Forage and Grassland Council Conference set for Feb. 3

AMES — 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.; a welcome and introductions begin at 10 a.m. Two presentations are on tap for the morning session. After lunchthe IFGC annual meeting will begin at 12:45 p.m.

The two afternoon sessions run from 1:15-3 p.m.

Among conference topics and speakers are “The Right Alfalfa for Your Farm,” by Scott Newell, alfalfa outreach specialist at the University of Wisconsin; “Iowa Forage Research Update: by Shelby Gruss, forage extension specialist for Iowa State University; and ”Market Outlook for Forage and Beef Cattle,“ with Christopher Pudenz, economics and research manager for the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Wesley Everyman, extension weed specialist will talk about forage weed management decision.

This year, a trade show 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. Anyone interested in having a booth at the annual conference should 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 will pay $30. Anyone who hasn’t yet paid dues can do during the online registration process.

Preregistration is encouraged to allow for adequate meal count.

The agenda and registration form and a map to Reiman Gardens are 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, anyone with a vested interest in Iowa’s forage production are invited to attend.

To learn more about the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council including how to join the organization, visit iowaforage.org.