Fall forage conference and tour to showcase technology
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts
- Conference focuses on technology to manage, improve forages
- Forage producers can learn tools for saving time, improving efficiency
(348 words)
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Forage producers in some parts of Arkansas are using computer and smartphone applications to manage and improve forage production, but many more producers stand to benefit from the use of these evolving technologies, said John Jennings, professor and extension forage specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“Forage Technology: To Infinity and Beyond” is the theme of the Arkansas Forage and Grassland Council’s Fall Forage Conference and Forage Tour scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1, at the CrossRoads Cowboy Church in El Paso, Ark.
Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about new precision applications for forages, equipment navigation systems for field applications, new tools to get water to livestock, drones for the farm and many useful apps.
“A lot of forage producers aren’t using newer technologies yet, and there are so many opportunities to make operations more efficient,” Jennings said. “Some of this technology will help them adapt their farm work to their schedule instead of the other way around.”
Jennings will also update attendees on the impact to and recovery of forages from this year’s floods.
Matt Flynt from Lonoke County and Jackson County extension agent Matthew Davis will discuss technology tools that producers can use to make life easier. Cleburne County producer LeVonna Uekman will join Flynt to lead a producers’ panel discussion on how to keep pastures fresh, and Greenway Equipment will provide information about advancements in harvesting forages.
Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and the conference runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration can be paid at the door by cash, check or credit or debit card. The conference fee is $45 per person, $60 per couple, and $10 for students.
Pre-registration is encouraged to help with conference and lunch planning. For more information about the conference or to pre-register, call Linda McCargo at 501-671-2171.
The CrossRoads Cowboy Church is located at 3071 Arkansas Highway 5, in El Paso, Ark. To get there, take Highway 64 from Conway or Beebe to El Paso, and turn north onto Highway 5. Drive 1/4 mile, and the church will be on the right.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Media Contact: Tracy Courage
Dir. of Extension Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
tcourage@uada.edu