BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension encourages producers to attend The Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting and educational seminars on Dec. 1 in Brandon, South Dakota.
The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 1103 N. Splitrock Blvd. Lunch is provided. Presentations will begin with University of Wisconsin-Madison professor emeritus and forage expert Dan Undersander on alfalfa leaf loss and its effect on hay yields and quality.
“Alfalfa leaf loss is often front-of-mind for high-quality dairy hay producers and should be a priority for other livestock forage growers, as well. It’s an age-old issue that we continue to learn about,” said Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist. “We’re excited to host Dr. Undersander to discuss the new research information surrounding alfalfa leaf loss as it affects forage yield and quality.”
Other topics include using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate grass forages, using alternative forages in grain rotations and fitting soil health into forage production. Bauder said topics are carefully chosen to provide current, relevant information to producers.
“Grasses are as vital a forage resource as any other crop, and soil health is a buzzing topic in the agriculture industry,” Bauder said. “Alternative forages are a great opportunity to broaden rotations and start moving to a whole-systems approach.”
Presentations will last from about 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., with the Northern Plains Forage Association business meeting following the speakers. Continuing education credits will be available to certified crop advisors.
The Northern Plains Forage Association is a partnership of forage growers and industry partners, including SDSU Extension, formed at the beginning of 2023. For more information, visit the Northern Plains Forage Association Facebook Page @NPForage.
Registration is preferred by Nov. 20. Northern Plains Forage Association Members can attend for free. Tickets for non-members are $10.
For more information, contact Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist, at 605-995-7378 or Sara.Bauder@sdstate.edu.
