To strengthen the united states' agricultural capacity and support the long-term sustainability of food and energy systems, north dakota state university (NDSU) extension implements programs that…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded North Dakota State University $7,260,464.12 under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for a five-year period of performance through September 30, 2030.

NDSU Extension delivers research-based agricultural extension education across North Dakota's approximately 38 million acres of cropland, rangeland, and livestock operations. The program advances resource-efficient agricultural practices through field demonstrations, seasonal meetings, café discussions, targeted tours, workshops, publications, videos, and traditional and digital media. Extension educators provide training on best management practices for major crops including wheat, soybeans, corn, canola, rye, oats, sugarbeet, potatoes, and beans, as well as livestock systems encompassing beef, swine, poultry, sheep, and dairy. Educational activities address soil productivity, water management, operational efficiency, resource utilization, market dynamics, price risk management, and strategic marketing. The program targets farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and other stakeholders managing those lands, with intended outcomes of strengthened farm and ranch viability, broader implementation of innovative management practices, improved operational resilience, and enhanced productivity.

Place of performance is North River, North Dakota 58102.

To strengthen the united states' agricultural capacity and support the long-term sustainability of food and energy systems, north dakota state university (NDSU) extension implements programs that advance resource-efficient agricultural practices designed to improve productivity, economic performance, and overall land use management. Through multiple outreach formats- including field demonstrations, seasonal meetings, cafe discussions, targeted tours, workshops, publications, videos, and both traditional and digital media-extension educators provide research-based education that supports adaptive management and effective resource utilization. The program's objectives are to increase awareness, enhance technical knowledge, and promote the application of innovative production and management approaches across crop and livestock systems. Core activities focus on land restoration, efficient food production, and initiatives supporting regional food systems. Primary participants include farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and other stakeholders managing approximately 38 million acres of cropland, rangeland, and livestock operations across north dakota. Educational programming will emphasize best management practices for major crops such as wheat, soybeans, corn, canola, RYE, oats, sugarbeet, potatoes, and beans, as well as for livestock, including beef, swine, poultry, sheep, and dairy. Through workshops, demonstrations, and blended learning opportunities, participants will acquire practical tools to enhance soil productivity, improve water management, increase operational efficiency, and optimize resource utilization. Expected outcomes include strengthened farm and ranch viability, broader implementation of innovative management practices, improved operational resilience, and enhanced productivity. Educational components addressing market dynamics, price risk management, and strategic marketing will support producers in enhancing their financial performance and competitiveness in evolving market conditions. Extension programs also address local health objectives by delivering education related to food safety, nutrition, and healthy living, in partnership with consumers, community and school nutrition initiatives. Additionally, NDSU extension maintains a strong focus on youth development through 4-H programs that reach a substantial portion of north dakota youth, building skills in agriculture, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and civic engagement to prepare participants for future workforce and community roles. To ensure program quality and effectiveness, NDSU extension continues to invest in staff development and capacity building to enhance professional expertise, job satisfaction, and the overall quality of research, instruction, and outreach. Collectively, these efforts aim to foster a resilient and efficient agricultural system that supports producers, consumers, youth, and communities throughout north dakota and the broader region.