The Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference has announced its program for the 2012 event, which features an impressive lineup of alfalfa and agriculture experts as well as an industry trade show and auction.

Sponsored by the Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association (N.A.M.A.), the Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference will be held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Nebraska, February 7 and 8, 2012.

The event is designed especially for alfalfa producers, livestock/dairy producers and others who are involved in alfalfa production, purchasing, hay feeding or processing.

"With the 2012 Expo & Conference, we have focused on quality from beginning to end," said Barb Kinnan, executive director of N.A.M.A. "We have two jam-packed days of information, education and innovation – all designed to help hay and livestock producers improve production, performance and profitability."

A large alfalfa industry trade show and fundraising auction are also included during the two-day event.

One of the most significant items on the agenda is the introduction of the Alfalfa Valuation Analysis, a powerful new approach to the standardization of alfalfa quality and value that has been developed by N.A.M.A. "This is game-changing stuff that alfalfa producers and purchasers will not want to miss," Kinnan said.

Presenters for 2012 include:
• Dr. Al Dutcher, Nebraska climatologist, who will discuss weather patterns and forecasts for the coming crop year

• Dr. Ron Hansen, ag economics professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, who will provide a session on mulit-generational family farm ownership and will also be the speaker at Tuesday evening's dinner

• Dr. Rick Rasby, University of Nebraska-Lincoln cattle feeding expert, who will focus on nutritional information for cow-calf producers

• Trent Loos, well-known commentator, columnist and ag advocate

A panel discussion featuring a Nebraska alfalfa producer, a dairy producer, a beef/feedlot producer and a hay producer from outside the region is also scheduled.

Registration includes admission to all presentations and programs, a Tuesday afternoon reception, dinner Tuesday evening, admission to the large alfalfa industry trade show and the opportunity to bid in the fundraising auction that takes place Tuesday afternoon.

The auction features a wide range of items including seed, harvesting equipment, supplies and other valuable products and services.

Registration is $10 per person in advance (tickets must be purchased by noon, February 6, 2012) and $20 at the door. Participants under the age of 18 are admitted at no charge. Registration is available online at www.AlfalfaExpo.com.

For more information, call 1-800-743-1649 or visit www.AlfalfaExpo.com.  FG

—David & Associates press release