Regional Hay School Being Offered in Mt. Vernon, April 22

Southwest Missouri hay producers will have an opportunity to attend a regional school in Mt. Vernon April 22 to learn how to improve their hay making skills.

The program is offered by Lawrence County University of Missouri Extension in cooperation with FCS Financial, MFA Bulk Fertilizer Plant in Mt. Vernon and Nixa Hardware & Seed Company.

This day-long non-credit course is specifically designed for livestock producers who already own hay equipment or have hay custom harvested on their land.

All aspects of hay and round bale silage production will be covered according to Tim Schnakenberg, an agronomy field specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“There is a lot at stake when making hay and many things to consider to make it worth the effort and to be profitable,” said Schnakenberg.  “Attending a hay school is an important management tool to insure that you will get the most out of your land, time, fertilizer expense and hay equipment during the 2026 season.”

The program will focus on topics like economics of hay production, forage options, hay quality issues and testing, fertility management, round bale silage management, hay storage, feeding to keep losses low and nutritional needs of cattle.

This regional hay school will be held from 9:00 a.m to 4:15 p.m., at the Southwest Research Extension and Education Center at Mt. Vernon.

There is a small fee to attend the program which includes a noon meal and materials.

Preregistration is required by April 20 and space is limited. Contact the Lawrence County MU Extension Center at 417-466-3102 to pre-register or register on-line at https://pears.io/events/mu/5819/.