Welcome

Welcome to the 39th Annual
Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference!

February 21, 2023

I would like to extend a warm welcome and thank you for selecting our conference as your source of extended educational information on forages, pasture management and topics related to livestock production. Since 1984, this conference has gained a reputation for providing the latest in forage related research, ideas and practical tips on making the best use of Southwest Missouri’s pasture and hay resources.

This year the conference planning committee is pleased to welcome John Coleman Locke as our keynote speaker. John is a 6^th generation rancher, managing the Locke Division of J.D. Hudgins, Inc., a family-run cattle operation that has been around since 1908. John’s journey through life and ranching has led to many memorable experiences and chances for him to share his passion for the beef community and understanding the benefits of beef in a healthy lifestyle.

Along with the keynote speaker this conference offers several breakout presentations designed to educate and provide forage and livestock producers management strategies on current topics for optimum productivity for your farming operations.  In addition, there will be breakout session dedicated to sheep and goat multispecies grazing and herd health management.

I encourage you to take time to visit the Trade Show throughout the day. These vendors will bring you the latest products and services available. A big thing you to our vendors and their financial support in making this year’s conference a success.

The Spring Forage Conference Planning Committee is a partnership of the Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, University of Missouri Extension, USDA Farm Service Agency, Missouri State University Darr School of Agriculture. I would like to thank the committee for their dedication to the conference and hard work.

I hope you enjoy the conference, find the full schedule here. Please take time to fill out an evaluation, we welcome your comments and ideas on ways to improve the conference and topics for next year’s conference.

Respectfully,

Dee Glenn

2023 Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference
Committee Chair

Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Spring Forage Conference Committee. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Spring Forage Conference Committee, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.