Forages For "U" Workshops Scheduled

By Doug Holen

To address key forage production and management issues in Minnesota, a series of forage workshops will be held in February and March of 2015. Individual sites include Rushford on February 20, Fergus Falls on February 24, and Hutchinson on March 2. This program, developed by the University of Minnesota Extension and sponsors, is aimed at current issues and research in forage production and management with the goal of increasing forage production and farm profitability. Topics, presenters, and agenda differ by location.

Past participants expressed that they have benefited from the applied, research-based, and timely information presented and the open discussion format designed to encourage audience participation. Partipation fee is $30, which includes a meal and handouts. Registration is preferred and can be done through the University of Minnesota Extension Forages for "U" webpage.
Click here for a link to the brochure.

Rushford, MN

• Date & time: Friday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (9:30 registration)
• Location: The Creamery, 407 S. Mill St. Map
• Site contact: Jake Overgaard (over0128@umn.edu or 507-457-6440)

Topics and presenters

• 2015 Pasture/Grazing Management – John Zinn, NRCS Grazing Specialist
• Grazing/Pasture Producer Panel – Local producers
• 2015 Alfalfa Management – Dr. Scott Wells, University of Minnesota
• Alfalfa Management Producer Panel – Local producers

Fergus Falls, MN

• Date & time: Tuesday, February 24, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. (4:30 registration)
• Location: Otter Tail Government Service Center, 520 Fir Ave W. Map
• Site contact: Doug Holen (holen009@umn.edu or 320-589-1711)

Topics and presenters

• Forages and Alternative Feeds in Beef – Jim Paulson, University of Minnesota Extension
• Beef Cow Nutrition and Husbandry Overviewand a MN Board of Animal Health update – Dr. Randy Lindemann, DVM
• Adding Value to Your Herd – From a Feedlot's Perspective – Tom Bresnahan, Sinner Bros. & Bresnahan Feedlot
• Productive Pastures: Managing for tonnage – Dr. Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota Extension
• Alfalfa/Grass Hay production: Planting to harvest – Doug Holen, University of Minnesota

Hutchinson, MN

• Date & time:Monday, March 2, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Location: McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave. S.W. Map
• Site contact: Nathan Winter (wint0146@umn.edu or 320-484-4303)

Topics and presenters

• Corn Silage Forage Analysis and Variety Selection – Jim Paulson, University of Minnesota Extension
• Alfalfa/Grass Hay production: Planting to harvest – Doug Holen, University of Minnesota
• Alfalfa Variety Trial Update and Alfalfa Establishment Strategies: A pathway to increase yield – Dr. Scott Wells, University of Minnesota
• Soil Fertility and its Impact on Forage Quality – Dr. Dan Kaiser, University of Minnesota.

Source:umn.edu