Forage production workshop set for March 6

ANTIGO — Whether feeding beef cattle, dairy cattle, or sheep and goats, the key to a livestock farm’s profitability is its ability to raise high-quality, low-cost forages.

The weather patterns of early 2024 may be creating problems for overwintering perennials and may necessitate other forage production plans to be in place for the upcoming growing season. Farms in the area have an opportunity to expand their forage opportunities and learn more about optimum management of forages on Wednesday, March 6.

A two-part workshop is being conducted that day which focuses on management of non-alfalfa forages, including annuals and other perennial forages. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. with attendees joining in the live discussion of the “Focus on Annual Forages” webinar which features UW-Madison specialists Marta Kohmann, Luiz Ferrareto, John Jones, and Chris Bandura. At 1:30 p.m., Regional Crops/Soils Educator Scott Reuss will continue the discussion of annual forages’ management in the region and also discuss perennial grass and clover management.

The discussion topics will focus on selection, planting, nutrient management, and optimum harvesting practices, along with pest management issues of note. In-field research conducted in the region on these crops will be the focus of discussion, along with attendee questions and concerns. Management practices that improve the likelihood of harvesting high-quality forages at a reasonable per ton cost will be reviewed and discussed in regard to attending farms’ forage needs.

The UW-Madison, Division of Extension Offices of Oconto, Marinette, Shawano, and Langlade Counties are sponsoring this workshop, which is being held at the Langlade County Extension office, located at 1225 Langlade Road, Antigo. Turn onto Flight Road and park toward the southeastern corner of the parking lot and enter Door #7 to get to the county extension office.

All farms are invited, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, contact Scott Reuss, Regional Crops/Soils Educator, at 715-732-7510, text/call to 715-701-0966, or e-mail to scott.reuss@wisc.edu

An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. Please call the Marinette County Extension office, 715-732-7510 or 1-877-884-4408, to request any type of accommodation or assistance that you may require to attend this event. All requests will be kept confidential.