The annual NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center field tour is scheduled for July 12 beginning at 5 p.m. MDT. The crop tour will begin at the new Agronomy and Range Research Laboratory next to the old office building.

The tour includes a spray nozzle demonstration and a discussion of small-grain diseases and their management. The field tour also will include side-by-side comparisons of new varieties of spring wheat, durum wheat and barley, along with presentations on soybean-planting date and weed-control research.

Participants also will see trials of several other crops being grown at the center and be able to talk with Extension specialists and research scientists.

"Though it has been dry at the center, the crops are looking good and producers will have a chance to learn about new varieties and agronomic practices," said John Rickertsen, research agronomist.

Following the tour is a free meal at the Granary by Mirror Lake Park sponsored by area businesses and the Hettinger Chamber of Commerce.

All activities are free and open to the public. The center is located at 102 U.S. Highway 12.

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