NDSU Extension

10/19/2026

LAST CALL 🚨

Applications for our AgTech Champion Communities Program are due October 23!

Selected communities receive $10,000 in project funding, a dedicated community coach and support to explore agricultural technology, strengthen workforce opportunities and advance local priorities.

Communities with populations under 20,000 are eligible to apply.

Learn more: https://farmsfeedstheworld.com/agtech-champion-communities/

10/16/2026

To Do List Item ✏️ ARC-PLC Election Decisions

Producers can elect coverage and enroll in crop-by-crop Agricultural Risk Coverage-County (ARC-CO) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs within each Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm unit, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2026 crop year.

The election deadline is Dec. 11, 2026.

“The election is much later this year because the FSA has allocated additional base acres,” says Ron Haugen, North Dakota State University Extension farm management specialist. “It is somewhat easier for the producer to make the election because more information is known at this later date.”

ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the national marketing year average price for a covered commodity falls below its effective reference price.

Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long-grain rice, medium- and short-grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.

NDSU Extension has developed online tools to aid producers in making this decision. Search "NDSU Farm Management"

For more information on ARC and PLC, producers can visit the FSA website or contact their local FSA office.

10/15/2026

Minimal improvements seen in this week's Drought Map. This is our final drought update for the season. We will pick back up again in the spring. Thank you for submitting your weekly reports. They were/are critical in giving a ground level view of drought in your area.

While our weekly updates are ending....the drought most certainly is not. If you need resources to help you deal with the impacts of the dry conditions visit our "NDSU Drought" page or get in touch with your local NDSU Extension agent.

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

Are you taking the time needed to clean and inspect your equipment daily?

More than 590,000 acres of sunflowers across North Dakota will be harvested this year....... but dry, windy conditions will increase the risk of combine fires.

Things you should do:
-Check for worn bearings
-Inspect wiring for damage
-Monitor weather conditions
-Carry charged fire extinguishers
-Adequately cool equipment before parking or refueling

Combines and crops are replaceable..... you are not.

Check current conditions in your area on the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN).

10/12/2026

To all the hardworking men and women who dedicate their lives to feeding and fueling the world, thank you. We're honored to work alongside you.

Happy

10/12/2026

S N O W for some 🫣

Rain showers will continue across the state tonight through Monday. Some snow may mix in across the northwest Monday as well. The rest of week will see cooler temperatures. A few showers may return mid to late week.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day and it's a good reminder that you don't have to make a big change to take care of your mental health.

Small steps count. Choose one thing you can do for yourself today:
- Call a friend.
- Take a walk.
- Spend time outside.
- Take a break from your phone.
- Get extra rest.
- Do something you enjoy.

Just take the step.

10/09/2026

Today is "Thankful Thursday" for National 4-H Week!

North Dakota 4-H has deep roots. We are thankful for all the years filled with amazing memories, moments and learning opportunities... and we are thankful for YOU. Generations of our 4-H'ers have made the program possible.

Together, we are Beyond Ready for the future.

Do you recognize anyone in these throwback photos?

10/09/2026

How do management decisions affect the value of finished cattle?

Our Pens to Processor program will give participants a closer look at cattle evaluation, carcass grading and pricing and how those things impact that value of the final product.

Join us for our 2-night training October 28 and November 3 in Dickinson. Registration is $30 and limited to the first 30 participants.

Register: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/events/pen-processor