Winter Crops Day & Small Grains Program in Slayton

Register now for the Winter Crops Day & Small Grains Program in Slayton

Join us for the University of Minnesota Extension Winter Crops Day and Small Grains Program, Thursday, Feb. 19, at the 4-H Building, 3048 Broadway Ave., in Slayton. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you farm or work with farmers, this program is a great opportunity to hear the latest University-based research and information around corn, soybean, and small grain production issues and management strategies. The morning session will highlight corn and soybean production systems while the afternoon session will focus on small grains.

Please pre-register to reserve yourself a meal by noon Tuesday, Feb. 17 at z.umn.edu/SlaytonWCD2026, or by calling the Murray County Extension Office at 507-836-6927. Thanks to generous support from local sponsors, there is no cost to attend the program.

Schedule for the Winter Crops Day & Southern Small Grains program:

· Check-in: 8:30 – 9 a.m.

· Winter Crops Day presentations: 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

· Lunch: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.

· Agency program updates: 12:45 – 1 p.m.

· Southern Small Grains Program: 1 – 3 p.m.

The morning session will start off with Liz Stahl, Extension educator in crops, discussing “What’s new on the pest management front”. Brian Boomgaarden, Farm Business Management instructor from MN West Community and Technical College will follow with “Corn and Soybean Budget outlooks for 2026.” Brad Carlson, Extension educator in water resources, crops, and soils will then discuss “Advancing Nitrogen Management in 2026”, followed by Bailey Tangen, Extension educator in water resources and soil health, with a discussion on “Applying Soil Health Management to Reduce Weather Risks.” CEUs have been applied for the morning sessions.

The afternoon session will be presented by Dr. Jochum Wiersma, UMN Extension small grains specialist. Topics covered include production agronomics, variety selection, and more, along with ample time for questions from attendees.

Thanks to local sponsors for their support of the program, including the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, Murray County Farm Bureau Association, and the Murray County Corn and Soybean Growers Association.

For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extdigest@umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.