Education and ideas
The Hay Expo has joined forces with Iowa State University to offer an educational component to this year's show. Elwynn Taylor, Extension climatologist, will be speaking both days at 12:30 p.m. on the topic "Weather: What Next?"
"We are very pleased that Iowa State Extension has decided to offer a program each day of the show, as well as staff educational displays concerning topics that are relevant in the forage industry," says Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events manager.
In addition to the educational program, Iowa State University Extension will have displays focusing on various forage topics.
Those displays include several that focus on the cellulosic industry, including growing miscanthus in Iowa, addressing what is considered clean biomass, strategic placement of perennial grasses for biofuel production and how removing corn stover influences future fertility management.
The educational displays will also cover alfalfa topics, including recommendations for alfalfa fertilizer, alfalfa insect pests, best alfalfa production practices, and alfalfa diseases and fungicide options.
Field demonstrations
A highlight of the Hay Expo is the working field demonstrations. Demonstrations cover the process to harvest forages from the beginning to the end.
Demonstrations begin in the morning with mowing, conditioning and chopping then continue in the afternoon with raking, baling and hay handling. Watching the machines operate side-by-side under actual field conditions is an excellent opportunity for producers.
Major and short-line equipment displays
A 10-acre exhibit field will highlight displays from the major and short-line specialty manufacturers; seed, building and storage facility suppliers; and a range of related product suppliers.
Exhibitors plan to showcase a host of new products aimed at boosting the efficiency and profitability of hay and forage production.
"The exhibit field is the place to discuss seed, hay marketing, crop production, conservation and more. There will be educational exhibits, hay and forage plots and other specialty crops," notes Jungmann.
Upscale show site
Jungmann says, "The location is readily accessible for forage producers driving to the event and the close proximity to a major metropolitan area makes it easy for those flying into the show. The Central Iowa Expo facility also gives us more amenities than we usually have including electricity and permanent restrooms."
The Boone County Cattlemen will serve food and drink on site. Trams will be available from the exhibit field to the different demonstration locations. FG
—From Farm Progress news release
