There is no question that the research accomplished at Montana State University’s Eastern Ag Research Center over the last century or so has had an important, positive impact on the sustainability of production agriculture in the MonDak region.

Those impacts can be felt in countless different ways. They can be broken down into categories including crop variety testing, alternative crop introduction, crop breeding and agronomics.

The EARC plays an important role in testing the agronomic suitability of many varieties of crops for our climate. Most of this work is done through variety trials in cooperation with crop breeders from Montana State University and North Dakota State University. The unusual weather we are experiencing this year has been a challenge for the EARC staff, but important information will be developed regarding variety performance and other agronomic qualities. Success stories from these research efforts include the release of McNeal, Vida and Reeder spring wheat, Yellowstone winter wheat and Haybet barley among many others. These varieties have either been grown widely in the region or, in the case of Yellowstone, show great promise for high yields in our harsh winter environment.

Sugar beet growers in the area are benefiting from the availability of Roundup-Ready sugar beets and the increased ability to control weeds. Testing of these varieties’ performance and quality at the EARC was important in securing the option of growing them. This research continues to be important in determining which varieties perform the best in the MonDak region.

Alternative crops that have been added to farmers’ crop rotations because of research done at the EARC include canola, mustard, safflower, field peas, onions and potatoes to name a few. Researchers have done a great job of identifying and testing crops that are suited to the MonDak region but have not yet been proven in the field. As each year’s research is evaluated, the most suitable varieties for agronomics and quality are reported to area growers as possible crops to grow.

Two crop breeding efforts that are yielding great results include Dr. Jerry Bergman’s work with safflower and Dr. Joyce Eckhoff’s research with durum. Many safflower varieties have been released over the years, all of them showing improvement in quality and/or yield. These releases have allowed for the adoption of safflower by area farmers as a viable and profitable alternative crop to be used in rotation with traditional cereal crops. Eckhoff’s durum research is focused on breeding durum varieties better suited to a range of environments from the northern to southern parts of the state.

The study of agronomy in both dryland and irrigated systems has also been very important to the region. Tests of proper crop rotations, seeding rates, fertilizer use and the best times to seed and harvest are just a few topics researched over the years. At the backbone of the EARC’s success are the great professionals who consistently provide the best crop information available to area producers. They have done an amazing amount of work through innovation and cooperation with other researchers and agencies.

Without their efforts, agriculture in the MonDak region would not be as successful and promising as it is today. Many thanks are due the MSU Eastern Ag Research Center!