The 2005 edition of the Northwest Research and Outreach Center’s Crops and Soils Field Day is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13. Visitors are asked to come to the NWROC’s North Agronomy Farm, approximately 1.0 mile north of the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) campus on Highway 75. Parking areas will be clearly marked.

There will be three morning field tours covering small grains, soybean, and corn production topics. Speakers will include State Extension Specialists, Dr.’s Beverly Durgan, George Rehm, Dale Hicks, and Seth Naeve; University of Minnesota plant breeders, Dr.’s Jim Orf, Jim Anderson, and Kevin Smith, and NWROC’s scientists, Dr.’s Albert Sims, Charla Hollingsworth, Ian MacRae, and Jochum Wiersma.

A new event featured this year will be UMC Horticultural Tours. Sessions will include topics such as Turf & Lawn Care, Wildlife and Butterfly Gardening, Bonsai Construction, and Perennial Plant Demonstrations. A short tour of a small scale soybean pasta operation will also be available in Owen Annex. Those interested in the horticultural program are asked to park in Lot A located by Owen Hall on the northeast corner of the UMC campus. Registration will be across the street in the Horticulture Building.

Registration and refreshments for both events begins at 8 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be served beginning about 12 noon at the North Farm. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this exciting and educational program. In case of rain, a modified program will be presented and the speakers will be available for consultation.

Additional details and a complete schedule are available. For further information, Dr. Jochum Wiersma, Small Grains Specialist, NWROC, Crookston, MN 56716. Phone 218-281-8629