Dustin Anderson gives North Dakota State University Extension Service's ag apps high marks.

Anderson uses the North Dakota Corn Nitrogen Calculator to determine how much nitrogen to apply to his fields.

"It takes me about two minutes to do it," says Anderson, who raises corn and soybeans near Hankinson, N.D. "It's time well spent in my opinion."

He estimates that using NDSU Extension's online agricultural tools, apps, other resources and one-on-one assistance is saving him $35,000 this year.

Mike Dahlen, Northwood, N.D., likes the small grain disease forecasting model website. He just has to select the nearest town, enter the crop's growth stage, and tap on the "Get Forecast" icon. The site then provides forecasts for scab and other diseases such as tan spot, Septoria blotch and scab. Predictions are based on weather data, spore counts crop stage and other factors.

"It's tough to have our own monitors up," Dahlen says. "We can't keep up with spore counts and all that stuff."

APP DEMO: Andrew Friskop, NDSU Extension plant pathologist, demonstrates how to use the NDSU Pest Management app.

The Small Grain Disease Forecasting Model and the North Dakota Corn Nitrogen Calculator are just a couple of the online tools and software apps that NDSU Extension has developed. Other apps include:

• NDSU Pest Management. It combines information from the "North Dakota Weed Control Guide," "North Dakota Field Crop Plant Disease Management Guide" and "North Dakota Field Crop Insect Management Guide." The app also provides photos to help with pest identification, and it includes control options and pesticide rate recommendations.

• Farm Fuel Budget. This estimates fuel use based on acres, crops, tillage systems and fuel prices.

• NDSU Grazing Calculator.The calculator helps livestock producers determine pasture stocking rates, carrying capacity, and forage production.

• NDSU Canola Doctor. This app provides photos and information about common canola insects and diseases. It also includes a Sclerotinia risk map and calculator.

• Sugarbeet Production Guide. This guide helps North Dakota and Minnesota sugarbeet growers make timely management decisions from cultivation to harvest.

These and other NDSU Extension Service apps are available in the Apple and Google Play stores.

Source: NDSU