AgLab Express has been open about six months, but already the operators are planning to double its size and add more employees at its site on the corner of Interstate 229 and South Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The lab started soil testing in September after opening its doors to an empty building Aug. 1.

Gary Geske foresees a "normal" planting season this year for growers in the region.

After many wet planting and harvesting periods in the past few years, the corn product specialist with independent seed company Latham Hi-Tech Seeds said after the dry fall and winter, he's anticipating farmers this spring will get most of the ground planted in a timely manner.

BROOKINGS, S.D. - To achieve success marketing their commodities, today's agriculture producers need to consider the big picture, says Matthew Diersen, South Dakota State University professor of economics.

"Before taking advantage of high futures prices, farmers and ranchers need to look far ahead when managing risk. They must make prudent choices about the duration and scope of their risk management tools," Diersen said.

JAMESTOWN, N.D. - Farm families in need of crop planting assistance this spring should apply now for help though Farm Rescue.

The nonprofit organization is currently accepting planting requests from farmers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and eastern Montana. Farm Rescue provides planting and harvesting assistance to farm families that have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites farmers to hear about the latest research and techniques at the Nutrient Efficiency and Management Conference set for Feb. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton, Minn.

The conference will bring together agricultural supply and service consultants, growers, university Extension specialists, crop advisers, researchers and local, state and federal government officials. Continuing education credits will also be available for Certified Crop Advisers.

BROOKINGS, S.D. - The 13th annual Precision Ag Conference is set for Feb. 22 in Aberdeen, S.D.

The one-day event is designed to provide producers with the latest in precision ag research and information.

As the occurrence of herbicide-resistant weeds becomes more common each year, farmers need to start thinking about instituting cultural control practices into their weed management program.

That was the message from Iowa State University weed specialist Bob Hartzler as he spoke to those gathered for the annual Wild World of Weeds program in Fargo, N.D., Jan. 24.

Hoegemeyer Hybrids releases three new Optimum AQUAmax corn genetic platforms for 2012

OMAHA, Neb. - Three new corn genetic platforms designed to deliver a yield advantage in water-limited environments in the western Corn Belt are now available from Hoegemeyer Hybrids for the 2012 growing season.

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Monitoring grain in storage is a key step in the grain production cycle, ensuring corn and other grains stay in top condition.

However, it's an important step many growers forget, says Mark Rosenberg, SDSU Extension agronomy field specialist.