If someone asked me what the mostasked question I’ve heard as an auctioneer all these years was, the answer would be easy. It hasn’t changed since I first started with my dad in 1980. “What’s going on in the market, and how are the auctions going?” I guess it’s only natural, as everyone knows auctions are where markets change first, whether it’s up or down. It doesn’t matter whether it’s equipment or land - auctions are the true cash market and the truest expression of our American free-enterprise system! The delivery has certainly changed with the advent of “Online Only” auctions, but the auction process remains the same. Assemble all potential buyers. Let them participate and offer whatever they want until only one remains, the highest bidder. I don’t know what else that can be interpreted as other than fair market value!

Agriculture is a building block of nations. The United States Department of Agriculture reports 22.1 million fulland part-time jobs were related to the agricultural and food sectors in 2022, representing 10.4 percent of total U.S. employment. Statistics Canada reports that agriculture in Canada employed around 280,000 people as of 2023.

By Rutendo Nyamusamba, research agronomist, Langdon Research Extension Center cause the clouds decided to take a lunch break right when you sprayed. Given all these uncertainties and variabilities, small-plot research steps in as a helper that filters out the background noise.

Farming and ranching may be the first roles people think of when they envision jobs in agriculture. But the modern agricultural sector offers a much wider range of career paths as well. As technology, sustainability and consumer demand impacts the industry, a greater number of unique and innovative career paths have emerged and opened doors for people with a wide range of skills.

By Valley News & Views Staff The agricultural sector is evolving thanks to new technology necessitated by a growing global population and the pressures of climate change. The United Nations predicts a global population of 9.7 billion by 2050. The agricultural sector must figure out a way to meet the demands of that expanding population. These challenges are being offset by advancing technologies that are helping farmers increase productivity while also reducing their ecological impact.

OSNABROCK, N.D. - The 2026 Barley Show will take place Thursday, March 26 at the Osnabrock Barley Hall in Osnabrock, bringing together producers, industry representatives, and community members for a full day of exhibits, education and fellowship. This will be the 81st annual event.

Farming has never been predictable, but 2026 is shaping up to test farm families in ways that go beyond weather and yields. From the kitchen tables where real decisions are made, the pressures ahead are clear.

Addressing the wellness needs of those working in agriculture or related areas will be the focus of the upcoming “Question. Persuade. Refer.” suicide prevention webinars sponsored by North Dakota State University Extension. Two sessions are scheduled: March 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and April 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Growing up on a farm near Snowflake, Manitoba, across the border from Hannah, N.D., I thought it was the middle of nowhere and was eager to leave. The big city called, and as soon as I was able, I answered. I packed my bags and headed to Winnipeg for school and then west to work in Calgary, Alberta, and Regina, Saskatchewan, convinced that leaving the farm behind was the best decision I’d ever made.

NDSU Extension has many training options for pesticide certification. Some are listed below.