North Dakota State University Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension are partnering to present a collaborative 2026 Soil Management Summit (SMS) and Dakota Innovation and Research Technology (DIRT) Conference. ADVERTISEMENTA unique aspect of the SMS and DIRT Conference is the focus on learning and relationship building among attendees of all backgrounds. “When you put farmers, ranchers, agencies, industry and Extension in the same room, the ideas really start to flow,” says Carlos Pires, NDSU Extension soil health specialist. The registration fee for the in-person conference is $150 before Dec. 22, 2025, and increases to $190 on Dec. 23. The virtual conference registration fee is $150.