Ann Bailey

Saline soils, poor drainage and the high calcium carbonate content of soils in that region result in reduced soybean yields, but research is looking at how to overcome those challenges.

Research at the Northwest Research and Outlook Center in Crookston showed fertilizer application shouldn't change when a field is tiled. But drain tile seems to increase yields for some crops.

Despite the poor spring conditions, most of the 2026 sugarbeet crop that got into the ground was in excellent to average condition at the end of May, sugarbeet company leaders said.

Naeem Kalwar, soil health specialist at Langdon Research Extension Center, believes wind erosion will worsen if farmers continue conventional tillage. But converting to no-till requires patience.

Some sugarbeet slicing campaigns were not expected to end until early June after large harvests in 2025.

Organized because of concerns about soil loss, the Northwest Minnesota Tillage Expo featured tilling demonstrations, information about water infiltration and soil fertility and thoughts from farmers.

Alex Wentzel, his brother Fred, their father Richard and their friend, Nate Henry, were among sugarbeet farmers harvesting after the 10 p.m. Oct. 1 start of American Crystal Sugar stockpile harvest.

Darla Tyler-McSherry of Ask In Earnest shares tips on taking advantage of those last garden goodies with some healthy (or at least tasty) preparations.

Drones will be a way to integrate students' interest in technology with potential agricultural careers, said Travis Johnson, Climax Shelly Public School agriculture and industrial technology teacher.

American Beet Sugar Co. in 1926 built the East Grand Forks sugarbeet factory. Now, 100 years later, beet farmers are still hauling to the facility owned by what is now known as American Crystal Sugar.