Business : Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Area hay and forage producers are invited to attend the 33rd Annual Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association (EIHPA) Annual Meeting and Conference on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Buzzy’s in Welton. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the program scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

This year’s conference will focus on hay fertility, risk management, and cover crops. Dr. Daniel Andersen, ISU Professor of Engineering, will speak on the advantages and challenges of applying manure to hay ground. Meaghan Anderson, ISU Extension Field Agronomist, will speak on herbicide interactions with cover crops we grow in Iowa. Her primary focus will be on important information for those looking to graze cover crops, factors influencing herbicide injury to cover crops, and a brief look at termination of cover crops. Ryan Drollette, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, will discuss the new Rainfall Index Pasture, Rangeland, Forage insurance program. This program is based on a precipitation index and is designed to cover replacement feed costs when a loss of forage for grazing or hay is experienced due to lack of precipitation. It is now being offered in all 48 contiguous states.

Following lunch and a brief annual meeting to elect officers and directors, will be regional updates from Virgil Schmitt, ISU Extension Field Agronomist, and Denise Schwab, ISU Extension Beef Specialist.

Registration for the conference is $30 and includes a membership to EIHPA and meal. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Certified crop advisor credits have been applied for. This conference is sponsored by EIHPA, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, and the Iowa Beef Center.

The Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association provides educational workshops and field days for forage producers in Jackson, Jones, Clinton, Cedar, Scott and Muscatine counties. However, forage producers from other counties are also welcome to participate. For more information contact Denise Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu or Kevin Brown at brownfarm10@gmail.com or 563-872-4475.