2025 Annual Conference

Ohio Forage & Grasslands Council

The Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council Annual Conference will be held February 7, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm at The Ohio Department of Agriculture, (8995 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 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 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 Tuetsch – 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!

More finalized agenda coming soon.

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.

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.

Agenda

MORNING PROGRAM

8:30 AM
Registration and Refreshments

9:00 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks

Jason Hartschuh – OFGC President

Introduction of Our Sponsors
Business Introduction of all Vendors

9:15 AM
Drought

Dr. Chris Tuetsch

9:45 AM
Welcome Ohio State University Forage Specialist

Dr. Emma Matcham

10:15 AM
Break and Meet with Vendors

10:30 AM
Ohio State University Forage Research Update
Dr. Marília Chiavegato- Assistant Professor – Agroecosystem Management for Food System Resiliance

11:15 AM
Producer Talk – Beef

TBD

11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Lunch – Meet with Vendors

AFTERNOON PROGRAM

12:25 PM
Producer Talk – Hay

TBD

12:45 PM
Lessons Learned from Research
Dr. Chris Tuetsch

1:30 PM
OFGC Business Meeting and Awards

1:50 PM
Producer Talk – Dairy

TBD

2:10 PM
Professional Talk – Sheep & Goats

Cameron

2:30 PM
Nature Conservancy
Jessica

3:00 PM
Hot Topics in Forages

3:15 PM
Adjourn

Have a safe trip home!

Registration will be due by February 2nd, 2025. For more information contact Gary Wilson at osuagman@gmail.com or 419-348-3500

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Enhancing the profitability of Ohio farmers through the use of forage and grasslands resources.

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