Finding reliable, research-based answers to questions is easier than ever, thanks to Ask an Expert, a service available through an NDSU University Extension Service and national eXtension collaboration.

To ask questions, go to the NDSU Extension Service website at www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension and click on the Ask an Expert link.

When you use Ask an Expert, the system first searches the eXtension website for possible answers. If an answer is not available, the question then goes to an agent or specialist who is an expert in the field related to the question. You can ask questions any time, day or night. You'll usually receive a response by email within two business days.

eXtension (www.extension.org) is a collaborative effort that brings together experts from 74 universities. It complements and enhances the community-based programming the NDSU Extension Service provides.

With North Dakota's flooding, the Ask an Expert system on the NDSU flood website – www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood – immediately relays questions to NDSU experts rather than utilizing the national network.

"Ask an Expert is another tool that has been developed to make it more convenient for North Dakotans to have their questions answered in a timely manner," says Duane Hauck, NDSU Extension Service director. "For example, if you have a specific question about a flooding issue, you can enter your question to Ask an Expert and get a quick response from our flood website or an Extension agent or specialist."