NDSU Extension to Hold Best of the Best in Wheat and Soybean Research Program on Jan. 28

By Clair Keene

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.”

The program will start at 8:30 a.m. CST with a welcome from Paige Brummund, NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Ward County. NDSU speakers will discuss the following topics:

• Andrew Friskop, NDSU Extension cereal pathologist, will provide a look ahead at small grain diseases to be aware of in 2026.
• Brian Jenks, weed scientist at the North Central Research Extension Center, will discuss weed control successes and failures in 2025 and developing a proactive weed management plan for the 2026 season.
• Clair Keene will discuss variety selection for spring wheat, durum and oats, and she will make recommendations for western North Dakota based on NDSU variety trial data.