The Montana State University Central Agricultural Experiment Station will host its annual research roundup event in Lewistown from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The event will showcase ongoing projects at the research center and offer time for public input along with a local meal. The event is free and is co-sponsored with Fergus County Farm Bureau, Wilbur Ellis, Gavilon Grain, Stockman Bank and Moore Farmers Oil.

One of seven Montana Agricultural Experiment Station research centers, the CARC conducts a range of research including projects focused on soil and water management, cereal variety testing and best practices against weeds and crop diseases. Along with an annual summer field day, the winter event allows a greater opportunity for public involvement in the goings-on at CARC.

The roundup, which will be hosted at the Central Feed Grilling Company in Lewistown, will begin with a welcome from Chouteau County Extension’s Tyler Lane followed by discussion sessions with MSU faculty.

Research associate Simon Fordyce will speak on cultivar selection in high-acidity soil. Assistant agronomy professor Jed Eberly will highlight cropping system diversity and soil respiration. Assistant professor and barley breeder Jamie Sherman will discuss developments in barley breeding. Professor of soil nutrient management Rick Engel will highlight causes and solutions for soil acidification. In addition, professor and Extension soil specialist Clain Jones will give an update on how Montana has identified and learned about soil acidification.

CARC superintendent Pat Carr will wrap up the

day with a discussion of how to best select diverse crop rotations. All sessions will be open for questions and input from attendees. A full agenda and more information on the research roundup can be found at http://agresearch.montana.edu/carc/reports-pdf/ResearchRoundup.html.

The MAES research centers are designed to conduct statewide agricultural research locally tailored to fit the diverse needs of Montana’s regions. Each center is overseen by an advisory committee and values public input as to the needs and questions of local farmers, ranchers and producers. Research centers are located in Bozeman, Conrad, Corvallis, Creston, Havre, Huntley, Moccasin and Sidney.

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.