FY01 - NDSU Extension Service
PROGRAM #203 - COMPETITIVENESS AND PROFITABILITY OF CROP PRODUCTION

Program Planning Team: Duane Berglund (co-chair), Dave Franzen (co-chair), Roger Ashley, Dwain Barondeau, Ron Benada, Gerald Bergman, Keith Brown, Pat Carpentier, Pat Carr, Morris Davidson, Alan Dexter, Greg Endres, Eric Eriksmoen, Dan Folske, Clint Gienger, Phillip Glogoza, Terry Gregoire, ElRoy Haadem, Mike Hanson, Ken Hellevang, Dale Herman, Aung Hla, Vern Hofman, Brian Jenks, Mohamed Khan, Jan Knodel, Scott Knoke, John Kringler, Art Lamey, Jerry Larson, Mike Liane, Terry Lykken, George Maher, Rich Maine, Kent McKay, Marcia McMullen, Denise McWilliams, Randy Melaas, Ken Nichols, Tom Olson, Michael Peel, Duane Preston, Rudy Radke, Mike Rose, Steve Sagaser, Tom Scherer, Bruce Schmidt, Al Schneiter, Bruce Seelig, Dale Siebert, Ron Smith, John Swenson, Andrew Thostenson, Al Ulmer, Shawn Vachal, LoAyne Voigt, Rich Zollinger

Overall Situation
Low crop prices, variable weather conditions, international trade fluctuations and increased environmental concerns face all producers in North Dakota. Farmers, rather than sharing the general prosperity of the state and nation, have been experiencing disappointing exports, low commodity prices, production problems from pests and diseases, and losses due to excessive rainfall/flooding. The low prices over the past year can be traced to the recession that began in Asia more than two year's ago and overproduction of certain crops.

In the short term, North Dakota farmers will likely be turning even more intensely to what has been, in the past, the one tried-and-true formula for maintaining profitability by reducing the costs of production. Which costs or inputs to reduce is the big question? For those farms that are the hardest pressed during the current period of slack demand from abroad, small efficiencies can mean the difference between survival and failure. Farm businesses that are not so hard pressed can continue to forge ahead with modernizations that will leave them better positioned once demand begins to pick up. These changes not only will affect farm profitability over the near term but also will affect supply conditions over the longer term.

Cash receipts from crops in 1999 accounted for 57.5 percent of the total farm income in North Dakota. Government payment for crops consituted 25.5 percent of total farm income, while livestock products accounted for 17 percent of the agricultural income. Crop agriculture is the major farming activity in the state. A need exists to explore the production and utilization of diverse crops which can offer the opportunity for enhanced economic growth both by diversification of production agriculture and by value-added systems for agriculture.

In addition, in this cycle of low crop prices, over-production, uncertain weather factors, high disease incidence, and increased input costs, "risk management" strategies in crop production and overall farm management cannot be over emphasized. Both short-term and long-term "risk management strategies" and efficient crop management must be put into place to remain viable crop producers into the future.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
EFFICIENT CROP MANAGEMENT

Persons Responsible
Duane R. Berglund, Dave Franzen, Terry Gregoire, Greg Endres, other specialists and area agronomists

Situation
The economic situation of most crop producers is based primarily on good market prices, government loan supports (oilseed crops primarily) and efficiency in crop production management, to make the best possible use of all input costs including both fixed and variable costs of production. This increased efficiency can begin with better planning, market analysis and crop selection practices. Increased attention by crop producers to nutrient management is a must. This includes both macro and micronutrients in certain crops. New alternative crops require special nutrient and micronutrient needs. Also, the proper placement of nutrients will greatly enhance the utilization and efficiency of plant nutrients. The use of crop rotations and strategies for crop sequencing also adds to crop efficiencies in the control of disease and other pest problems. Another area which needs further refinement and suggested guidelines includes the efficiency of machinery sharing, leasing of equipment formation of both purchasing alliances and marketing alliances for farmers. By planning and certain partnering, farmers may increase efficiency in many facets of crop agriculture. Organizational and management skills are fast becoming more important skills than actual crop production skills.

Along with increased efficiency management, more risk reduction options must always be considered if and when reducing inputs.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Producers will better understand the strategies for improved production, marketing and storage of crops and to be more competitive by lowering overall production costs.
• Producers will have increased knowledge of efficient management strategies as it pertains to cropping systems, crop selection and production inputs.
• Crop producers will become more knowledgeable of production unit costs.
• Economics of efficient crop management strategies will be demonstrated.

Educational Program

• Media outlets such as TV, radio, newsletters and newspapers will be used.
• Resource materials on efficient crop management strategies will be placed on the NDSU Extension Service web site. Using the Internet as a resource for crop management information will be highly promoted.
• Crop production workshops and other meetings will be used to present and provide growers with resource materials for more efficiency in crop production.
• Demonstrations and field tours.
• Cooperative educational efforts with various commodity groups and government agencies.

Evaluation Plan

• Survey results will indicate if farmers attending meetings or workshops have switched to more efficient practices.
• Increased grower awareness and adoption of efficient management strategies.
• Changes and modification to crop rotations and cropping systems will be assessed.
• Changes producers make will be noted by direct contacts with certain growers and other decision makers.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY

Persons Responsible
Zollinger, McKay, McMullen, McWilliams, Peel and Hofman

Includes: Biotech Crops, Micronutrient Utilization, Micro-rates of Herbicides, Dormant Seeding, Oil/Adjuvants Use, New Crops, Precision Farming

Situation
This program will provide a forefront into new and current agricultural practices through Extension. Providing information on new biotech crops will enable farmers throughout the region to assess the need, use or marketability of specific crops. Working with micronutrient utilization will allow farmers to pinpoint fertilizer needs to more accurately diagnose requirements and problems across fields. Further work with micro-rate utilization as well as past problems and advantages of using micro-rates with herbicides should be carefully explored. Current weed resistance in the area as compared to other areas requires that chemicals, rates and timing of herbicides on specific weeds be further explored. Dormant seeding benefits and how to utilize this technology within the seasonal weather patterns must be further defined and refined for use in North Dakota. Oil and adjuvant use and how to maximize profit by minimizing cropping inputs should be continually redefined. New crops on the horizon for the area must continue to be checked, subjected to trials within cropping constraints for specific areas of the state and considered within cropping rotation possibilities. Precision farming is a broad title for many of the new technologies currently emerging in agriculture. Economics of the use of new techniques that allow better, less costly and more efficient cropping options is needed and can be refined by exploring precision farming ideas.

Concerns related to the adoption of new technology are largely economic and learning based. Use of any technology is contingent on a proven track record of success and economic constraints. As biotech crops become available, questions on yield, economic returns, marketing and consumer acceptance need to be considered. Refining cropping practices through micronutrient utilization, micro-rate applications of herbicides and precision farming is available but must be used in an economic and sound way in order for this technology to succeed. Continued work with oil/adjuvants in pesticide mixtures should be encouraged in order to optimize the use of crop chemicals from both an economic and an environmental standpoint.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Changes that are expected to occur as a result of implementing the educational programs include increased awareness of benefits and limitations associated with the use of new technology; improved understanding of the new technology and benefits for society; an understanding of the chemical, soil, plant and weather-related factors that influence the fate of the use of the new technology and how the new technology may improve cropping systems and quality of life. Another anticipated outcome is the access to training for persons and groups seeking to use new technology and support for Extension programs that identify and evaluate new technology ideas. This program component allows Extension to be on the cusp of future agriculture and will allow clients to see Extension in a proactive stance on providing information throughout the state.
• Other anticipated outcomes include enhancing the ability of extension agents and clientele to be able to recognize and understand: 1) the use and specialty traits of commercially available and emerging biotech crops; 2) how to plan for micronutrient needs in field crops; 3) the benefits and limitations, under different environmental conditions, herbicide micro-rates; 4) the needs, benefits, and limitations of dormant seeded crops; 5) the benefits of the use of specific oils or adjuvants in pesticide mixing; 6) the rotational needs and fit for new crops in the area; 6) and, emerging technologies in precision farming.

Educational Program

• Delivery methods for this program component include current delivery systems, such as individual and group teaching methods, responding to requests for information, and the development of information fact sheets and bulletins, along with more intensive on-line training. Train-the-trainer guides, PowerPoint presentations, long-distance learning modules, Web sites, DTN, radio and television will also be developed and used. Web conferencing will be used with extension agents in a train-the-trainer format and later be used as part of the long-distance learning format for meetings with interactive video or teleconferencing used to answer questions at meetings.
• Teaching packages to be developed include a collection of individual specialists' programs that can be used selectively or as a county awareness program in a collective series. PowerPoint, printed and Web resource material will be collected and compiled into a compact, comprehensive package that will allow specialists, extension agents and other associations to access the training material. Key to the formulation of this information is well-defined subjects, use of Extension logos and formats. Some material will be in a printed format but others will be in a changeable format such as the PowerPoint and other Web programs that can be constantly updated.
• In-service training along with winter meetings and the dissemination of the training material modules will provide extension agents the opportunity to be trained across the state on this program. Follow up programs and information will be sent directly to agents or provided through long-distance training. Providing the information to extension agents in many formats will allow the opportunity to utilize new technology program ideas including radio, Web, DTN, e-mail, meetings and associations with other interested groups.
• A program time line is as follows:
  • development or revision of programs (August 2000-October 2000)
  • collection of base programs and on-going development (November 2000) 
  • use of the programs by the specialists (October 2000 to March 2001) 
  • collection of the programs on CD for agents (April 2001) 
  • compilation of evaluations on the program (May 2001)

Evaluation Plan

• The method of evaluation will be preplanned with emphasis on surveys from agents, specialists or clients that use or are trained by either the meeting format programs or on the Web. The components of this program will be defined under a specific umbrella heading or title, such as new cropping technology, so that items within the program can be identified by a icon or design that is recognizable and allows extension agents to easily pick up the information that constitutes components of this program. This will allow extension agents to review and evaluate the usefulness of the whole "Adoption of New Technology" program against other programs. This will also strengthen the "new" aspect of the adjustable and ever-changing nature of a program that attempts to corral and implement an educational program in this area. This will also allow a series of programs to develop into a module that can be maintained, changed or carried to other states.
• Several current programs will be included under this umbrella along with new or revised programs specifically in biotech crops, micronutrient use, micro-rate application, dormant seeding, herbicide additive use, new crops for the region and many facets of precision farming including application equipment technology and the use of GPS and GIS. Alternative resources such as the Web and other electronic references should also be considered under this program umbrella.
• The evaluation of this program will provide a means to determine the need for this work, the interest level of clientele and groups and support for future funding for Extension. Information obtained from the evaluation process will allow the program and individual sections to be refined and improved and will allow a better view of what aspects should be emphasized in the future.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
QUALITY OF PRODUCTION TO ENHANCE MARKETING

Persons responsible
Michael Peel, Ken Hellevang, Rudy Radke, Dwight Aakre, George Flaskerud, and other state and area specialists.

Situation
Trends in marketing are moving towards an identity preserved system where crops are produced with specific production techniques, on a specific variety basis, or to meet a specific quality parameter. Specific programing needs are in the areas of quality and marketing parameters, how they are measured, sampling techniques, and why they are important. Examples would include measuring protein and vomitoxin and why they are important. Other needs are in the area of marketing and understanding contracts.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Producers will be aware of potential of producing identity preserved crops including the risks and associated benefits.
• Producers will gain an understanding of quality and marketing parameters for specifics crops, and why they are important.
• Producers will understand how quality and marketing factors are measured and the best sampling techniques to use.
• Producers will know how to understand contracts and gain a better understanding of marketing.

Educational Program
Directed at: Producers, crop consultants, county, area and state extension specialists.
Delivery: A series of news releases, fact sheets, circulars, news letters, magazine articles, list serves, web development, power point presentations, meetings, and other media.

Evaluation Plan
Spot surveys, and at educational meetings, will be made of agents and producers to assess how many read published material, how it changed their understanding, and to determine if they will use the information. An evaluation will also be made to determine if individuals were already aware of and using the information.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
SAFETY IN CROP PRODUCTION

Persons Responsible
George Maher and nearly everyone else on the program team

Situation
The use of machinery, pesticides, anhydrous ammonia and other chemicals is essential to the production of all crops in North Dakota. Injuries of all kind happen in crop production. Education can reduce the number of injuries when it is delivered persistently. Injury and fatality is not essential to the production of crops in North Dakota. Safety education efforts must be conducted to minimize the loss.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• A reduced injury and fatality rate resulting from work activities involved in crop production.
• An enhanced awareness of hazards involved in crop production.
• A reduction of the risks involved in crop production.

Educational Program

• News releases
• Bulletins and brochures
• Demonstrations and exhibits
• Special schools and training

Evaluation Plan

• Audience evaluations where practicable
• Injury and fatality statistics
• Responses from public
• Student success from tractor safety schools
• Tractor safety school surveys

PROGRAM COMPONENT
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

Persons Responsible
Marcia McMullen, IPM Coordinator, Richard Zollinger, Phil Glogoza, Art Lamey, Denise McWilliams, Vern Hofman, Ken Hellevang, Cheryl Ruby, Ron Smith, Marcus Jackson, Roger Ashley, Terry Gregoire, Greg Endres, Jan Knodel, Kent McKay, New Area Crop Protection Specialist at Carrington

Situation
Pests decrease yields, quality and income, and often increase input costs. IPM manages pests using a variety of control methods in ways that are economically sound and environmentally safe. With seven years of above normal precipitation in much of North Dakota, crop problems due to diseases, insects, and weeds have magnified and become very damaging to farm profitability. In addition, home owners and the turfgrass and ornamentals industry also employ pesticides. Additional information on potential pest risks and appropriate and economic management options is needed for several client groups.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Farmers will increase use of recommended integrated pest management practices for crop production and post-harvest management.
• Private crop consultants and crop scouts, and extension agents will gain knowledge of available and practical integrated pest management practices for major and minor crops.
• Farmers, crop advisors, and ornamental and horticultural clientele will observe and learn about alternatives to pesticides and about reduced or more effective pesticide use.
• Economics of various pest management practices will be demonstrated.
• Threshold information will be determined; pests will be monitored.

Educational Program

• Media (all types - radio, tv, Internet, newsletters, pest reports, publications, etc.)
• Demonstrations and Field Tours
• Individual Farmer/Producer/Homeowner Contacts
• County/Regional/State Meetings
• Specialized Workshops (Advanced Crop Advisors Workshop, Eastern Scout Training School, Western Scout Training School, Turfgrass Workshop)
• In-service for Extension agents on Adoption of New Technology for Pest Control

Audience

• Farmers
• Crop Consultants/Crop Scouts/Extension Advisors
• Agricultural Industry Personnel
• Agronomists with Elevators/Ag Service Industry/Seed Companies
• Vegetable and Ornamental Producers
• Turfgrass and Homeowner clientele
• Wildlife Interests and Other Environmental Groups

Educational materials

• Survey results of corn, bean, sunflower producers to assess informational needs, pest problems - ongoing
• Field survey results of wheat, barley, and canola to assess disease risks - ongoing
• Evaluation results of pest management practices used in 2000
• Web page on IPM
• Disease forecasting web page
• Web-based information on growing degree days, insect thresholds, pheromone trapping results

Evaluation Plan

• Data collected from audiences contacted in surveys
• Changes in pesticide use from most recent surveys\
• Number of Crop Advisors receiving training and evaluation results at workshops
• Economic return from implementation of pest management practices

PROGRAM COMPONENT
HOME & COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE, TURF & FORESTRY

Persons Responsible
Ron Smith, Marcus Jackson, Dave DeCock, Steve Sagaser, Jerry Larson

Situation
Interest continues in horticulture (herbs, vegetables, and cut flower crops) forestry, and turfgrass management. In both the private and commercial realm, individuals have shown an increasing interest in these subjects to not only enhance their lives, but to generate income as well.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Participation in the field days in Fargo, Dickinson, and Williston.
• Promotion of xeric plants and principles - current to 2002.
• Better pest control on trees around the state; evolvement of horticultural/commercial enterprises.
• More efficient water use on horticultural and turfed areas around the state.
• Encourage alternative hort crops for additional income - i.e. herb production and agriforestry speciality crops.

Educational Program

• Inter-cooperative support to agents, individuals, and commercial enterprises to conduct field day tours, tree and turf care education, timely news releases, e-mail, DTN, and IVN or satellite systems.
• Development of relevant videotapes and slide sets.
• Master Gardener Program (January to March)
• Promote greater use of native and adapted ornamental grasses for landscape situations in North Dakota.

Evaluation Plan
Solicit responses from field day attendees on what impact plantings and tour information will have on their practices; survey homeowners in Fargo and Dickinson who instituted some xeric principles or plant selections.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Persons Responsible
Andrew A. Thostenson, Pesticide Advisory Board, Pesticide Control Board, ND Department of Agriculture, Certain State Specialists, and Extension Agents

Situation
Weed, insect, and disease problems are major production constraints for ND producers. The use of pesticides to control these pests have been clearly demonstrated. Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides were applied one or more times to 18.8, 1.3, and 0.6 million acres, respectively in ND in 1996. Approximately 14,000 private applicators, 1,200 private fumigators, and 3,900 commercial applicators or retail dealers were certified to sell, purchase, or apply restricted use pesticides in 2000. Each of these persons must be recertified every three years.

The trend towards increasing restrictions on pesticides is clear as the public and regulators become wary of their use. Further, the economic, legal, and environmental consequences of off target drift of pesticides has been identified as a priority issue at the federal regulatory level and by the 1997 and 1999 ND Legislatures. Finally, pesticide use is becoming more complicated by the introduction of genetically modified crops and emerging application technology.

The benefit of pesticide applicator training and certification is that pesticide applicators will be able to legally and knowledgeably purchase and apply pesticides. Knowledgeable pesticide applicators will use care and good judgment to apply pesticides effectively, efficiently, and in an environmentally sound and socially acceptable manner.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Applicators will become certified to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. As a result, this will improve their knowledge, attitudes, and skills in applying pesticides.
• Applicators will become knowledgeable about managing pesticide drift.
• Applicators will become knowledgeable about the legal issues involved in pesticide misapplication, pesticide drift, and pesticide importation.
• Applicators will become knowledgeable about the introduction of genetically modified crops especially in the area of herbicide resistant crops and insect resistant crops (i.e., Bt corn).

Educational Program

• Program delivery methods for commercial applicators will include meetings, distance education trainings, and web-based study materials.
• Program delivery methods for private applicators will include meetings, field training, and web based training materials.
• Teaching packets, videos, PowerPoint presentation, and examinations will be developed.
• A world wide web site will be maintained to disseminate training materials, provide training calendars, and to list updates about pesticide laws.
• In-service training for extension agents and county support staff will be conducted in November.
• Commercial applicators will receive four issues of the North Dakota Pesticide Quarterly. News articles, radio, and TV will also be used to provide pesticide application, safety, regulatory, or environmental information to private applicators and the public.

Evaluation Plan

• Certification exam results will determine competency for certification.
• Surveys of participants attending meetings will be used to determine attitude changes.
• The North Dakota Poison Control Center will monitor and report the number of accidental pesticide exposures.
• The North Dakota Department of Agriculture will monitor and report the number and type of complaints and violations of the pesticide law.
• Evaluation information will be used to assess program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and to ascertain emerging pesticide issues.