Overview _ Changing climate conditions, pests and prices make crop production a challenge. Through these challenges, NDSU specialists and researchers respond by helping the state’s producers find ways to improve the profitability and sustainability of crop production.

The NDSU Agricultural Experiment Station has breeding and research programs in most of the region’s major 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 the NDSU breeding programs. In some crops, the USDA coordinates regional trials that allow plant breeders to determine the adaptability of their genetic material across a wide range of environments outside North Dakota. The NDSU plant breeders, which are located in the Department of Plant Sciences, cooperate extensively with their counterparts in the Departments of Plant Pathology and 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 which to move 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 economic impact on the state and region. Varieties that have increased yield and improved disease resistance and quality provide 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 to producers, product purchasers, and end users 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 other releases have improved agronomic and quality factors. Examples include: greater test weight, kernel size and higher protein for wheat; improved milling extraction percentage and lower protein in barley for malting; increased fiber level in oat for human consumption; specific oat varieties for race horses; and hulless oats for improved livestock feeding efficiency.

Varieties released by NDSU in 2001 had an annual economic impact based on increased yield alone of about $30 million annually. Alsen, which was recently released, is the first hard red spring wheat variety which combines high quality and good agronomic characteristics with Type II resistance to Fusarium head blight. In addition to its impact in North Dakota, the variety will also have an impact in South Dakota, Minnesota, and to a lesser extent, Montana. 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, 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 six-row barley variety "Drummond" has been accepted by the American Malting Barley Industry as a malting variety. The benefits will also be felt in Minnesota and 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 to 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 that best fit their needs from public and private breeding programs.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

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

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 because these crops 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, entomologists and extension personnel located at the research extension centers 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, durum wheat and barley have increased dramatically and reduced acreage, yield and quality. As economic returns from the major crops were reduced, minor crops became increasingly important in North Dakota. Acreage of crops such as peas, canola, crambe and lentils, all of which were considered minor crops just 8 to 9 years ago, became major crops as producers sought increased economic gains or attempted to incorporate them into crop rotations in an effort to reduce the insect and disease buildup that developed under the more monoculture system.

The scope of the impact in North Dakota and neighboring states is demonstrated by the changes in acreage. In North Dakota, lentil acreage increased from about 2,500 acres in 1993 to more than 44,000 acres in 2001. Dry peas have increased from about 2,000 acres to more than 87,000 acres during the same period. Canola increased from 20,000 acres to 1.29 million acres. North Dakota, despite its northern climate, has 2.1 million acres of soybean, which is greater than the acreage of barley, an older traditional crop in the region. Other minor, less extensive crops research and extension efforts focused on 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

Research on methods of correcting iron deficiency chlorosis in soybean by soil scientists 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: 1/8 the rate recommended by the chemical companies). Applications are made two to three 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.

Impact – Because varietal sensitivity is the most important factor influencing iron chlorosis in soybeans, pre-screening of experimental lines by soil scientists in cooperation with plant breeders will eliminate sensitive material from being released for commercial products. Since the varieties developed are adapted to North Dakota and to a lesser extent to South Dakota and Minnesota, the research will have regional impact. The micro-rate system 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 savings of $39 million. The micro-rate system in corn weed control is expected to reduce herbicide costs in North Dakota by $16 per acre annually. This herbicide application method will both increase net economic income and reduce herbicide use.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

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

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 is being taught in classrooms. The objective is to both stimulate independent thinking and develop team work, as the problems require the interpretation of concepts from several disciplines.

Impact - Clientele of the NDSU Extension Service and Agricultural Experiment Station are well-served by the faculty and staff of the plant sciences, soil science, cereal science, entomology and agricultural and biosystems engineering departments. All faculty, both research and extension, provide current and unbiased information to specific producers and commodity and business groups upon request. In addition, 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. Updated information must continually be provided in order for the producer to make sound business decisions.

Several undergraduate classes include case studies where students work in small teams 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 research and extension faculty from private industry, consultants, industry, commodity groups and research 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 are used including radio, television, magazines and newspapers, the Internet, consumer service and printed material. 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 complete, they must be able to reason out and solve a diversity of problems.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

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 soybeans, 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, Allied Agronomy Services of Edgeley, Edgeley Farmers Union Grain Elevator, Farmers Union Oil Company of Edgeley, National Sunflower Association, North Dakota Soybean Council, Soybean and Sunflower Seed Companies, Dr. Mike McMullen, NDSU Oats Breeder, ADM Plant, Enderlin, the LaMoure County Ag Improvement Association and Producers: Tom Kiecker of Edgeley ; Ron VanBruggen of Litchville and Terry Lebhan of Litchville,.

Impact - Because of more favorable prices and problems with disease, many county farmers were looking to switch from hard red spring wheat to soybean 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 only 7,454 acres were planted into soybeans and 21,375 acres into corn. In 2001 soybean plantings increased to 111,778 acres and corn increased to 56,391 acres. Most of these acres were taken from less profitable hard red spring wheat acres. Wheat acreage in 1995 was 261,901; in 2000 wheat acres fell to 135,130. Economic impact of changing wheat acres to soybean and/or corn acres was approximately $14 million of additional gross revenue for LaMoure County producers

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of impact: State Specific

Area extension cropping systems specialist, state extension plant pathologist, and county agents in southwestern North Dakota developed a demonstration using a soil fumigant to show producers yield and quality losses that can be expected in continuous wheat, wheat every other year, and when at least a two-year break occurs between wheat crops. Also nitrate levels in the root zone were compared between fumigated and non-fumigated soils to illustrate the potential environmental impact that continuous wheat may have should nitrates be leached below the root zone. These demonstrations were observed and discussed with producers at field days and county agricultural improvement tours. Presentations were developed and given to producer groups and were included in the NDSU Extension Service CD which is distributed to county agents across the state.

Cooperating institutions and organizations: North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, Montana State University Cooperative Extension Service, Dickinson 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 Extension Service.

Impact – Producers who are including a two-year break in their crop rotation are seeing an increase in gross income of $36 per acre when wheat is grown in comparison to continuous wheat. Producers are also financially benefitting from alternative/specialty crops that are seeded during the two years between wheat crops. Some producers have reported up to $40 per acre return on specialty crops grown. Producers have also learned that they can produce yields comparable to and sometimes greater than those from fallow. Fallow acreage in southwestern North Dakota has declined by 520,000 acres since the demonstration was initiated. Also, wheat and barley acreage has decreased by 300,000 acres each, indicating that fewer acres of continuous wheat and barley are being sown in this part of the state. In 1996, 72 percent of the wheat planted in southwestern North Dakota was on wheat, barley, or durum stubble. In 2000, 48 percent of the wheat grown in southwestern North Dakota was grown on wheat, barley, or durum stubble. This change may in part be attributed to the work that has been done with this project.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of impact: Multi-state Extension, MT, ND, SD

Area extension cropping systems specialist and the Slope County extension agent developed a demonstration to show producers the effect that moving the planting date from late to early has on yield and quality of NuSun sunflower oil produced. In the three years that this demonstration has been conducted, plant stand establishment for late April and early May seeding dates was significantly lower than for sunflower planted after mid-May. Seed yields were greatest two out of the three years when sunflower was sown May 23. In terms of oleic content, a desirable fatty acid, mid-May to early June planting was significantly higher than either the early seeding dates or planting dates after early June. The information gained from the demonstration has been shared with producers during tours of the demonstration plot as well as at producer meetings.

Cooperating institutions/organizations have included: Slope County Crop and Livestock Improvement Association, Slope County Extension Service, North Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, National Sunflower Association, North Dakota Board of Agricultural Research and Education, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Fargo, ND, Hettinger Research Extension Center, Dickinson Research Extension Center, and Mycogen Seeds, Inc.

Impact – Six producers indicated that they have already moved sunflower planting dates to occur at or about May 23. It is estimated that these six producers increased income based on year and quality factors by $35 per acre or a total of $105,000. At a sunflower growers meeting in southwestern North Dakota producers were asked how many would consider planting on or about May 23 after hearing this information. Eleven additional producers indicated that they would seriously consider this change in their operation.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact – Integrated research and extension.

Expeller pressing of niche oilseeds is of interest to North Dakota processors. In the past year, researchers have focused on processing crambe seed and flaxseed. The results can, in some cases, be readily extended to processing of other oilseeds. Improved processing of these crops increases the likelihood of commercialization within North Dakota. Researchers developed indices for characterizing oilseeds cooked in preparation for pressing.

Impact – Researchers found dehulling, cooking and expelling in combination achieved oil yields of up to 87 percent. The relationships are expected to be similar in other edible oilseeds.

Source of federal funds: Hatch

Scope of Impact: Statewide research

NDSU economists develop econometric simulation models to predict impacts of changes in world trade, agricultural and monetary policy, trade practices and grain quality characteristics. The Global Wheat Policy Simulation Model helps economists predict both U.S. and world wheat economies. The sugar policy simulation model includes 18 major sugar producing and consuming countries and helps producers, policy makers and the sugar industry evaluate trade and domestic agricultural policies. Another model evaluates impacts of U.S. dollar values on U.S. agricultural competitiveness in global markets.

Impact – The importance of the work in agricultural policy and international trade conducted by NDSU was recognized this year by a federal appropriation of more than $2 million to conduct research and outreach activities in areas of importance to the agricultural economy of the Northern Great Plains. Results of the work provide an framework for discussion on agricultural and trade policy. Some key results include:

• Word demand for wheats will grow faster than world production and prices will increase 36 percent for durum wheat and 23 percent for common wheat from 1999 to 2009.
• Models indicate the U.S. sugar industry may be able to survive at current costs and asset values if both the United States and the European Union liberalize their sugar trade while sugar subsidies remain in other counties. However, if only the United States eliminates its sugar programs, all U.S. sugar producing regions would be threatened.
• The strong U.S. dollar has resulted in reductions in U.S. market shares in the Asian market. In addition, trade flows of livestock between the United States and Canada under CUSTA, especially beef cattle, pork and poultry, were such that Canadian exports of livestock products lowered U.S. domestic prices and cut farm income.
• Analyses confirm that the impact of DON (a mycotoxin found in grain infected with Fusarium head blight) on average crop values has changed drastically in recent years. Results indicate that the selling discounts for DON (averaged over all bushels of barley sold as malting) fell by about two thirds between 1998 and 1999. However, DON remains a major determinant of cross border flows of malting barley between the United States and Canada.

Source of federal funds: Hatch

Scope of impact: Multi-State Research, KS, MT, NE, SD

North Dakota ranks third in production of sugar beets, providing 16 percent of the nations’s supply. Sugar beet production in the region continues to sustain considerable loss from disease. Losses to Cercospora leaf spot in North Dakota and Minnesota were estimated at $113 million in 1998, and costs of four applications of fungicide control in 2000 were as high as $66 per acre. Some isolates of Cercospora were found to be tolerant of fungicides.

Impact – Researchers tested a prediction model for timing fungicide applications and studied the lines of the fungus that were tolerant to fungicides. The research will lead to improved fungicide application techniques, and genetic markers within the fungicides will help researchers monitor the tolerance and design techniques for improving control of the disease. Researchers in North Dakota and Montana are looking at control strategies that integrate disease resistant crops and fungicide applications. Another project showed that biocontrol and biorational materials increased tonnage and sugar content of beets exposed to Aphanomyces disease.

Source of federal funds: Hatch and Smith Lever

Scope of Impact: Multi-state research and extension: ND, MN, MT

Several hardy woody landscape and tree species adapted to North Dakota have been released by NDSU. NDSU has released 20 superior cultivars in recent years and six more are nearing release. In addition, researchers evaluate hundreds of woody plants for performance and hardiness in North Dakota. Researchers are beginning the third year of evaluations on 100 cultivars of flowering crabapple and those evaluations will lead to significant revisions in recommendations made to nurseries, landscape companies and their clientele. Evaluations were made on 375 other woody accessions, many at multiple sites in the state. NDSU researchers collaborate in national and regional nursery plant evaluation programs.

Impact: The inventory of hardy plants for production and sale in the industry and use by landscape architects/designers, developers, city arborists, foresters, horticulturists, parks, golf courses, conservation and the public has increased markedly. That inventory is selected largely based on recommendations from NDSU’s program and it’s collaboration with researchers across the region.

Source of federal funds: MacIntire-Stennis, Hatch and Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: Multi-state research and extension, MN, SD

After a successful Dairy Diagnostic Advisory Team pilot program, the extension dairy specialist in collaboration with the North Dakota Dairy Strategic Planning Task Force launched a public effort before the legislative assembly to secure more direct funding for ND3P - North Dakota Diagnostic Program. These efforts eventually resulted in additional appropriations of $50,000 per biennium directly to the NDSU Extension Service, earmarked for ND3P development. In addition, the task force and selected pilot program participants convinced the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission to provide significant funding for the second phase of this program; to grow the concept into a state-wide educational effort by offering ND3P services to all dairy farm families in the state.

The task force remains in an advisory capacity to the program and is involved in efforts for future funding. The group consists of producers, industry leaders, agricultural financial advisors, government and regulatory personal, as well as the extension dairy specialist. A state-wide coordinator and two facilitators (all part-time) initiate, implement, and maintain 10 to 20 farm teams each. The dairy farm family’s own personal advisory team consists of a unique combination of various service providers who have a vested interest in the success of the dairy farm business. All advisory teams are required to help the farm families prepare and record a set of attainable goals and design a mission statement at the onset of the program. There is no perfect team as each farm family has a variety of different needs and available resources. Rather, ND3P is the conduit that helps provide the right service for the most demanding needs. The ND3P providers continue to encourage team development and growth. The farms are responsible for maintaining accurate records and implementing those ideas that meet the goals of the farm.

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.

Current goals are to establish teams on 10 percent of North Dakota dairy farms, to secure additional funding from private industry, look to outside grant agencies for funding, and develop a plan to sustain growth and development.

Impact - By the end of this program planning year, 51 farms have been introduced to the ND3P concept. While the level of active participation varies by team, about half of those currently expressing an interest in this program paid their participation fee. Some of the more significant success stories include:

Farm 1. Expanded from 87 to 130 cows while maintaining milk production at 57 lbs. per cow per day for a gross economic impact of nearly $86,000.

Farm 2. Instituted herd health and vaccination program which increased milk production from 57 to 71 lbs. per cow per day while lowering feed costs by 37 cents per cow per day on 88 head for a gross economic impact of more than $53,000.

Farm 3. Milk production increased 9.2 lbs. per cow per day on a herd of 34 cows. Feed costs decreased 37 cents per cow per day for a gross economic impact of nearly $15,000.

Farm 4. Milk production increased 12.4 lbs. per cow per day on a herd of 54 cows while milk quality increased. Gross economic impact was more than $40,000.

Farm 5. Increased milk production 17.6 lbs. per cow per day on a herd of 33 cows for a gross economic impact of more than $20,000.

Farm 6. Milk production increased 6.6 lbs. per cow per day on a herd of 210 cows because of feed ration adjustments. Gross economic impact was more than $48,000.

Source of federal funds: Smith Lever

Scope of impact: State specific

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 State University 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.

In 2001 a voluntary Johne’s control program was implemented to help those producers wanting to "clean-up" their herds. The Office of the State Veterinarian administrated the program and the North Dakota extension veterinarian provided educational materials and clinics for veterinarians and producers. During this initial year 19 herds were enrolled in the program.

An additional initiative was also implemented with the 2001 voluntary Johne’s control program called the "C-punch." To control Johne’s in cattle, a permanent identification needs to placed on the animal. Some states have instituted a "J-punch" program whereby infected cattle are ear notched with a letter "J" to signify Johne’s. In North Dakota we were concerned about stigmatizing producers and their cattle by placing a "J" in the cattle’s ear. In response the "C-punch was developed. The letter "C" stands for cull. Animals ear notched by this means signify to sale barns, order buyers, and other potential purchasers of livestock that cattle marked with a "C" are intended for the slaughter market only and are not to be put back into a production unit. The "C-punch" signifies that an animal is intended for cull only. It does not imply a production unit is infected with Johne’s. "C-punches" have been provided to all livestock auction markets across the state and to veterinarians and producers who wish to use the device. Multiple states have contacted North Dakota with the desire to start a "C-punch" program.

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 and the use of the "C-punch".

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: Multi-state research and extension.

Extension specialists have put together a consortium of meat packer/processors, producers and extension personnel for evaluating the current status of genetic sources in North Dakota and how those genetics impact the final products provided for consumers. This project involves lean percentage in the carcasses plus the meat quality traits and the size of retail portion. The involvement of the three groups gives a greater impact than a program initiated by extension alone.

Impact – Producers were exposed to the need for genetic change in the state’s hog population at the annual Pork Producer’s meeting. The attendance of about 40 people represented about 25 percent of the state’s hog production. In addition some producers from Minnesota who are considering shipping hogs to the slaughter facility in North Dakota attended. Discussions about procedure of data collection and the involvement of the packer were discussed at the packer/grower alliance meeting. This project will take approximately two years for data collection and analyses before recommendations are made to producers. Ultimately, the effort will add value to the retail products and an estimated $3 to $5 per pig for producers in the state.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of impact: State specific

Use of the swine model for evaluating potential new swine units has been done by producers. They have used results from the model to work with lenders to assess expected cash flows and overall estimated investment capitol needed. The NDSU Beefsim model also has been completed and is ready for use by producers, consultants and lenders in evaluating expected cash flow and potential economic impact of beef operations in the state.

Impact – Consultants in the state have used the swine model results in formulating business plans for economic development. These business plans are being studied by economic development groups and producer cooperatives for determining potential benefits from new swine facilities. The Beefsim model has been evaluated by extension, teaching and research personnel within the NDSU system. The model is being used in production courses at NDSU and the model is undergoing final testing by a group of industry specialists. This model offers a new approach for beef producers to evaluate their current production methods compared to changing production techniques. The model will be presented to producers during the coming year. Except for teaching benefits, the impact is difficult to determine now.

Source of federal funds: Smith - Lever

Scope of impact: State specific

Extension specialists have helped the Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative develop specifications for "Dakota Lean Lamb" and "Natural Lamb." The Cooperative began selling lambs on the East Coast in the spring of 2001 under the label "Dakota Lean." Initial customers for the company have been upscale supermarket chains, natural food outlets, and food service companies. Currently, Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative is shipping natural boxed and carcass lamb to Massachusetts, North Carolina, Minnesota, Arizona, Colorado, and North Dakota. New sausage products are also being developed. Assistance was provided in the facilitation of informational meetings for the cooperative, initial newsletter preparation, a sheep school on lamb grading and feeding, and advisory support when needed.

Impact - This grassroots approach to marketing lamb to increase producer returns has yielded a membership of 104 members in the cooperative from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Montana. The coop was successful in landing a $250,000 USDA marketing grant, plus other grants totaling $181,000. Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative has established a reputation as a reliable supplier of quality natural lamb. The producer_shareholders are paid a base price for their lambs that is profitable on a year round basis. In addition, they receive seasonal premiums for certain times of the year when fewer lambs are available, and quality incentives for leanness and loin eye size. Having gained the attention of several very large customers, the cooperative made the decision to conduct a second equity drive to obtain the additional lamb that is required along with the capital needed to develop those markets. The equity drive is now in progress. 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 - ND, SD, MN, MT

Key Theme - Agricultural Profitability: Feedlot Development in North Dakota

Several demonstration projects were 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, advanced cattle feeding workshops and backgrounding/feeding seminar for lenders and feeders to enhance feedlot management skills and improve knowledge of feeding and marketing.

Impact - 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 4,500 head in North Dakota feedlots. With help from extension specialists and agents, they realized a return of more than 31

percent in one 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 220 producers attended extension feedlot schools in the last two years. Lenders are exploring additional financing of cattle, feed and cattle feeding facilities in North Dakota. One participant estimated that better health practices, bunk management and feeding practices cut his cost of gain by up to 5 cents per pound.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

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 and management strategy 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 60 percent of a local meat processing plant with sole source delivery rights, 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 has constructed 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. Other cattle feeding alliances have been developed as limited liability partnerships (LLP) and limited, limited liability partnerships (LLLP).

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 and regional high quality beef 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 ND, MN, WI, SD, CA, IL, MI, NJ, NY, LA, CO, IA and internationally.

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. Producers are considering purchasing shares in a multi-state beef processing cooperative.

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

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 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.

Adequate financial support has been pledged to initiate this project in 2002. The increased awareness the development of this project has generated has increased the number of producers inquiring about value-added postweaning management options for beef calves and lambs. On the beef side, this is strongly encouraging given the strength of current calf prices at weaning. An annual Feeders School (late summer) and Feeders Day (late winter) are being developed for initiation in 2002-2003. A feeding facility will be developed in the summer of 2002 with calf backgrounding to begin in the fall followed by lamb finishing in the spring.

Local banks and economic development organizations from southwestern North Dakota, ND Barley Council, ND Corn Utilization Commission and various state and federal entities have pledged financial support for the initiation of this effort.

Impact -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 of economic activity by $2,100,000. 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 agricultural characteristics and expansion of this project into this region would seem appropriate. The recent development of a Value-Added Ruminant Animal Consortia (VARAC) involving these four states is an example of this possibility.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever

Scope of Impact: Multistate integrated research and extension, MT, SD, WY

Animal feed utilization studies have focused on cattle, sheep and hogs. In addition to productivity realized by traditional, co-product, and new feed regimens, considerable attention has been directed at sources, intake and fates of metabolizable proteins.

Impact -- Researchers found that reducing degradable protein and increasing undegradable protein can decrease cost of production by more than 5 percent. They found that potato-processing waste is 50 to 80 percent of the value of corn in finishing cattle diets, but can cut the cost of production depending on the price of corn. In similar research, scientists found that bread byproducts are 110 to 125 percent of the feed value of corn and can reduce the cost of beef production. The co-product value to beef cows in the N.D. Central Crop Reporting district alone is approximately $9 million.

Researchers found that bison bulls gained best at 13.9 percent crude protein and was the first study to establish protein requirements for bison bulls.

In other work nutritionists found that beef cows fed low-quality hay respond to protein supplements during gestation and lactation and the form of protein is less important than its presence in the diet. Feeding weather-sprouted grains adds 50 cents to a dollar to the value of a bushel of grain and captures several million dollars in revenue for North Dakota farmers and ranchers.

Researchers have developed a nutrition regimen for heifers that can enhance overall animal and mammary development and life-long lactation potential by about 10 percent. For the dairy industry, a 10 percent increase in milk yield represents about 70 million more pounds of milk or an additional $8.8 million to the dairy economy of North Dakota. For the state’s beef industry, the improved lactation performance is equivalent to a 20 pound increase in calf weaning weights, representing about $13 million in additional revenue.

Source of federal funding: Hatch and Smith Lever

Scope of Impact: Statewide research and extension

A major problem facing swine producers operating farrowing units is the reduced size of most second litters. In addition, producers on the Northern Plains look to locally produced crops for cost effective rations. Sow energy levels in diets are important as are methods that reduce environmental stress.

Impact – Researchers found that Regumate in sow diets increased farrowing rate and number of piglets by 1.5 to 2 in the second litter and reduced the number of nonproductive days by 10 to 15. Sows fed a diet of 10 percent field pea weaned more piglets. Researchers found that peas, a relatively new crop in North Dakota, could be incorporated into pig diets without compromising sow performance, milk composition, return to estrus, litter performance and litter survival rate. They also found that hoop confinement for a commercial 1000 hog unit would generate an estimated $6,000 more in net return than conventional confinement.

Concerns associated with animal-based feeds such as high prices and the spread of disease create concerns for the aquaculture industry, which has relied on animal-based proteins as a key feed ingredient.

Impact – NDSU researchers found that both field pea and soybean meal appear suitable as feed ingredients for carnivorous fish diets. The research could open new diets for northern-grown crops and could lead to an expanded aquaculture industry on the Northern Plains.

Source of federal funding: Hatch

Scope of impact: Statewide research

Reclaiming diverse and seasonally balance native grasslands is difficult due to the competitiveness of cool-season native and introduced grass species. Proper grazing management of rangeland should improve sustainable forage production from these lands.

Impact: Range scientists showed that early summer cattle grazing improved plant species diversity and the seasonal balance on study grasslands. In the study, warm-season grass species increased from 6 to 42 percent of cover following grazing while introduced cool-season grass species decreased from 47 to 6 percent of the species composition of pastures.

Source of federal funds: Hatch and Smith Lever

Scope of impact: Multistate research and Extension, MT, SD.

Nearly three million acres of marginal to highly erodible land in North Dakota have been reseeded to perennial grass in the past 12 years through the Conservation Reserve Program. As contracts expire, producers must consider how to manage those acres. Options include returning the acres to crop production, grazing or haying.

Impact: Long-term research at NDSU has shown that seeding marginal to highly erodible land to grass and grazing it with beef cattle can return an average profit to land and management of $262 per acre versus about $26 per acre for the same land producing a small grain crop. If 50 percent of North Dakota’s CRP acres remain in grass for grazing the annual increase to the North Dakota economy would total $57 million.

Source of federal funds: Hatch

Scope of impact: Statewide research.

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

* A 12-month grazing and forage planning workshop (two- and three-day): Three intensive grazing and forage sessions were held in Dickinson, near Amidon, and Ellendale, North Dakota for livestock producers. Ranchers learned to improve their rangeland management skills and develop year-long forage use strategies.

* One-day range management workshops were conducted at 16 locations in North Dakota. These one-day programs are designed to introduce ranchers and farmers to range management principles that can enhance grazing management and economic efficiency.

* Educating youth on the importance of the range resource: A four-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 environmental 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.

* Conduct two-day needs assessment for natural resource management on tribal lands in North and South Dakota: These assessments were conducted at Fort Berthold and Sitting Bull, North Dakota and Pine Ridge, South Dakota and concentrated on local ranchers and farmers, professionals in the region, and students at the colleges.

* Conduct two three-day in-service training sessions for North and South Dakota extension agents/educators and North and South Dakota Natural Resource Conservation Service conservationists. Educational professionals in North and South Dakota were taught using class room and field activities under a sustainable agricultural program for western rangeland.

Impact - Sixty-five ranchers participated in the 12-month planning workshop. Roughly 76 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 three workshops impacted almost 120,500 acres of native rangeland, pastureland, and hayland. Over 73 percent of the participants were planning to add new range improvement practices and over 86 percent planned to implement some of the training strategies learned in the workshops.

One-day range and forage management workshops were conducted for 656 participants in North Dakota and bordering counties of South Dakota and Montana. These programs were designed to introduce ranchers, farmers, and land managers to proper resource management tools and management strategies to improve efficiencies of the land base. These producers were then introduced to the more intensive two or three day workshops that would concentrate on their land base.

More than 40 youth ages 13-18 participated in the four-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.

Fifty-one people participated in the needs assessment sessions associated with tribal lands on Fort Berthold and Standing Rock reservations in North Dakota and Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Twenty-one professionals who work on the reservation, 10 ranchers/farmers, and 20 students and Elders participated in these needs assessment. These assessment programs were developed to help guide us in developing educational programs, demonstration projects, and research projects on tribal lands in North and South Dakota. Results of these assessments will be available in March 2002.

County agents/educators and Natural Resource Conservation Service staff participated in two three-day sustainable agricultural programs. These programs educated these professionals on range management, livestock nutritional needs, range habitat assessment, and mentor development. This program is a 2-year project that will finish in 2002.

Research -

*NDSU Extension Service in cooperation with the Animal and Range Sciences Department and Hettinger Research Extension 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, which 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 Research Extension 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 96 percent and 92 percent on single-species and multi-species grazing treatments, respectively, after six 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 94 percent and 82 percent, respectively, after six 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.

* Effects of dormant season grazing on native rangeland in western North and South Dakota: NDSU Extension Service, in cooperation with the Animal and Range Sciences Department and Hettinger Research Extension Center have conducted grazing trials on western rangelands in North and South Dakota.

Impacts - Dormant season grazing (mid November through mid January) at moderate and full use did not effect herbage production the following compared to standard full use summer grazing (June 1 through November 1). Double use of two weeks grazing in mid June followed by dormant season grazing from mid November through mid January enhance subsequent years herbage production by 26 percent. These results are from years 1 and 2 of a projected 10-year study. Initial results would indicate ranchers and land managers could graze their winter pastures for two weeks in June at 50 percent use of standing herbage and fully graze (50 percent) the dormant season forage and enhance subsequent years growth.

Source of federal funds: Smith-Lever and Hatch

Scope of Impact: Multi-state Integrated Research and Extension, S.D. MT. WY

Program 2