By Andi Anderson
Hay and forage producers from across eastern Iowa are invited to attend the 41st annual meeting and conference hosted by the Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association.
The event will be held March 19 at Buzzy’s in Welton and is designed to provide timely education and networking opportunities for forage and livestock producers.
Registration for the conference begins at 10 a.m., with the educational program starting at 10:30 a.m. The agenda features a strong focus on forage management, livestock feeding, and farm economics, with presentations led by specialists from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Beef Center.
Several new Iowa State University staff members will be featured speakers. Shelby Gruss, assistant professor and extension forage specialist, will discuss the management of alfalfa diseases.
Gruss will also bring a grazing trailer to demonstrate fencing and water systems used in grazing management.
Aimee Lutz, director of the Iowa Beef Center and extension feedlot specialist, will present on ration balancing using 2025 forage quality information. Her session will help producers better match feed resources with livestock needs.
Farm economics and risk management will be addressed by Joseph Lensing, extension farm management specialist. Lensing will cover Livestock Gross Margin and Livestock Risk Protection programs, the cost of large round bales, and a comparison of silage versus balage economics.
In addition, Virgil Schmitt will discuss fertilizer decision making during a period of high input costs and lower commodity prices. This session will focus on practical approaches to managing expenses while maintaining forage productivity.
Following lunch, the association will hold a brief annual business meeting to elect officers and directors. A prize drawing will conclude the day.
The registration fee is $30 and includes association membership and a meal. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and Certified Crop Advisor credits are available.
The conference is sponsored by the Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Beef Center. Producers from both member and nonmember counties are welcome to attend.
Photo Credit: pexels-dendoktoor-19486680-f
Categories: Iowa, Education, Rural Lifestyle