NDSU North Central Research Extension Center

NDSU North Central Research Extension Center The North Central Research Extension Center is located one mile south of Minot on U.S. 83.

The 1200-acre research center was established in 1945 for agricultural field research and pure seed increase. Today, it specializes in crop and Extension education activities, and in foundation seed production. The surrounding area includes the largest durum wheat producing counties in the state. Fifty percent of the nation's canola and forty percent of the nation's durum is produced in counties s

erved by the Center. The Center is located on the border of North Dakota's two most prominent soil and vegetation regions - the dark brown soils of the semi-arid grassland in the west, and the black soils of central North Dakota's subhumid grassland. With gently rolling land and 16.5 inches of annual precipitation, the Center's main research efforts involve grain variety evaluation, w**d control, tillage and fertilizer tests. Research is conducted on small grains, oilseeds, row crops, legumes, forages and other specialty crops. Production is evaluated for no-till and conventional tillage cropping systems.

🌾🚜First alfalfa cutting is complete at the NCREC!Thankfully, we wrapped up harvest last week—just before all this rain a...
06/23/2026

🌾🚜First alfalfa cutting is complete at the NCREC!

Thankfully, we wrapped up harvest last week—just before all this rain arrived. ☔️

This year's plots have put on quite the show, with a beautiful range of flower colors—from deep purple to soft cream and bright yellow—reminding us that research fields can be both productive and beautiful. 💜💛

Research harvests may only last a few days, but the information gathered will help guide forage recommendations for years to come. Every pass through the field helps us evaluate traits like yield potential, stand persistence, and overall forage performance to identify varieties that will thrive in North Dakota conditions.

Research may start with tiny seeds and colorful blooms, but it ends with practical information that helps producers make informed decisions.

And let's be honest… it's hard to beat a day spent among blooming alfalfa under a North Dakota sky. ☀️

Today (6/23/2026) at 8AM - 1.37" of moisture was observed at the NCREC.
06/23/2026

Today (6/23/2026) at 8AM - 1.37" of moisture was observed at the NCREC.

🥁 Drumroll, please... 🥁Join us in congratulating Phil Koapke on an incredible 30 years of service with NDSU Extension! 🎉...
06/22/2026

🥁 Drumroll, please... 🥁

Join us in congratulating Phil Koapke on an incredible 30 years of service with NDSU Extension! 🎉👏

Thirty years of dedication, hard work, and commitment is an amazing milestone and a testament to the impact Phil has made over the years. We are grateful for the knowledge, experience, and support Phil has brought to NCREC, our colleagues, and the communities we serve.

Thank you, Phil, for three decades of service and for all you've done to help move our mission forward. Here's to celebrating this remarkable achievement! 🎊💚💛

06/22/2026

Pollinators play a vital role in North Dakota agriculture and our natural ecosystems. From bees to butterflies, birds, bats and other beneficial insects, these hardworking species help support the production of crops from the fields to home gardens.

Want to help support pollinators in your landscape? Consider planting native flowers that bloom throughout the growing season.

Learn more about pollinators >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/gardening-and-horticulture/pollination

The extreme winds that swept across the region last month served as a powerful reminder of the importance of soil health...
06/18/2026

The extreme winds that swept across the region last month served as a powerful reminder of the importance of soil health.

The Soil Health Express demonstration is returning to this year's Field Day.

Interactive rainfall and wind erosion demonstrations will show how soil management practices can improve water infiltration, reduce runoff and help protect soil during high wind events.

You'll also get an up-close look at cover crop root systems and learn how different species support soil health below the surface.

Full Field Day details https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/events/north-central-rec-annual-field-day

06/16/2026

Sadness vs. depression - do you know the difference? The ag community is no stranger to hard work. We expect a lot from ourselves......but could we be wearing down our bootstraps?

If you are feeling overwhelmed, sad, frustrated......it's time to talk to someone. Your health is the most important asset on your farm/ranch.

Depression in Farming – Let’s Talk About It https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/depression-farming-lets-talk-about-it

Ready to talk to someone? We've got several resources listed on our website. https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/farm-safety-health/managing-stress

06/15/2026

🚜🌱 Ride along as we plant our forage research trials!

Turn up the volume and listen closely—you can hear the seed slide into the planting cone and the click of the trip button as we pass each yellow flag, signaling the start of a new plot.

Thousands of research plots begin with moments just like these. 🤓

🚜🌾

Today (6/12/2026) at 8AM - 0.36" of moisture was observed at the NCREC.
06/12/2026

Today (6/12/2026) at 8AM - 0.36" of moisture was observed at the NCREC.

Address

5400 Highway 83 S
Minot, ND
58701

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17018577679

Website

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