By Philip Kaatz

Forage production was greatly challenged in 2019 because of the weather conditions across the Midwest. Many producers were faced with reduced-yield fields, winter-killed alfalfa stands and decreased quality in many areas of Michigan.

The Great Lakes Forage and Grazing Conference on March 5 in St. Johns, Mich., will address some of these issues. The conference will feature stories from across the U.S. and how growers have dealt with some of the challenges and carved out a successful forage utilization path.

The conference also will feature the Michigan Forage Spokesperson Contest. This contest is a showcase of Michigan forage producers vying for the opportunity to represent Michigan at the 2021 American Forage and Grazing Conference in Savannah, Ga.

Additional sessions will include:

The conference and forage trade show are open to all forage producers, farmers, grazers, custom forage harvesters, livestock owners of all types, veterans and forage enthusiasts. The event is a partnership between Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Forage Council and North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.

AgroLiquid Fertilizer, 3055 W. M-21, St. Johns, Mich., will host the conference — with registration from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The program ends at 4 p.m. The preferred method for registration is to register online and pay by credit card at events.anr.msu.edu. 

The Michigan Forage Council will include — with paid registration for nonmembers attending for the first time — a one-year membership. Membership benefits include forage magazines, newsletters and educational discounts for programs.

The cost of the event during early enrollment is $45 for Michigan Forage Council members, $60 for nonmembers and $20 for students. Refreshments and lunch are included with registration.

The early registration deadline is March 1. All registrations after March 1 will be at the door. All registrations at the door will cost an additional $10. For those without internet or email who want to register, call Tina House at 810-667-0341.

For more information, contact Phil Kaatz at 810-667-0341 or [email protected], Kim Cassida at [email protected], or Jerry Lindquist at 231-912-0103 or [email protected].

Kaatz is an MSU Extension forage management and field crops educator.

Source: MSU Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.