The Dodge County Forage Council, in partnership with UW–Madison Division of Extension and the Midwest Forage Association, will host its annual Winter Meeting and Forage Contest on Friday, March 13, at Pizza Ranch in Beaver Dam. Registration begins at 10:45 a.m., with the program starting at 11:00 a.m.
This year’s meeting will feature three timely presentations focused on forage production, nutrient management, and feed quality.
Speakers
Dr. Harkirat Kaur, UW–Madison Extension Corn Agronomist, will provide updates on short corn hybrids and moving beyond BMR corn. Short corn is being bred to offer benefits such as improved resistance to wind damage (lodging), easier access for farm equipment, higher planting densities, and more efficient water and nutrient use. Dr. Kaur will discuss what may replace BMR corn, as it is being phased out..
Dr. Natasha Rayne, UW–Madison Extension Soil Specialist, will discuss manure nitrogen credits and their importance in nutrient management. Estimating manure nitrogen availability is complex and varies with environmental conditions and management practices. Dr. Rayne will explain key factors that influence nitrogen crediting and why accurate estimates matter for both crop performance and environmental protection.
Carrie Feucht, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, will present on putting up clean feed—from harvest through feedout. Significant forage losses can occur at each step of the process, and Feucht will share practical strategies to reduce losses and maintain feed quality throughout the system.
The event also includes a Forage Contest, held during lunch. Attendees are encouraged to bring silage, haylage, baleage, or other ensiled forages in a one-gallon zip-top bag. They may enter one per category. All attendees may vote in each category, with prizes awarded during the annual meeting. Dry hay entries will not be accepted.
The registration fee is $20 per person, which includes the meal, program materials, and Dodge County Forage Council dues. Walk-ins are welcome, though materials may be limited. Three Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) CEUs have been approved.
