ST. JOHNS, Mich. — Forage producers continually strive to produce the highest quality forages and yields year in and year out. Producers that want to learn more about growing high quality forages are encouraged to attend the 2018 Great Lakes Forage and Grazing ConferenceWednesday, March 7, 2018, at AgroLiquid Fertilizer, 3055 W. M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879. Registration is 9–9:30 a.m. and the program ends at 4 p.m.
The annual conference and trade show is open to all forage producers, farmers, graziers, custom forage harvesters, livestock owners of all types, veterans and forage enthusiasts. The event is a partnership between Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Forage Council and North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.
The keynote speaker for the event will be Gary Zimmer, chief visionary officer of Midwestern BioAg based in Madison, Wisconsin. His keynote address will be, “Soil Fertility and Nutrients for Top Quality Forages.” Following lunch and the Michigan Forage Council annual meeting, Zimmer will present “Producing and Feeding Top Quality Forages” in our afternoon session.
Breakout sessions that focus on forage production and grazing management will round out the afternoon.
Forage production sessions
- Forage Research Update by Kim Cassida, MSU forage specialist
- Alfalfa Irrigation Management by Gary Carmichael, “The Hay Guy”
Grazing management sessions
- MSU Lake City Grazing Update by Jason Rowntree, MSU beef grazing specialist
- Woodland Grazing—It Really Can Work by MSU Extension
The cost of 2018 Great Lakes Forage and Grazing Conference during early enrollment is $45 for Michigan Forage Council members, $55 for non-Michigan Forage Council members and $20 for students and includes lunch. Early enrollment ends Friday, March 2, 2018. All registrations after March 2 will be at the door and an additional $10 (lunch not guaranteed). For those without Internet or email, please contact Tina House at 810-667-0341.
To register or pay online, go to: 2018 Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference.
For more information, contact Phil Kaatz at 810-667-0341 or kaatz@msu.edu, Kim Cassida at cassida@msu.edu or Jerry Lindquist at 231-832-6139 or lindquis@msu.edu.
— Phil Kaatz, Michigan State University Extension
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