2025 Annual Conference

The Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council will be hosting their Annual Meeting on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at The Ohio Department of Agriculture (8995 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg OH 43068). This meeting serves as an opportunity to interact with forage growers of all backgrounds and interests and share with each other. Along with socialization you can listen to intriguing presentations, interact with vendors of forage growing supplies, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

The Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council is Ohio’s commodity organization for pasture and hay crops. The Ohio State University partners closely with the Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council to support forage education, research, and outreach throughout the state. It is the only organization of its kind, bringing together farmers, conservationists, academics, industry representatives, and service personnel into a shared environment to converse and build relationships that lead to more productive forage and grassland ecosystems and more profitable farm operations. The Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council is the state affiliate organization of the American Forage and Grassland Council. Ohio members are automatically extended membership to the national level for even more networking opportunities and learning experiences.

The 2025 meeting theme is “Feeding Forages ↔ Forages Feeding Us” and will feature information on how to manage forages following a record drought year, cutting edge research from The Ohio State University, producer insights from local hay, beef, and dairy farmers, information on solar grazing with sheep, special guests from the Nature Conservancy, and a session on hot topics in the forage industry. Keynote speakers will include Dr. Chris Teutsch – Forage Professor from The University of Kentucky, new State Extension Forage Specialist – Dr. Emma Matcham, Dr. Marília Chiavegato – Agroecosystem Management for Food System Resilience Professor at The Ohio State University, Dr. Camren Maierle – Sustainability Director for the American Lamb Board, Jessica D’Ambrosio – Ohio Agriculture Project Director for the Nature Conservancy, and more!

Service and achievement awards will be announced at the annual meeting. There will also be opportunities to socialize with your peers and to visit with vendors of related agricultural products at the event.

Full agenda listed below.

Registration and Costs

Registration cost will be $40 per person for OFGC or any state affiliate AFGC members and $75 per person for nonmembers (this fee includes membership as well as event registration). OFGC Membership cost remains at $35 per year. Details of the program and a registration form are listed below.

Register your organization as a vendor at the event for an extra $10. Note: Everyone who is participating on behalf of your organization must register as an attendee, however, only one vendor fee is needed per organization.

If you have any questions about registration or becoming a vendor, contact Gary Wilson at osuagman@gmail.com or 419-348-3500.