Welcome
Greetings Area Forage and Livestock Producers,
On behalf of the Spring Forage Conference Planning Committee, I am pleased to invite you to our 42nd annual Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference. The event will be held Tuesday, February 17th at The Oasis Convention Center on North Glenstone Avenue in Springfield. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by opening session at 8:45 a.m. With humble beginnings as a small meeting amongst farmers to discuss progressive farming strategies over four decades ago is now one of the grazing communities’ most popular educational and networking events.
Each year, our committee works diligently throughout the year to put together an outstanding lineup of speakers to cover a wide range of forage and livestock topics. This year, we are excited to welcome nationally respected livestock economist, Dr. Derrell Peel in an exclusive interview with Missouri’s own Tyne Morgan, host of U.S. Farm Report. Dr. Peel brings more than three decades of cattle market expertise, known for his ability to cut through the noise to explain real-world trends impacting cattle operations. This session will deliver the practical, Missouri-relevant insight that you can use immediately to help make plans for your operation. With Tyne’s sharp, producer-focused interview style, expect this conversation to be very useful and a must-attend session for anyone participating in a forage-based livestock business.
Our keynote will also feature Dr. Peter J Ballerstedt, presenting ‘The Roots of Humanity’s Future’. Dr. Ballerstedt is the founder and ‘bridge builder’ behind Grass Based Health, an organization dedicated to reconnecting people with forage-based agriculture. Dr. Ballerstedt began his career as a forage extension specialist before becoming a globally recognized forage ambassador for Barenbrug. Dr. Ballerstedt is widely known on international speaking circuits as ‘Don Pedro The Sodfather of the Ruminati’, reflecting his unmatched enthusiasm for advancing sustainable, productive forage-based livestock agriculture. His keynote promises to inspire new thinking and highlight the essential role of ruminant agriculture in shaping a healthier future for people and their environment.
In addition to our keynotes, we will have 20 breakout options with topics that address relevant obstacles in local livestock/forage production, emerging management practices, novel agricultural technology, sheep and goat production, and much more. There will be an abundance of trade show exhibitors, providing an opportunity for attendees to see the latest and greatest products and services available on the market to help improve forage-based livestock operations.
We look forward to seeing you all on February 17!
Ian McGregor
SWMO Spring Forage Conference
Planning Committee Chair