JAN. 21-22: The Heart of America Grazing Conference

The five-state Heart of America Grazing Conference will offer producers an opportunity to gain information on the advantages of improved grazing systems. Purdue Extension and other Indiana organizations will join with Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio organizations to sponsor the event. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Columbus, IN on January 21and 22, 2009.

Registration and a tradeshow will start at 4 p.m. EST on Jan. 21st. A 6:30 p.m. banquet will be followed by the conference's keynote speaker, Joel Salatin of Polyface, Inc. Salatin will discuss his farm operation which includes the raising and marketing of “Salad Bar Beef, Pigaerator Pork, Pastured Poultry (eggs, broilers, turkeys), Forage-Based Rabbits, and Forestry Products.

The second day of the conference starts at 8:30 a.m. Topics offered include forage growth and development, ultra-high stock density grazing, getting started in management-intensive grazing, and improving the existing management-intensive grazing system. Following lunch there will be breakout sessions discussing marketing of farm-raised products, utilizing sheep and goats in the grazing environment, economic flexibility in grazing stocker calves or replacement heifers, and alternative forages.

There also will be exhibitor booths on display throughout the two-day event showcasing fencing and livestock watering supplies, pasture irrigation, seed, minerals, and livestock medications.

Individuals may register by December 19 for a reduced price of $65 for both days or $40 for one day. Regular costs (after Dec 19) for the event are $75 for both days or $50 for one day. This fee covers all program materials and meals. Lodging is available at the Holiday Inn for $79 per night per room plus tax. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 812-372-1541 and participants should indicate that they are with the Heart of America Grazing Conference. For more information contact Brad Shelton of Purdue Extension – Washington Co., 806 Martinsburg Rd, Suite 104 Salem, IN 47167; (812) 883-4601 or sheltonb@purdue.edu. A registration brochure is available at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/forages/pdf/2009HOAGC.pdf.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university. If you have special needs call us prior to the event at 812-883-4601 or call 888-EXT-INFO and ask for the Washington County office.