Hay producers' meeting is set

   All hay producers in the region are invited to attend the annual Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association Annual Meeting and Conference on March 14 at Buzzy’s bar and grill, 414 Main St., Welton.

   Registration starts at 10 a.m., with the program scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

   This year’s program will feature two new specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Shelby Gruss, assistant professor in forage extension; and Madelynn Wuestenberg, agricultural climatology specialist.

   Gruss will present data on alfalfa cutting height and longevity, and Wuestenberg will present on the weather outlook for the 2024 growing season.

   Denise Schwab, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will discuss steps to stretch the hay supply; and Virgil Schmitt, field agronomist, will discuss weather outlook implications for planting and managing forages and row crops.

   Following lunch there will be a brief annual meeting to elect officers and directors. A drawing for prizes will be held at the end of the day.

   Registration for the conference is $30 and includes the noon meal and Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association membership. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Certified crop advisor credits are also available. This conference is sponsored by the association, ISU Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Beef Center.

   The association provides educational workshops and field days for forage producers in Jones, Jackson, Clinton, Cedar, Scott and Muscatine counties. Forage producers from other counties are also welcome to participate.

   For more information, contact Kevin Brown at brownfarm10@gmail.com or 563-872-4475.