforts have been made to reduce the amount of herbicides that are applied for weed control. The technique is called micro-rate application and consists of using an adjuvant to increase the activity of the herbicide along with a reduced herbicide rate, for example the rate recommended by the chemical companies. Applications are made 2-3 times during the season. The end results are a reduction in herbicide costs to the producers and reduced amounts of total herbicide usage resulting in a more environmentally friendly agricultural production system.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Key Theme -- Agricultural Competitiveness: Increase the agricultural producer, consumer, government and social sector awareness, understanding, and information regarding agricultural systems.

Extension specialists, with assistance from research scientists, have developed several programs to describe varieties, production practices, and products available. These programs are designed to address problems by the urban and rural client. Information on the global economy and the opportunities and pitfalls associated with it are being provided. Information that involves case studies of real situations are being taught in classrooms. The objective is to stimulate both independent thinking and develop team work, as the problems require the interpretation of concepts from several disciplines.

Impact - Clients of the North Dakota State University Extension Service and Agricultural Experiment Station are well served by the faculty and staff of Plant Sciences, Soil Science, Cereal Science, Entomology, and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. All faculty, both research and extension, provide current and unbiased information to specific producers, commodity, or business groups upon request. In addition to information on general problems, practices and procedures are available to the general public for farm, rural, urban, commodity and private industry.

Today, food production is global in nature. For some producers, especially older ones, this can be a difficult concept to comprehend, and special efforts must be made to strengthen the concept that rainfall patterns in South America, drought in Australia, etc., have a major impact on them. Agriculture is a business, not a farm that supports a family. Updated information must continually be provided in order for the producer to make sound business decisions.

Several of our undergraduate classes include case studies where students who work in small teams are asked to solve or help provide information to solve problems. These problems are often quite complex and require a blending of several disciplines into the development of a final solution. Many of the case studies are taken from problems posed to our research and extension faculty, private industry, ag consultants, industry, commodity groups and research and extension centers. The scope of the impact is primarily on North Dakota, the surrounding states of Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana, and the Canadian prairie provinces. Several methods of information dissemination used include radio, television, press, internet, and consumer service as well as printed matter. In addition, numerous phone calls are received by faculty and staff, who

are directly accessible. The nature of the case studies given to students is such that when their schooling is concluded they must be able to reason out and solve a diversity of problems.

Scope of the impact: Multi-state Integrated Research and Extension, MN, MT and SD.

Key Theme - Agricultural Competitiveness: County Cropping Systems:

Extension staff developed a comprehensive program to provide LaMoure County producers up-to-date and local information on cropping systems while helping them make transitions from one crop to another with as little negative impact profitability as possible.

To help producers with up to date information on small grain and sunflower varieties, staff work with area groups and establish variety plots. Annual plot tours feature a review of varieties/hybrids and current topics of interest to producers, such as insect problems, crop rotations, production practices, markets, herbicide comparisons and plant population studies. After the plots are harvested, data is compiled, printed and disseminated to producers in LaMoure and neighboring counties. The results are also printed in the Annual Crop Production Guide and Variety Trial bulletins printed by the NDSU Extension Service.

Throughout the winter meeting season staff either hold or invite producers to other area production meetings to fine tune their production skills.

Cooperating Institutions/organizations: LaMoure County Extension Office, Edgeley Farmers Union Grain Elevator, Farmers Union Oil Company of Edgeley, National Sunflower Association, Sunflower Seed Companies, Dr. Mike McMullen, NDSU Oats Breeder; Tom Kiecker, Edgeley Producer; and the LaMoure County Ag Improvement Association.

Impact - Because of more favorable prices and problems with disease, many county farmers were looking to switch from HRSW to soybeans and corn production. Most had little or no experience growing these crops. Because of crop tours, workshops and seminars, most producers made the switch and successfully increased returns. In 1995 there only 7,454 acres planted into soybeans and 21,375 acres into corn. In 2000 this number increased to 101,903 acres into soybeans and corn increased to 52,365 acres. Most of these acres were taken from less profitable HRSW acres. Wheat acres in 1995 were 261,901; in 2000 wheat acres fell to 165,613. Economic impact of changing wheat acres to soybean and/or corn acres was approximately $10 million of additional gross revenue for LaMoure County producers

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of impact: State Specific

Key Theme - Plant Health: Diagnosis and Management of Root Disease in Western North Dakota

Cooperating Institutions and Organizations: North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, Dickinson Research Extension Center, Williston Research Extension Center, Hettinger Research Extension Center, County Extension Services and County Crop Improvement Associations in Adams, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Mercer, McLean, Morton, Oliver, and Sioux Counties, Sustainable Agriculture Mini-grant program administered by NDSU, Cooperative Extension Service.

Impact - From Oct. 1, 1999 to Sept. 30, 2000 more than 450 producers attended field days and county crop improvement tours to observe the plots. In addition to the demonstrations, presentations at the New Opportunities in Dryland Cropping Systems program in Billings, Montana (over 250 people), and county crop improvement winter meetings (372 producers) on root disease and rotation's role in controlling them was presented. Eighteen producers have indicated that they have changed their crop rotation as a result of seeing this demonstration. About 75 more producers are interested in changing from intensive continuous wheat rotations to less intensive wheat rotations. In 1996, 72 percent of the wheat that planted in southwest North Dakota was on wheat, barley, or durum stubble. In 2000 48 percent of the wheat grown in the southwest part of the state was grown on wheat, barley, or durum stubble. Some of this change may be attributed to this demonstration.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of impact: Multi-state Extension, MT

Area extension cropping systems specialist and the Stark County Extension agent developed a demonstration and display on biotech crops at the Dickinson Research Extension Center. BT sweet corn and BT potatoes were grown and compared to isolines of the same varieties that did not contain BT. European corn borer infestation levels were documented in sweet corn, and Colorado potato beetle infestation levels were compared between potato isolines. Yield of marketable sweet corn ears and pounds of potatoes were documented. The identity of the potatoes was preserved after harvest and they were used in a display and demonstration at the West River Ag Expo in Dickinson. French fries were made using NuSun sunflower oil and show participants offered the chance to try to taste the difference between BT and non-BT potatoes.

Cooperating Institutions/Organizations: North Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, Stark County Extension Service, Dickinson Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, National Sunflower Association, Novartis Seed and Nature Mark

Impact - More than 700 people tried to taste the difference between french fries made from BT and non-BT potatoes. No one who tried the fries could tell the difference. Over 30 requests for additional information on biotech crops were received as a result of this demonstration and display.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of impact: State specific

Key Theme - Plant Production Efficiency: Sunflower Date of Planting in Western North Dakota

Area extension cropping systems specialist and the Slope County Extension agent developed a demonstration/study to show producers the effect that moving the planting date from late to early has on yield and quality of sunflower oil produced. In the two years that this demonstration has been conducted, plant stand establishment on April and early May seeding dates was difficult while planting dates later in May stand establishment was much easier. Yield, oil content, and oleic acid content were higher for sunflowers planted around May 23. Producer groups have toured the plots during county ag improvement tours. Cooperating Institutions/Organizations: North Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, Slope County Cooperative Extension Service, Slope County Crop and Livestock Improvement Association, National Sunflower Association, ND State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, SDA Agricultural Research Service, Fargo, ND, Mycogen Seeds Inc.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact - Integrated research and extension.

Allocated Resources

($ x $1,000) FY00

1862 Extension ($) Smith-Lever 1770

State 2480

FTE 55

1862 Research ($) Hatch 1206

State 1961

FTE 28

Program 2: Competitive and Profitable Animal Production

Key Theme - Agricultural Profitability: North Dakota Dairy Diagnostic Program

The program's intent is to analyze dairy farm enterprise(s) through teamwork, and provide training on communication and facilitation skills for both the farm family and the supporting team members. Key outcomes taken from the evaluations provided by the program users include: the value of setting goals and monitoring progress, developing trust between the farm and their service providers, reducing professional barriers among advisors, learning to communicate more effectively, the value of hearing others acknowledge success, and synergism through team efforts. By the end of the program planning year, 46 farms have adapted the advisory team concept. Our current goal is to establish these teams on 10 percent of North Dakota dairy farms, to secure additional funding, and develop a plan to sustain growth and development.

Impact - Some of the success stories are summarized below.

Farm A. Increased cash flow $7,200 in the first month without any additional expenditures by applying new technology, while using existing farm resources. Balancing herd rations, feed bunk management, and monitoring production helped increase annual income over $86,000.

Farm B. Two months of ration changes and timely nutrition monitoring resulted in 7 pounds per cow per day of additional milk adding $1,800 per month income to this dairy herd.

Farm E. By analyzing and adjusting the milking herd ration this farm realized a $0.69 feed cost per cow per day savings, equivalent to $20,000 increase in annual dairy income.

Farm F. Milk production increased 4 pounds per day per cow after implementing team advice, generating an increase of $14,000 in farm revenue.

Farm G. Financial analysis of the total farming operation by the advisory team provided farm management with the knowledge to initiate business changes that justified additional financing to purchase 40 more cows. This farm expansion and adjustment in time management for the dairy herd increased production from 56 to 70 pounds per cow per day on a herd expanded to 200 cows.

Farm I. Changing their feeding system to a total mixed ration, increased daily milk production 11 pounds per cow over a six-month period.

Farm J. This dairy farm family's rolling herd average increased 5,000 pounds in one year. Improved production was attributed to adjustments made on many aspects of the total farm business, i.e., financing, herd nutrition/feed bunk management, cropping systems, labor and family time management, and calf raising options, to better utilize existing facilities to implement a dry cow program.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of impact: State Specific

Key Theme - Animal Production Efficiency: Reproductive Management

Impact - More than 50 swine producers attended repeated presentations of the breeding targets material. Sheep producers (75-100) also were in attendance to listen to new ideas for improving reproduction.

Source of federal funds: Smith- Lever

Scope of Impact: State specific

Key Theme - Animal Health: Volunteer Johne's Program for North Dakota

In conjunction with the Office of the State Veterinarian, we assessed and developed a voluntary Johne's control program for North Dakota dairy and beef producers to help control Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis in cattle.

Impact: Through the combined efforts of the Office of the State Veterinarian and the North Dakota Extension Service, the confidentiality laws of North Dakota were changed in 1999 so that testing results for Johne's disease status were exempt from public disclosure. From 1984 to 1994, approximately 25 cases of Johne's disease were reported in cattle. In the year 2000, 370 herds were tested for Johne's and 210 were positive, indicating that more producers are willing to have their herds tested and control of the disease will be improved. The long range impact of this program will be national. Many states (e.g. Hawaii) have contacted North Dakota with the hopes of following North Dakota's lead in establishing a voluntary Johne's control program.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: Multi-state research and extension.

Key Theme - Rangeland/Pasture Management: Renewable Resources

An integrated extension and research program was developed to improve rangeland management across the state. Key components of the effort included:

Extension--

* 12-month grazing and forage planning workshop (2- and 3-day): Four intensive grazing and forage sessions were held in North Dakota for livestock producers. Ranchers learned to improve their rangeland management skills and develop year-long forage use strategies.

* Trace and macro mineral management workshops: Four workshops were conducted in western North Dakota for livestock producers. Ranchers learned mineral needs for livestock, mineral status on rangeland and pastureland, and balancing mineral needs to improve management skills of the grazing livestock animal and become pro-active in maintaining and understanding a well-balanced mineral program. These workshops were designed to teach livestock producers potential problems in mineral deficiencies and how to balance a supplement program to improve livestock health.

*Educating youth on the importance of the range resource: A 4-day range youth camp was conducted in western North Dakota for youth interested in the range resource and range judging. Youth learned the importance of range to livestock producers, the environment community, and wildlife enthusiasts. They learned basic fundamental range management practices and how to judge the resource for health and value for forage and wildlife habitat.

Impact - Eighty-four ranchers participated in the 12-month planning workshop. Roughly 47 percent of the ranchers were beginners in developing new grazing strategies while the remaining individuals were looking to further improve their current grazing and forage programs. These four workshops impacted almost 116,000 acres of native rangeland, pastureland, and hayland. Over 75 percent of the participants were planning to add new range improvement practices and over 90 percent planning to implement some of the training strategies learned in the workshops. Two employees of the US Forest Service and the Commissioner of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department participated in the program. These three individuals response to the workshop included trying to incorporate new strategies on a potential 1 to 2 million acres of public lands.

More than 150 ranchers participated in the mineral management workshops, having a direct impact on the health and production potential of an estimated 30,000 head of livestock.

More than 40 youth ages 13-18 participated in the 4-day range camp and more than 140 participated in the State Range Judging Contest. We believe any involvement of youth in the importance of the range resource and fundamental needs for managing these lands will create a more well-rounded adult.

Research -

NDSU Extension Service in cooperation with the Animal and Range Sciences Department and Hettinger Extension and Research Center have conducted three nutritional studies in western and south central North Dakota. This research has recognized nutritional composition and mineral status of 36 different grass varieties (20 cool-season and 16 warm-season grasses).

Impact - These results will allow forage growers, livestock producers, and wildlife managers to selected one or more grasses that fit their needs and goals that should provide a more economically efficient operation. They can select a grass that fits a specific program and problem area. Example: if livestock producers need to add spring and fall pastures and a summer haying field, they can select a grass that fits each specific need while providing nutrients and forage at optimal levels (meadow brome 'Regar' for spring, switchgrass 'Forestburg' for summer hay ground, Russian wildrye 'Mankota' for fall use while complementing the native pasture for summer grazing). Mineral status was also determined for native prairie with overwhelming results showing copper deficiencies during the entire growing season, zinc deficiencies in many years after mid July, phosphorus deficiencies by early July on all rangelands except lowlands associated with adjacent uplands, and potassium deficiencies after mid September. We also know calcium and iron are adequate during the entire growing season, and potassium high until mid September.

*Effects of sheep grazing using a multi-species and single-species grazing approach on leafy spurge infested rangeland: NDSU Extension Service, in cooperation with the Animal and Range Sciences Department and Hettinger Extension and Research Center have conducted grazing trials on leafy spurge infested rangeland throughout North Dakota.

Impact - Sheep effectively controlled leafy spurge after one year using a single species grazing approach and after three years using a multi-species grazing approach. Leafy spurge stem densities were reduced by 94 percent and 82 percent on single-species and multi-species grazing treatments, respectively, after five years. Season long grazing using a multi-species approach provided a quicker, more efficient grazing of leafy spurge than rotational grazing; however, both reduced leafy spurge stem densities by 92 percent and 32 percent, respectively, after five years. The research provides new options for North Dakota livestock producers who want to control this invasive weed. Chemical control on large patches of the weed are seldom cost effective. The research shows that sheep can provide some financial return while providing control.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Scope of Impact: Multi-state Integrated Research and Extension, S.D. Mont. Wyo.

Key Theme - Animal Production Efficiency: Animal Genetics

Extension specialists have developed a two-part presentation on the genetic relationship to muscle quality. This program was designed to help producers better understand the merits of muscle quality and familiarize them with the genetic basis of breeding to achieve good muscle quality. Presentations were made at regional swine meetings, to suppliers of breeding stock, and to packing plant executives. The overall objective was to make more people in the pork chain aware of the importance of muscle quality.

Impact - About 90 people attended the producer meetings, over 20 attended the seed stock meeting, and over 15 were at the packing plant meeting. This impacted more than 20 percent of the commercial hog producers and the sole packer of pork in the state. Since the meetings, several producers have become involved in assessing their herds to determine the status of the muscle quality of their animals. Upon completion of this phase, follow-up meetings will be held to discuss what can be done genetically to improve pork muscle quality. The North Dakota Pork Producers Council supported this program.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: State Specific.

Key Theme: Agricultural Competitiveness - Animal Production Systems

Swine personnel at NDSU put together data for swine enterprise records, and a computer model was developed for utilizing production data from actual farms to give various expected return estimates. The estimates included return on investment, net profit per pig, and estimated feeder pig pricing based on an operation's grow/finish data. This model was taken to five producer meetings and the actual data was entered to obtain given unit results. These were compared to potential results estimated from the top 10 percent reports in the industry. The model was also utilized at three meetings of economic development groups to demonstrate the potential returns on investment made in the swine industry.

Impact - More than 80 producers were in attendance at the meetings or about 10 of the swine producers in the state. The meetings with people involved in economic development have resulted in two groups currently active in a swine project. Area specialists are using the model information in working with these two groups.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: State specific.

Key Theme - Agricultural Competitiveness - Nutritional Management of Beef Cattle

Extension specialists, county extension staff, and research faculty developed a two day feedlot nutrition and management school designed to educate cattle feeders about ways to increase profitability and production efficiency when feeding cattle. It included sections on beef cattle nutrition, feed additives, implants, management, and other topics. Hands-on activities included bunk reading, feed mixing and delivery, and implanting. This program was presented at a research extension center and included a tour of a nearby commercial feedlot. Participants received a three ring binder of reference materials on topics such as nutrition, management, grain processing, and feed additives.

Impact - This feedlot school is limited to 25 participant per year to allow a high level of interaction between specialists and participants. Surveys conducted following the training indicated that participants had increased knowledge and awareness of nutrition and management of feedlot cattle and a desire for further training modules which could provide more in depth training programs on nutrition, marketing, and other topics.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever.

Scope of Impact - Multi-state extension. Participants were from MN., WI, ND, SD, and MT.

Key Theme - Adding Value to New and Old Agricultural Products: Lean Lamb

Extension specialists have helped the Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative develop specifications for "Dakota Lean Lamb" and "Natural Lamb." Lambs are being sold over the Internet, lean lamb products are being developed and the cooperative is working on marketing contracts for premium markets. Assistance was provided in the facilitation of informational meetings for the cooperative, newsletter preparation and distribution, plus a sheep school on lamb grading and feeding.

Impact - This grassroots approach to marketing lamb to increase producer returns has yielded a membership of 102 members in the cooperative from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Montana. The coop was successful in landing a $250,000 USDA marketing grant. The Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative is probably one of the bright spots in the North Dakota sheep industry as a value added industry.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of impact - SD, MN, MT

Key theme - Adding Value to New and Old Agricultural Products: Rural economic development through value-added livestock production.

Southwest Feeders is a multi-faceted project being developed to enhance value-added economic development in southwestern North Dakota. North Dakota State University will operate in a proactive manner, stimulating value-added agricultural activities through a coordinated education and research effort. This will differ from many current and traditional methodologies of supporting agriculture by focusing multiple disciplines on a single problem and using increased economic activity as a definable outcome. Enhanced economic activity in southwestern North Dakota will occur through the backgrounding of beef calves and finishing of lambs. These are viewed as viable mechanisms for converting existing agricultural resources (e.g. livestock, feed, facilities, and labor) into additional economic activity.

There is in excess of $20,000,000 in new and potential economic activity available to the agricultural community of southwestern North Dakota associated with beef backgrounding. Statewide the potential level of economic activity exceeds $55,000,000. Lamb finishing would increase the statewide level by $2,100,000. There is an urgent need for increased economic activity in southwestern North Dakota. The efficient utilization of locally available agricultural resources to add value to beef calves and lambs is a viable mechanism for addressing this need. The Southwest Feeders Project is designed to actively engage the agricultural community of southwestern North Dakota in value-added livestock production through a coordinated and targeted program in calf backgrounding and lamb finishing.

The North Dakota Barley Council and local banks and economic development organizations from southwestern North Dakota have pledged financial support for the initiation of this effort.

Impact - Southwest Feeders has met with various potential participants (from all aspects of agriculture and economic development) to assess support for this effort and has received considerable encouragement to aggressively pursue this project. The more increased awareness development of this project has generated has increased the number of producers considering value- added postweaning management options. This is strongly encouraging given the strength of current calf prices at weaning. The combination of resources available for value-added economic development from livestock is not restricted to this area of North Dakota. Northwestern South Dakota, southeastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming have similar characteristics and expansion of this project into this region would seem appropriate.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: State Specific

Key Theme - Agricultural Profitability: Feedlot Development in North Dakota

A demonstration project was conducted to determine the value of feeding producer-owned cattle in North Dakota. With that information, cattle producers from across the state developed the North Dakota Statewide Cattle Feeders Consortium. That group conducted a feasibility study and

developed business plans to build large cooperatively owned feedyards. The North Dakota State University Extension Service developed the North Dakota Feedlot School and Advanced Cattle Feeding Workshops to enhance feedlot management skills and improve knowledge of feeding and marketing.

percent last year. Another group built a 7,000-head feedyard in Bowman County. Other producers will earn a premium of up to 3 cents per pound for cattle that meet processing specifications of a new local processing company. More than 130 producers attended Extension feedlot schools last year. One participant estimated that better health practices, bunk management and feeding practices cut his cost of gain by up to five cents per pound.

Scope of Impact: Multi-state, integrated extension and research: KS, MT, SD, MN, WI. and WY.

Through a series of hands-on leadership development classes, cattle producers developed business plans for economic development opportunities. Cattlemen then explored implementing the plans and assessed community and economic feasibility. Through continued extension facilitation, guidance and informational assistance, business plans, financing packages, and equity drives were developed for cooperative cattle feedlots, a limited liability partnership that owns cattle for custom feeding, a cattle financing cooperative, a limited liability company for owning delivery rights to a meat processing plant, and a meat slaughtering and marketing 'c' corporation. Producers involved in the program have emerged as directors and managers of the proposed plans.

Impact - Cattle producers in central North Dakota realized that working as a group would provide more economic development than could be accomplished individually. Through educational sessions and continued facilitation and instruction, producers were able to develop several new vertically integrated cattle business ventures. The cooperative cattle feedlot plan is completing construction of a 7000-head cattle feedlot located in a cow calf region where feed grains are traditionally low priced. The limited liability partnership that owns cattle for custom feeding has returned a 23.5 percent return on equity during a one-year period for 23 cattlemen involved.

A cattle financing cooperative was developed for local producers and now provides financing for 95 percent of the calf purchase price with low interest notes. The finance cooperative has grown 25 percent per year for cattle financed. Fifty-six cattle producers wanted to develop an outlet for supplying finished cattle at a 10 percent added value premium and then developed a limited liability company as an investment vehicle for owning a majority of the processing company. These producers then recruited a partner under a corporation for construction of the harvesting and processing facility and development and marketing of a processed meat product line for a national ethnic market.

Source of federal funding - Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: Multi-state extension. Cooperative feedlot owners are from ND, MT, SD and WY. Financed cattle are marketed to IA, SD, NE, and MN. Processed meat products have markets in CA, IL, NJ, NY, LA, CO, IA and internationally.

Key Theme - Adding Value to New and Old Agricultural Products: Dakota Heritage Beef

Two surveys and a focus group were conducted for Dakota Heritage Beef, a group of southwestern North Dakota and northwestern South Dakota ranchers. The purpose of the first survey was to determine consumer interest and potential for a test market in a branded beef product. The second survey was to gauge consumer satisfaction of their purchase. Important findings included: Survey 1, 1- Consumers indicated that they were interested in buying locally produced beef (64.3 percent would pay a premium), 2- Quality was more important than price as the determining factor in buying beef (85.8 percent). Survey 2, 1- 77.4 percent of the survey respondents found the product through in-store promotions. 2- 91.1 percent were interested in future purchases.

Impact - Consumer willingness to pay for locally produced food products is an important element in determining the feasibility of value-added ventures. Impacts of the survey indicate further analysis is warranted in determining the feasibility of facilities for producing branded beef product.

Source of federal funds: Hatch

Scope of Impact: State Specific

Allocated Resources

($ x $1,000)

FY00

1862 Extension ($) Smith-Lever 387

State 543

FTE 13

1862 Research ($) Hatch 422

State 688

FTE 10