2016 Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference Slated for March 2

Join the University of Illinois Extension for the 2016 Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference on Wednesday, March 2 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 223 E Front Ave, Stockton. The Conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m. This year the theme is "Jump Start to a Good Year" providing timely topics to help you start the grazing year off right.

Denise Schwab, ISU Extension Beef Field Specialist will cover two topics at the conference. Her first topic is Who Manages Forage on Your Spread? This presentation will look at the wide range of managed grazing systems available and how to choose what is best for your farm. Denise will also discuss Forage Options For Better Grazing. Selecting appropriate forages for the grazing system is critical for success. We'll look at forage species to improve permanent pastures, provide high producing rotational pastures, and provide fall and winter grazing.

Travis Meteer, U of I Extension Commercial Ag Educator will start the day off with Transitioning from Winter Feed to Summer Grazing. Economic Impact of Grazing Management Decisions will be the topic presented by Gene Schriefer, Agricultural Agent, University of Wisconsin Extension. Jay Solomon, U of I Extension Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator, will present Grazing and Water Quality: more compatible than portrayed? Beef producer Dan Dietrich, will round out the day by sharing Lessons Learned in Contract Grazing and Niche Marketing. The day will conclude with a roundtable discussion including all the presenters.

To register for the 2016 Northwest Illinois Grazing Conference call the University of Illinois Extension at (815) 858-2273 or register on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw. Registration cost is $20 before February 24.