About the North Dakota State University Extension Service
The North Dakota State University Extension Service provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, family well-being, youth development, community leadership, and environmental stewardship throughout North Dakota. As the outreach arm of North Dakota State University, Extension connects farmers, ranchers, homeowners, businesses, and communities with practical solutions backed by university research and scientific expertise.
Official Website
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension
North Dakota’s economy and landscape are heavily influenced by agriculture, with vast areas devoted to crop production, livestock grazing, and natural grasslands. NDSU Extension develops programs specifically designed to address the challenges of northern climates, prairie ecosystems, agricultural production, and rural community development.
Core Services Offered
NDSU Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a broad range of disciplines that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
North Dakota is a national leader in wheat, durum, barley, canola, soybean, sunflower, and dry bean production. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability through science-based recommendations.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Weed management strategies
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Livestock and Ranch Management
North Dakota’s extensive grasslands support significant cattle and livestock operations. Extension specialists provide guidance on sustainable grazing and animal production.
- Beef cattle management
- Range management
- Livestock nutrition
- Forage production
- Drought preparedness planning
- Animal health education
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Gardeners throughout North Dakota face short growing seasons, harsh winters, and variable weather conditions. Extension provides practical recommendations tailored to northern climates.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The North Dakota Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate residents about gardening, plant health, and sustainable landscape management.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting methods
- Tree and shrub care
- Pollinator-friendly gardening
- Sustainable gardening practices
Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
North Dakota’s prairies, wetlands, forests, and waterways require careful management and conservation.
- Water quality protection
- Wildlife habitat management
- Conservation planning
- Watershed protection
- Range stewardship
- Environmental sustainability programs
4-H Youth Development
The North Dakota 4-H program provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in North Dakota
North Dakota’s agricultural economy depends heavily on effective pest management. Crop pests, invasive species, forest insects, stored product pests, and household pests can significantly impact productivity and quality of life. NDSU Extension maintains one of the state’s most comprehensive pest management programs and supports Integrated Pest Management (IPM) initiatives statewide.
Field Crop Insect Pests
Field crops face pressure from numerous economically significant insects that can reduce yields and profitability.
Important crop pests include:
- Wheat Stem Sawflies
- Sunflower Moths
- Bertha Armyworms
- Cutworms
- Aphids
- Grasshoppers
NDSU Extension publishes crop-specific insect management recommendations and seasonal pest updates to help growers make informed decisions.
Canola and Oilseed Pests
North Dakota is one of the nation’s leading canola-producing states, and Extension specialists monitor pests that threaten oilseed production.
Common canola pests include:
- Flea Beetles
- Diamondback Moths
- Aphids
- Armyworms
- Cutworms
Extension research helps producers manage pests while protecting beneficial insects and pollinators.
Stored Product Pests
North Dakota’s grain storage industry faces challenges from insects that infest stored commodities.
Common stored product pests include:
- Indian Meal Moths
- Flour Beetles
- Sawtoothed Grain Beetles
- Rice Weevils
- Grain Mites
- Granary Weevils
Extension resources emphasize prevention, sanitation, monitoring, and proper grain storage practices.
Grasshopper Management
Grasshoppers are among the most important recurring agricultural pests in North Dakota. During outbreak years, populations can cause extensive damage to crops, pastures, and rangelands.
Extension specialists provide monitoring information, forecasting tools, and management recommendations to help producers minimize losses.
Forest and Tree Pests
North Dakota’s urban forests, shelterbelts, and woodlands face threats from both native and invasive insects.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Bark Beetles
- Bagworms
- Borers
- Scale Insects
- Defoliating Caterpillars
Extension horticulture and forestry specialists provide guidance on tree health management and pest prevention.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout North Dakota encounter numerous insect pests during the growing season.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Colorado Potato Beetles
- Leafminers
- Spider Mites
Extension publications help gardeners identify pest problems and implement environmentally responsible management strategies.
Invasive Species
Invasive insects and weeds continue to threaten North Dakota’s agricultural productivity and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Various invasive weed species
Extension personnel work with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, and public education efforts.
Household and Structural Pests
North Dakota homeowners occasionally encounter pests that invade homes and commercial structures.
Common household pests include:
- Ants
- Rodents
- Spiders
- Wasps
- Stored Product Pests
- Occasional Invader Insects
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management practices.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a major focus of NDSU Extension. IPM combines multiple pest management strategies to reduce risks while protecting people, wildlife, and the environment. The goal is to manage pests effectively while maintaining agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
IPM strategies include:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Economic threshold decision-making
- Biological control methods
- Cultural management practices
- Responsible pesticide use
Pesticide Education and Certification
NDSU Extension administers North Dakota’s pesticide certification and training programs, helping applicators meet federal and state requirements for safe pesticide use. Educational programs focus on pesticide safety, environmental protection, and responsible application practices.
Research and Diagnostic Services
North Dakota State University conducts extensive research focused on crop protection, pest management, soil health, natural resources, and agricultural sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Field entomology
- Plant pathology
- Biological control
- Integrated pest management
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit North Dakota residents and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
NDSU Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, natural resources, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Field crop insect management guides
- Pest identification resources
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree health publications
- Pesticide safety guides
- Integrated pest management resources
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact the North Dakota State University Extension Service
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing agricultural crops, protecting stored grain, improving a garden, maintaining trees, or implementing integrated pest management strategies, the North Dakota State University Extension Service provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state. Extension offices operate in counties across North Dakota and provide local assistance and educational programming.