STOCKTON, Mo. – The Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference is Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield.

“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, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.

Before his current job, Bates was 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. In addition to 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, sunn 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, a panel of speakers will discuss 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 Soil and Water Conservation District office at 417- 468-4176, Ext. 3, or jody.wade@swcd.mo.gov.

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 Feb. 13 at www.springforageconference.com. Walk-in registrations are not allowed. For additional questions, contact Jody Wade at the Webster County Soil and Water Conservation District office at 417-468-4176, Ext. 3, or jody.wade@swcd.mo.gov.