The latest grazing and pasture management techniques – and how to deal with problem pastures – will be offered at the Jan. 25-26 Heart of America Grazing Conference at the Holiday Inn, Mount Vernon, IL.
"It's been a problematic year for pastures in this part of the country," says Keith Johnson, Purdue University Extension forage specialist. "Cool-season grasses inherently aren't as productive in the summer, and dry weather worsens the problem. Many producers let livestock overgraze the pasture and the feeding of reserved hay for winter was fed during the growing season.
"This particular conference will emphasize ways to improve grazing systems,” Johnson says.
Topics will include adding clover to pastures, mob grazing, the role of novel-endophyte fescues, grazing for parasite prevention, the use of co-products in grazing programs, dairy grazing and cover crops. Conference participants will also be able to discuss grazing techniques with university, industry and government experts and other livestock producers.
A trade show will also be offered. Registrationis $35/day or $50 for both days before Jan. 13, After that date, rates are $45/day or $70 for both days.
The annual conference is sponsored by Extension services and grazing organizations in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky. For more information, contact Teresa Steckler at 618-695-4917 or tsteckle@illinois.edu.