K-State to host forage conference

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - Kansas State University will host the Kansas Forage Conference next month at its Southwest Research-Extension Center

The Kansas Forage Conference is expected to bring together farmers, researchers and industry experts to share the latest advancements in forage management under limited-water conditions. Forage is defined as food for animals, especially when taken by browsing or grazing. These include plants like grass, hay, silage or sorghum.

Forage plays a crucial role in the Kansas agriculture industry. In 2022, Kansas ranked third in the nation for producing over five million tons of hay, contributing $536 million to the economy. Forage alone supports almost 6,700 jobs and routinely generates over $500 million in statewide economic output every year.

“Forage is the backbone of western Kansas agriculture,” said John Holman, K-State cropping systems agronomist. “Our cattle industry depends on reliable hay and silage production, and this conference is designed to provide the research-based information producers can trust, especially when every acre and every inch of water counts.”

The event will feature sessions and presenters like:

• Annual forage economics — John Holman.
• Soil impacts of haying, grazing and cover crops — Augustine Obour, K-State soil scientist
• Managing prussic acid in forages — Scott Staggenborg, seed and product development consultant.
• Alfalfa production update — Romulo Lollato, K-State extension wheat and forages specialist.
• Forage fertility management — Logan Simon, K-State southwest area agronomist.
• Insurance and price protection tools — Jenny Ifft, Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy chair.
• Invasive grass management — Keith Harmoney, K-State range scientist.

More sessions are planned on summer legumes, seeding rates and Kansas Livestock Association industry updates. The conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 5 and is located at 4500 E Mary St, Garden City. It is free to attend.

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