NDSU Sets Oakes Crop Shop Talk for March 17

Free event to feature research updates and farmer feedback at NDSU's Oakes Irrigation Research Site

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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North Dakota State University is hosting a Crop Shop Talk event on March 17 at its Oakes Irrigation Research Site near Oakes, North Dakota. The free event will feature presentations from NDSU graduate students and Extension specialists on various agricultural research projects, with the goal of strengthening ties between the university and local farmers and stakeholders.

Why it matters

The Oakes Irrigation Research Site is an important facility for NDSU, allowing the university to conduct a variety of agricultural research trials relevant to the local farming community. This event provides an opportunity for direct engagement and feedback from farmers, which can help shape future research priorities at the site.

The details

During the Crop Shop Talk, graduate students will present on topics such as evaluating biological products for managing white mold in soybeans, the efficacy of nitrogen fertilizer applications, and identifying tar spot in corn. NDSU Extension specialists will also provide updates on canola agronomy, fungicides for corn disease management, and using white mold predictive models. The event will include a moderated discussion led by an NDSU Extension cropping systems specialist to gather feedback from attendees on research objectives for the Oakes Irrigation Research Site.

  • The Crop Shop Talk event will be held on March 17, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The players

Hope Becton

NDSU research assistant professor of soybean pathology.

Jeff Stachler

NDSU Extension cropping systems specialist.

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What they’re saying

“Several research programs from NDSU's main campus spend a lot of time down in Oakes running research trials. This is an informal meeting that allows us to demonstrate what research is currently being done for local farmers and stakeholders, with the opportunity for them to give feedback and opinions on any research topics that they would like to see at the Oakes Site.”

— Hope Becton, NDSU research assistant professor of soybean pathology (NDSU EXT)

What’s next

Registration for the Crop Shop Talk event is encouraged, and the full schedule and registration information can be found at ndsu.ag/crop-shop-talk26.

The takeaway

The Crop Shop Talk event at NDSU's Oakes Irrigation Research Site provides an important opportunity for the university to directly engage with local farmers and stakeholders, gather feedback on research priorities, and strengthen the ties between the academic institution and the surrounding agricultural community.