By Kim Cassida
Everyone with an interest in forage crops or grazing is invited to join the Michigan Forage Council and Michigan State University Extension at the 2024 Great Lakes Forage and Grazing Conference on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The packed agenda has something for everyone.
The keynote speaker is Chad Hale of Byron Seeds and past president of the American Forage and Grassland Council, who will discuss yield and quality improvements of new forage grasses for hay, haylage and pasture use. During the afternoon breakout sessions, he will also address the future of the forage seed industry including alfalfa in the face of consolidation of seed companies and what that may mean to U.S. farms.
Other topics and speakers include:
- Weed control in hayfields and pastures – Erin Burns, MSU
- MSU forage research update – Kim Cassida, MSU
- Winter bale grazing’s impact on soil health – Jeremy Sweeten, Understanding Ag consultant
- Fertilizer markets for 2024 and fertilizer application strategies – John Elzinga, MI Ag Commodities, and Gary Carmichael, Carmichael Farms
- Winter feeding mud management reduction strategies – Boyd Byelich, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Michelle Sweeten and Kable Thurlow, MSU Extension educators
The Forage Spokesperson competition is a highlight of the conference and will showcase two Michigan producers vying for the honor of representing Michigan Forage Council at the 2025 American Forage and Grassland Conference. The Great Lakes Forage and Grazing Conference also has a trade show featuring a range of industry products.
The Great Lakes Forage and Grazing Conference will once again be held at AgroLiquid, 3055 W. M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879. All dairy, livestock, forage producers, graziers, custom forage harvesters, agribusinesses, U.S. Veterans and any other individuals interested in forage agriculture systems are encouraged to attend this year’s event. The trade show and registration will open at 9 a.m. and the program will conclude at 3:30 p.m. Registration covers all sessions, lunch and breaks. Pre-registration is encouraged for all attendees to ensure an accurate count for lunch. Discounts are offered for pre-registration and Michigan Forage Council members. Pre-registration deadline is March 4, 2024.
Source : msu.edu