The Illinois Forage Institute will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Holiday Inn, at Mount Vernon, beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at 3:45 pm. The educational program will focus on managing pastures and hayland. Several presentations will focus on utilizing forages and crop residues in meeting the nutritional needs of beef cattle.

Topics to be presented in the morning by University of Illinois Extension staff include weed and brush management in hay and pastures; hay and forage testing; mineral considerations of grazing forages and utilizing crop residues as forages. Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist will start the afternoon session on replacing old tall fescue and how to get the most out of tall fescue. Additional afternoon presentations include a certified weed free program for hay sales. For the complete agenda, go to web.extension.uiuc.edu/rockfordcenter/downloads/9878.pdf.  

Fee is $15 per person for pre-registration by Feb. 19. Cost will be $20 per person after February 19 and also accepted at the door. Registration covers a noon meal and forage presentation handout material. To register, contact Stacy Helm, Jefferson County SWCD, 221 Withers Drive, Mount Vernon, IL 62864; or call 618-244-0773, ext. 3.