The North Dakota House Appropriations - Government Operations Division convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss critical funding requests from agricultural research centers in the state. The meeting highlighted the importance of state appropriated funds for ongoing research and development in agriculture, particularly in response to emerging challenges such as weed resistance.

Dr. Brian Jenks from the North Central Research Extension Center (NCREC) presented findings on kochia weed resistance, which has become a significant issue for farmers in Western North Dakota. His research revealed that certain kochia populations have developed resistance to commonly used herbicides, leading to potential yield losses of 70 to 90% in heavily infested fields. Dr. Jenks emphasized that timely state funding allowed for rapid research adaptation, saving farmers between $12 to $25 per acre in herbicide costs and preventing millions of weed seeds from entering the soil seed bank.

Dr. Jenks also pointed out that only 29% of the technical support at NCREC is funded by state appropriations, which limits the center's ability to respond to urgent agricultural issues. He requested additional state funding for research specialists in agronomy and grape programs to maintain flexibility and address new challenges effectively.

Shana Forster, acting director of the Williston Research Extension Center (WREC), also addressed the committee, expressing gratitude for previous funding while highlighting the need for additional resources. She reported that the center's facilities are inadequate for conducting essential research, particularly in water efficiency, which is crucial for sustainable agriculture in the region. Forster requested a carryover of $1.7 million from the previous session and an additional $1.3 million in special funds to complete necessary projects.

The discussions underscored the critical role of state funding in supporting agricultural research and the need for continued investment to address evolving challenges in North Dakota's agricultural landscape. The committee's decisions on these funding requests will significantly impact the state's agricultural research capabilities and the economic well-being of its farming community.