By Erika Lundy-Woolfolk and Sherry Hoyer
The 2025 Iowa Forage and Grassland Council annual conference is set for Feb. 3 in Ames. The event will be held at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd., just to the southwest of Jack Trice Stadium.
After a number of years of drought conditions across the state, this year’s conference is focused on improving forage productivity and exploring alternative options that best meet your production goals.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome and introductions at 10 a.m. Two presentations are on tap for the morning session, and lunch will be followed at 12:45 p.m. by the IFGC annual meeting. The two afternoon sessions run from 1:15 to 3 p.m.
Conference topics and speakers are:
- The Right Alfalfa for Your Farm, Scott Newell, alfalfa outreach specialist, University of Wisconsin
- Iowa Forage Research Update, Shelby Gruss, forage extension specialist, Iowa State University
- Market Outlook for Forage and Beef Cattle, Christopher Pudenz, economics and research manager, Iowa Farm Bureau
- Important Considerations for Forage Weed Management Decisions, Wesley Everman, extension weed specialist, Iowa State University
This year, a tradeshow will be incorporated in the annual conference to encourage building relationships and brand awareness between producers and forage industry stakeholders across the state. Current IFGC industry memberships will have the option of having a booth free of charge. If you’re interested in having a booth at the annual conference, contact Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowa Beef Center beef specialist, at ellundy@iastate.edu.
The conference is open to the public for $45. IFGC members pay $30 and those who have not yet paid dues can do that during the online registration process. Preregistration is encouraged to allow for adequate meal count.
See the agenda, registration form and map to Reiman Gardens on the IFGC conference website.
The Iowa Forage and Grassland Council is led by a board of directors composed of agricultural producers, industry stakeholders and educators to advance forage production in the state. IFGC hosts or supports a variety of forage-focused meetings throughout the year, including its annual meeting generally held in February. Regardless of membership, all who have a vested interest in Iowa’s forage production are invited to attend.
Source : iastate.edu