The program opened with Richard Hungerford, USDA-NRCS speaking about forage species selection and animal preferences.
Paul Youngstrum and Jennifer Hamer followed with a presentation on available USDA programs for farmers involved in grazing operations.
Following these presentations, the program shifted to the field for demonstrations. Morning demonstrations involved cutting, raking and tedding.
Following lunch, Ellen Phillips, U of I Extension, spoke on forage fertility and weed control.
Over lunch, producers and others had the opportunity to visit the vendors and exhibits on display. During this time, Dave Surprenant and his family were recognized and presented with a plaque for their participation in hosting the 2010 IFGC Forage Expo.
The presentations concluded with Dr. Dan Schauff, Agri-King, speaking on hay preservatives and treatments. The group returned to the demonstration field to watch the baling and loading equipment in operation.
All those in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions to the presenters and also to those demonstrating the forage equipment.
During the day, host Dave Surprenant gave tours of the intensive grazing operation he uses for his dairy herd. In addition, a wide variety of vendors displayed products and services available to hay and livestock producers.
The hay quality contest for Class 1 (Alfalfa, < 5 percent grass) was won by Jerome Kampwerth of Carlyle, Illinois.
The Illinois Forage and Grassland Council appreciates the participation and support of the vendors and equipment demonstrators.
--Information and photos provided by Jeff Hyett, Matthew Bunger, Dave Gentry and Greg Clark of the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council
ABOVE & BELOW: Participants of the 2010 Illinois
Forage Expo were able to listen to a variety of
presentations and watch field demonstrations.
ABOVE: Dave Surprenant demonstrates a moisture
reading; BELOW: Dave Surprenant and his family
accept a certificate of appreciation from the
Illinois Forage and Grassland Council
