Forage conference to focus on practical management in a limited-water climate

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Forage may not always make headlines, but it quietly anchors Kansas agriculture. Recognizing its vital role, Kansas State University will host the K-State Forage Conference on Nov. 5 at the Southwest Research-Extension Center in Garden City.

The free, one-day event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing together producers, university specialists, and industry professionals to discuss emerging research and management practices for growing forage in water-limited systems.

“Our cattle industry depends on consistent hay and silage production,” said John Holman, K-State cropping systems agronomist. “Forage really is the backbone of western Kansas agriculture. The goal of this event is to share research-based strategies that help producers make every acre and every inch of water count.”

Conference sessions will cover topics ranging from forage management and fertility to soil health, risk protection, and marketing, with time for peer discussion and questions. Lunch will be provided by sponsors High Plains Farm Credit, American AgCredit, and the Kansas Forage & Grassland Council.

Holman said annual forages—such as forage sorghum, sudangrass, triticale, and wheat—continue to prove their value across the High Plains for their drought resilience and versatility for grazing, hay, or silage. “Some hybrids can be ready to graze within weeks of planting, offering producers flexibility throughout the growing season,” he added.

Still, success depends on management decisions that balance profitability with soil and water conservation. That’s where the conference aims to help.

Speakers and topics include:

  • Annual forage economics — John Holman, K-State cropping systems agronomist

  • Soil impacts of haying, grazing, and cover crops — Augustine Obour, K-State soil scientist

  • Managing prussic acid in forages — Scott Staggenborg, seed and product development consultant

  • Alfalfa production update — Romulo Lollato, K-State wheat and forages specialist

  • Forage fertility management — Logan Simon, K-State southwest area agronomist

  • Insurance and price protection tools — Jenny Ifft, Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy chair

  • Invasive grass management — Keith Harmoney, K-State range scientist

Additional sessions will highlight summer legumes, seeding rate research, and an industry update from the Kansas Livestock Association.

Forage production remains one of Kansas’ most important agricultural sectors. In 2022, the state produced more than 5 million tons of hay across 2.4 million acres, ranking third nationally. The industry contributes over $536 million annually to the state’s economy, supports nearly 6,700 jobs, and generates $546.9 million in total economic output, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

More details are available online and through local K-State Research and Extension offices.

Story By Kelsey Stremel, K-State Research and Extension news service

Additional KSRE Forage Resources