The annual NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center field day tours are scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, beginning at 5 p.m. MDT.

The annual small-grain tour will begin at 5 p.m. at the old center office building. This tour will show side-by-side comparisons of the newest spring wheat, winter wheat, durum, barley, oats and field pea varieties and include presentations on weed control, and manure value and management.

"Livestock manure is a valuable resource for its nutrients and organic matter, and this presentation will give producers information to help implement nutrient management practices to utilize manure nutrients more efficiently," said John Rickertsen, agronomist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center.

All of the crops in the research plots look good this year, according to Rickertsen. "The crops suffered from hail damage early but have recovered nicely with the plentiful rainfall we have had," Rickertsen said. "We have 53 varieties just in our spring wheat trial."

The tour gives producers a chance to find out what new varieties have the yield potential, disease package and quality characteristics to fit his or her operation.

Participants will interact with NDSU Extension specialists, scientists and plant breeders during the tour.

A free supper at Mirror Lake Park will follow the tour.

All activities are free and open to the public.

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.