Marvin Baker/MDN Shanna Mazurek, a North Dakota State University graduate student in plant pathology, describes the necessity of rotations during Canola Day, Monday at the North Central Research Extension Center. Behind Mazurek is a plot that is in its ninth consecutive year of growing canola.

Local, state and international canola experts provided the latest information on growing a better crop during Canola Day at the North Central Research Extension Center Monday. Weed Scientist Brian Jenks led a tour of about 60 producers through numerous canola research plots south of Minot. Tour wagons made regular stops, and speakers discussed a new topic at each stop. Jenks said the goal of Canola Day, which is also held at the research center in Langdon, is to work with the Northern Canola Growers Association to increase acres and develop strategies and technologies for increased efficiency. It’s also a time for producers to learn how to increase yields and what might inhibit them, according to Jenks. “It’s so we understand the issues,” Jenks said. “It’s to help us avoid what happened in 2007.” Cavalier County Extension agent Ron Beneda provided data on a season a year ago that suprised people right up to harvest.