It has been an exciting year in agriculture in the region from agricultural businesses and processing facility constructed to a larger diversification of crops being planted in the MonDak region. I want to remind everyone that this position is geared towards assisting producers on crop diversification for both dryland and irrigated production. The other key component is working with the Research Extension Center and producers on enterprise budgets to determine the feasibility of crops and their compatibility in crop rotations.
Here is a summary of some of the projects I have assisted with this past year.
ALFALFA - Heartland Feed (Northwest Alfalfa) in Tioga, ND is starting to process hay. A delay in getting equipment was the biggest reason for the company not getting up and running as early as originally planned. They will be processing alfalfa in cubes and two different sizes of compressed bales. The company is receiving requests for processed hay and they have attended several hay trade shows. The NDSU Extension Service conducted alfalfa workshops this past January in the region.
CORN - Corn grain acres almost doubled from last year. A company from Washington State is looking at Williston to build an ethanol plant. I compiled the acreage numbers for this region and indicated that with a competitive price for corn, a large percentage of the corn needed for the plant can be provided by the MonDak region. The company should be starting construction of the plant in 2004 and production in 2005. The company has indicated they will utilize between 6-8 million bushels of corn when production begins. The NDSU Extension Service will conduct corn production workshops in the region in January 2004.
MALT BARLEY - Barley acreage and production increased dramatically this past year. The NDSU Extension Service, and others, are working with Busch Ag to develop a long term price to further stimulate irrigation development in the MonDak region. The company is committed to building the
irrigation infrastructure in the region in order for them to receive a more consistent supply of malt barley.
SMALL FRUIT PRODUCTION - Small fruit production has seen a revival in the region. With two new wineries, one in Culbertson, MT and one in Burlington, ND, the need for small fruit has increased dramatically. It takes roughly 6-8 pounds of fruit to make a gallon of wine. The Williston Research Extension Center has received grant monies to research variety response of fruits grown in the region, weed management, and the health benefits of small fruit consumption.
ONIONS - Three growers raised and harvested 30 acres of onions. The onions are being raised from Cartwright, ND to Glendive, MT. Average yield was 15 tons to the acre. A high percentage of onions measured at least three inches in diameter. The producers will be selling the onions to area markets as well as locally. With our assistance, the group secured grants or loans to assist in purchasing a sorter and other equipment. They plan to expand onion acreage in 2004.
OTHER CROPS - As irrigation increases producers are seeking other crop opportunities. We are starting to see more soybeans planted in the region. Over 2,000 acres of soybeans were harvested in the MonDak region in 2003. Elevators are recognizing this and are getting geared up to handle the additional soybeans. Dryland producers are looking at more broadleaf crops in their rotations (ie. flax, peas, mustard, safflower, lentils, and corn). I am developing crops budgets for both dryland and irrigated on the new crops coming into the area. Crop rotations need to be developed to lower the risk of disease pressure as well as to spread the risk based on marketing opportunities.
WORKSHOPS - Assisted with several workshops promoting production agriculture as well as value added processing of commodities. This past year’s workshops include: Alfalfa Management, National Hard Spring Wheat Show, Value Added Ag Day, Gateway of Opportunities, MonDak Ag Open, and summer Research Center field days. Corn production and irrigation management workshops are to be conducted this winter.