Stockton, MO-The SW MO Spring Forage Conference will
be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center,
2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Missouri.
“Keynote presenter Dr. Gary Bates, Department Head of Plant
Science at University of Tennessee, will address the conference on “looking
back at advancements in forage production” from his numerous years of research,
extension and educational experience,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension
Livestock Field Specialist. Prior to his current job Bates has served as the
director of the University of Tennessee Beef and Forage Center for 12 years and
a forage extension specialist for almost 30 years. His research and educational
program during this time focused on forage management to improve the economic,
environmental, and social sustainability of livestock production. Besides
Bates’s keynote presentation Davis urges conference attendees to listen to his
second talk following lunch titled “Steps to Successful Forage Establishment”
which covers advances in seeding technology.
“For further education conference participants can
attend several breakout sessions,” says Davis. Breakout session topics include
grazing cover crops, annuals for forages, sun hemp, soil fertility, native warm
season grass establishment, fescue toxicosis and counteracting it with forage
legumes, matching beef cows to their environment, experience from the
frontlines of custom grazing, managing mineral nutrition in beef cattle, flexible
stocking rates for profitability, and livestock safety tips for warm season
grasses.
“This conference also provides educational sessions
specific to sheep and goat producers,” says Davis. These session topics include forage for sheep
and goats, solar grazing, and market outlook. In addition, there will be a
panel of speakers discussing getting paid to graze sheep and goats.
“A trade show is held in conjunction with the
conference,” says Davis. Agricultural
businesses and organizations will have exhibits and representatives available
to discuss their products and services. If interested in becoming an exhibitor
or sponsor, contact Jody Wade at the Webster County MO SWCD office at (417)
468-4176 ext. 3 or by email at [email protected].
Conference check-in begins at 8 a.m., with sessions
running from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A banquet luncheon is included with the
registration. The cost is $55 per person.
To attend register by February 13th online at www.springforageconference.com.
No walk-in registration allowed.
For additional questions contact Jody Wade at the Webster County MO SWCD
office at (417) 468-4176 ext. 3 or by email at [email protected].
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