Kansas State University will host the Kansas Forage Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the K-State Southwest Research-Extension Center in Garden City. This one-day event brings together researchers, producers, and industry experts to share the latest insights on managing forage in limited-water environments.
The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Sessions will feature fast-paced, practical updates on forage management, soil health, fertility, risk protection, and marketing, along with time for Q&A and peer discussion. Lunch is provided, courtesy of sponsors High Plains Farm Credit, American AgCredit, and the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council.
Forage is a vital part of Kansas agriculture. In 2022, Kansas produced more than 5 million tons of hay, ranking third among all states. Forage contributes over $536 million annually to the state’s economy. According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, forage production supports nearly 6,700 jobs and generates $546.9 million in economic output across the state.
Summer annual forages, such as forage sorghum, sudangrass, triticale, and wheat, are particularly valuable in the High Plains due to their drought tolerance and flexibility for grazing, hay, or silage production. Some hybrids can be ready to graze within four to six weeks of planting, providing a timely feed source during hot, dry summers.
Conference sessions include:
- Annual forage economics — John Holman, K-State cropping systems agronomist
- Soil impacts of haying, grazing, and cover crops — Augustine Obour, K-State soil scientist
- Managing prussic acid in forages — Scott Staggenborg, seed and product development consultant
- Alfalfa profitability update — Romulo Lollato, K-State extension wheat and forages specialist
- Forage fertility management — Logan Simon, K-State southwest area agronomist
- Insurance and price protection tools — Jenny Ifft, Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy chair
- Invasive grass management — Keith Harmoney, K-State range scientist
- Plus, additional sessions on summer legumes, silage quality, and a Kansas Livestock Association industry update.
Event details
Date: Nov. 5, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (Registration 8:30–8:55 a.m.; program starts 8:55 a.m.)
Location: K-State Southwest Research-Extension Center, 4500 E. Mary St., Garden City, KS 67846
Cost: Free; lunch provided
Registration: Online form - https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_82McOxQB89lxRFs
Registration is not required, but is requested for an accurate meal count.
For more information, please visit the event link at: https://www.wkrec.org/events/forage_conference/western_kansas_forage_conference.html
John Holman, Cropping Systems Agronomist
jholman@ksu.edu
Tags: forage meeting Forage Conference