NDSU Webinar Offers Sunflower Production Guidance for Local Growers

North Dakota State University Extension will hold a live, online webinar on Jan. 13 aimed at farmers and crop advisers seeking research-based guidance on sunflower production. The event, organized by NDSU Extension and sponsored by the National Sunflower Association, will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon Central Standard Time via Zoom.

NDSU specialists will present on several production topics relevant to local operations, including bird management, effective weed control strategies, economically sound soil fertility decisions and a market outlook. Each presentation will conclude with a live question-and-answer segment, allowing participants to pose questions specific to their fields and management concerns.

The webinar provides practical value for Stutsman County producers who face persistent pressures from wildlife, weed competition and input-cost decisions that affect profitability. Research-based recommendations on fertility and weed management can help growers make data-driven choices that balance yields, input costs and environmental stewardship. The market outlook component is intended to help producers contextualize production decisions within current price and demand conditions.

Certified crop advisers who attend the live event will receive continuing education credits, a consideration for advisers maintaining professional credentials. There is no fee to participate, but registration is required at ndsu.ag/GIRsunflower26. For additional information, organizers can be reached through Ana Carcedo at 701-831-5796 or a.carcedo@ndsu.edu.

Holding the meeting online via Zoom lowers travel and scheduling barriers for farmers across Stutsman County and surrounding areas, enabling access to specialists without leaving the farm. The format also allows for targeted follow-up during the live Q&A, where producers can seek specific operational guidance. For operations weighing management options ahead of spring planting, the webinar offers an opportunity to update practices based on current extension research.

As growers consider input budgets and field plans for the coming season, extension outreach such as this webinar aims to translate university research into actionable recommendations for local conditions. Participation could influence decisions on fertilizer use, weed-control timing and bird deterrence methods that affect both short-term yields and longer-term farm sustainability.