LFALFA – As stated last year, Heartland Feed in Tioga, ND has started processing hay.  After some early marketing problems, they are confident they are on track for continued growth.  They are making cubes at this point and starting to look for timothy hay.  Also with dairy production expanding in the region our producers will be called upon to provide very high quality hay to meet this additional need.

ORN - Corn grain acres almost doubled from last year.  A large percentage of the current corn acres are needed for the livestock feedlot operations.  Now with Bostana dairy near Sidney, MT on board and the possibility of others coming to the area, we will greatly expand our demand for corn grain and silage.  The NDSU Extension Service conducted corn production workshops in the region in January 2004.  The cool weather hampered yield and quality but as we determine the best varieties suitable to our region based on Growing Degree Days production should increase.   

ALT BARLEY - Barley acreage and production increased again this past year.  The NDSU Extension Service and others are working with Busch Agricultural Resource 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 to receive a more consistent supply of malt barley.

MALL FRUIT PRODUCTION - Small fruit production has seen a unique interest in the region.  With three wineries, in Culbertson, MT,   Burlington and Bowman, ND, the need for small fruit has increased dramatically.  The Williston Research Extension Center has received grant monies to research variety response of fruits grown in the region.  This past year 16 grape varieties were planted along with rhubarb, strawberries, and other fruits.  Our biggest result next spring will be to see which fruit varieties will have the least winter injury.

NIONS - Three growers raised and harvested roughly 90 acres of onions.  The onions are being raised from Cartwright, ND to Glendive, MT.  Average yield improved over last year with a high percentage of onions measuring at least three inches in diameter.  The producers will be selling the onions to area markets.  With our assistance, the group secured grants and loans to assist in purchasing a sorter and other equipment.  Additional research will indicate which varieties will yield the greatest while having the highest percentage of single centers and largest size.

THER CROPS - As irrigation increases producers are seeking other crop opportunities.  Soybeans saw a large increase in acres planted in the region.  Over 3,500 acres of soybeans were harvested in the MonDak region in 2004.  Elevators and processors are recognizing this and are getting geared up to handle the soybeans.  We have two companies in the region, West Dakota Feed and Seed and Specialty Exports, who are looking for non-GMO soybeans.    Irrigated potatoes yielded another great year despite the frosts in June and September.  Dryland producers are looking at more broadleaf crops in their rotations (ie. flax, peas, mustard, safflower, lentils, and corn).  Producers need to seek out markets for these different commodities.  At our recent MonDak Value Added Ag Day, we had 6 processors looking at purchasing at least 10 different crops.

ORKSHOPS - Assisted with several workshops promoting production agriculture as well as value added processing of commodities.  This past year’s workshops include: Corn Management, National Hard Spring Wheat Show, MonDak Pulse Day, an Irrigation workshop to improve yield and quality potential, several different Ag Days in the region discussing crop and livestock opportunities, Gateway of Opportunity in Glendive promoting entrepreneurship, MonDak Ag Open and Value Added Ag Day promoting the region’s resources to bring in other agricultural businesses, and summer Research Center field days.

¹NDSU/MSU Area Extension Specialist, Williston Research Extension Center, Williston, ND