Best of the Best in Wheat and Soybean Research Program - Minot
North Dakota State University Extension, the North Dakota Wheat Commission and the North Dakota Soybean Council will hold the annual Best of the Best in Wheat and Soybean Research Program on Jan. 28 at the Grand Hotel in Minot, North Dakota. This meeting provides wheat and soybean growers, agronomists and other agriculture professionals with timely updates on variety performance, pest management and market conditions.
“The Best of the Best program has provided wheat growers in western North Dakota with locally relevant and current, research-backed recommendations for over 15 years,” says Clair Keene, NDSU Extension small grains agronomist. “This year, we are excited to again partner with the Soybean Council to expand the scope of the meeting and cover the two largest crops by acreage in the state.”
| Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|
| Paige Brummund, NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Ward County and commodity groups (NDWC, NDSC, NDGGA) | Welcome and remarks |
| Andrew Friskop, NDSU Extension cereal pathologist | A look ahead at small grain diseases to be aware of in 2026 |
| Brian Jenks, NDSU weed scientist at the North Central Research Extension Center | 2025 weed control successes and failures and developing a proactive weed management plan for the 2026 season |
| Clair Keen, NDSU Extension small grains agronomist | Variety selection for spring wheat, durum and oats and recommendations for western North Dakota based on NDSU variety trial data |
| Ana Carcedo, NDSU Extension broadleaf crop agronomist | Recent soybean seeding rate trials |
| Victor Gomes, NDSU Extension agronomist at the Dickinson Research Extension Center | Investigating soybean inoculation practices for western North Dakota |
| Bryon Parman, agricultural finance specialist in the NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics | Current conditions for obtaining operating loans and interest rates |
| Naeem Kalwar, NDSU Extension soil health specialist at the Langdon Research Extension Center | Practical tips for identifying and managing saline and sodic soils |
| Allison Thompson, market analyst with The Money Farm (Ada, MN) | Positioning For 2026: Grain Markets & Producer Strategy |
Breakout Sessions
Will be concurrent and follow lunch. Topics include:
- Weed identification
- Managing white mold in soybean and dry bean
- Distinguishing between common abiotic and biotic stress in wheat
After the Program
The Ward County Crop Improvement Association and commodity board elections will be held after the program concludes at 3 p.m. See the event here
Registration
There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested by Jan. 25 to help the organizers plan for lunch.
CEUs
Certified crop advisers can earn continuing education units (CEUs) by attending the event.
Sponsors
- North Dakota Wheat Commission
- North Dakota Soybean Council
Requests for accommodations related to disability should be made to the event contact person at least two weeks in advance of the event.
