The 2008 Illinois Forage Expo is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Smith Family Farms near Mount Vernon, Illinois. The operation, managed by Tom Smith, includes a beef custom grazing enterprise which utilizes warm- and cool-season perennial grasses. Also, summer annuals such as pearl millet are rotationally grazed.

The Forage Expo includes field demonstrations of forage harvesting equipment and commercial displays of forage-related products and equipment. Educational presentations will focus on matching forage species with animal nutritional requirements in a year-long grazing program; managing higher fertility costs in pastures and hayland; and controlling weeds and arthropods in forages with integrated pest management principles. The Expo also includes a Quality Hay Contest for producers to enter 2008 harvested bales. Entries are evaluated for bale density, visual assessment, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and relative feed value. There is no entry fee, and NIRS analysis will be provided free of charge. Bales weighing over 100 pounds will need an official scale weigh ticket.

Smith Family Farms can be reached by going about 7 miles west of Mount Vernon on Route 15, then turn south on Panzier Lane for 1½ miles. Watch for signs. Lunch will be available at the Expo.

More information about the Illinois Forage Expo is available at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/ag. For information on exhibiting a commercial display, contact Stacy Helm, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District,               618-244-0773       , ext 3.

The Forage Expo is sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, University of Illinois Extension, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Risk Management Agency and Illinois Grassland Conservation Initiative.