The SW MO Spring Forage Conference will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Missouri.
“Keynote presenter Dr. Gary Bates, Department Head of Plant Science at University of Tennessee, will address the conference on “looking back at advancements in forage production” from his numerous years of research, extension and educational experience,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Prior to his current job Bates has served as the director of the University of Tennessee Beef and Forage Center for 12 years and a forage extension specialist for almost 30 years. His research and educational program during this time focused on forage management to improve the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of livestock production. Besides Bates’s keynote presentation Davis urges conference attendees to listen to his second talk following lunch titled “Steps to Successful Forage Establishment” which covers advances in seeding technology.
“For further education conference participants can attend several breakout sessions,” says Davis. Breakout session topics include grazing cover crops, annuals for forages, sun hemp, soil fertility, native warm season grass establishment, fescue toxicosis and counteracting it with forage legumes, matching beef cows to their environment, experience from the frontlines of custom grazing, managing mineral nutrition in beef cattle, flexible stocking rates for profitability, and livestock safety tips for warm season grasses.
“This conference also provides educational sessions specific to sheep and goat producers,” says Davis. These session topics include forage for sheep and goats, solar grazing, and market outlook. In addition, there will be a panel of speakers discussing getting paid to graze sheep and goats.
“A trade show is held in conjunction with the conference,” says Davis. Agricultural businesses and organizations will have exhibits and representatives available to discuss their products and services. If interested in becoming an exhibitor or sponsor, contact Jody Wade at the Webster County MO SWCD office at (417) 468-4176 ext. 3 or by email at [email protected].
Conference check-in begins at 8 a.m., with sessions running from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A banquet luncheon is included with the registration. The cost is $55 per person. To attend register by February 13th online at www.springforageconference.com. No walk-in registration allowed. For additional questions contact Jody Wade at the Webster County MO SWCD office at (417) 468-4176 ext. 3 or by email at [email protected].
