More than 200 people from 15 states and three countries braved the snowy conditions to attend the 10th Heart of America Grazing Conference, which was held January 25-26 at the Holiday Inn-Hurstbourne in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Audience members were treated to a delicious banquet meal on the evening of the 25th with a program consisting of Kentucky Agriculture presented by Dr. Jimmy Henning, University of Kentucky Associate Dean for Extension.

The keynote address was “Forages Around the World: Reflections and Observations” by U.K. Extension Forage Specialist, Dr. Garry Lacefield.

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The program on January 26 included excellent speakers covering topics ranging from confinement to grazing, how to determine pasture quantity, tall fescue-endophyte, organic dairying, mob grazing, integrated weed management, co-species grazing, grazing non-traditional forages and extending the grazing season.

Speakers included Mr. Bill Payne, Dr. Ray Smith, Dr. Glen Aiken, Mr. Jake Schmitz, Mr. Mark Kennedy, Mr. Jason Tower, Mr. Jeff McCutcheon and Mr. Ed Ballard. Proceedings of papers presented will be available on the U.K. Forage Website.

Participants had the opportunity to visit over 30 exhibits and bid on over 25 items in the Silent Auction.

The 11th Heart of America Grazing Conference will be held January 25-26, 2012, at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. For more information, contact Teresa Steckler, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Ed Ballard, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  FG

Garry Lacefield
University of Kentucky
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