Severe drought has taken a toll on forages in Arkansas. “Focus on Recovery” is the theme of the 2012 Arkansas Forage and Grassland Council Forage Conference set for Thursday, Nov. 1.

“The Arkansas cattle industry took a $128 million beating this year from drought, and that’s just the preliminary estimate,” said John Jennings, professor-forages for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Anyone who wants to improve their forage system to help recover from this brutal year should attend this conference.”

Conference topics were selected to help producers affected by the severe drought. The conference will be held at the Agora Center in Conway at 705 E. Siebenmorgen Road, starting at 9 a.m. Topics will be covered by nationally known speakers and long-time experts.

Speakers from Oklahoma State University and the Noble Foundation will talk about what they learned from the 2011 drought that afflicted Oklahoma for rebuilding forages, livestock herds, and about the actual market value of forages.

Breakout sessions in the afternoon will cover best management for grazing winter annual forages, weed control issues, and a demonstration of smart phone and iPad apps for farm use.

The afternoon session also will feature a producer panel discussing what practices worked best during this year’s drought. There will be a wrap-up summary titled: “Making the most of your unplanned pasture improvement opportunity.”

Registration can be paid at the door by cash, credit or debit card, or check. The registration fee is $45 per person or $50 per couple and includes lunch, conference materials, and membership in the Arkansas Forage and Grassland Council and American Forage and Grassland Council.

Commercial exhibits and booths will be set up for attendees to see the latest forage management products. Attendees are encouraged to register before the event to help with conference planning, but pre-event registration is not required for attendance.

For more information about the conference or to pre-register, call Amoree McGowan at (501) 671-2171 or contact any AFGC board member.

For more information about cattle production, contact your county Extension office, or visit www.uaex.edu.