By Scout Nelson
The Northern Plains Forage Association (NPFA) will host its annual meeting on December 6, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon, South Dakota. This gathering is open to all interested in forage-related topics, offering a valuable opportunity for learning, networking, and industry insight.
Attendees will gain exposure to the latest research and practices in forage management. Continuing education credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), making it a great professional development opportunity.
The agenda begins at 11:30 a.m. with registration, followed by lunch at noon. Educational sessions kick off at 12:30 p.m. The first presentation, “Alphabet Soup on my Feed Test… What Should it Mean to Me?” will explore the complexity of feed testing and its implications. The discussion will shed light on interpreting feed data to better inform livestock management strategies.
At 1:30 p.m., a session on the role of annual forages in livestock feed and cover crops will offer insight into integrating cover crops into forage systems. Later, a talk on farm transition and succession planning will provide essential information on handling these crucial processes in agriculture, addressing the real challenges faced by the farming community.
After a brief afternoon break, the agenda continues with a discussion on forage rye and double cropping, exploring the benefits of multiple cropping systems. Another notable presentation will cover capturing manure nutrients by applying them to growing crops, a sustainable approach for maximizing nutrient use and reducing waste.
The meeting will conclude with a business session for NPFA members at 4:40 p.m., followed by adjournment at 5:00 p.m.
The cost to attend is $10 for non-members, while NPFA members can attend for free. Lunch is provided, and members interested in free registration can contact Sara Bauder for a promo code. Membership is available at a discounted rate of $65, which includes the meeting fee.
Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Hay & Forage, Education, General, Livestock