Alfalfa and pest management as well as tips on handling drought effects, will be among topics presented at the Feb. 5-6 Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference. It will be held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds, Kearney, NE.
Over the two-day show, University of Wisconsin Extension forage specialist Dan Undersander will present sessions from the Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar, developed for the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance. Other key topics will include trace mineral impact, alfalfa in rotations and contract harvesting.
Also highlighted: a large alfalfa industry trade show and the annual Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association (N.A.M.A.) fundraising auction. N.A.M.A., which sponsors the conference, designed it for alfalfa producers, livestock/dairy producers and others who are involved in alfalfa production, purchasing, hay feeding or processing.
Additional educational presentations will include information from soil water/irrigation and animal nutrition experts and a panel discussion featuring alfalfa producers and purchasers from across the nation.
"We are fortunate to have Dr. Undersander for this year's event. His sessions will be extremely valuable to alfalfa producers and purchasers as we head into an uncertain season in terms of weather and markets," says Barb Kinnan, executive director of N.A.M.A. "We have two jam-packed days of information, education, and innovation – all designed to help hay and livestock producers improve production, performance and profitability. This is game-changing stuff that alfalfa producers and purchasers will not want to miss.”.
A new event this year, the "Forage Olympics," will pit teams of alfalfa producers and other conference participants competing in timed events that include hay strapping, stacking square bales and rolling large round bales.
Registration is $10 per person in advance and $20 at the door. Participants under the age of 18 are admitted free. Register online at alfalfaexpo.com. For more information, call 800-743-1649 or visit AlfalfaExpo.com.