Producers are invited to join agricultural specialists, researchers and Extension professionals from across the Southeast for the Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement and Regional In‑Service Training Joint Conference, beginning on March 30.
The three‑day event will take place at the Clemson University Edisto Research and Education Center, 64 Research Road, Blackville, South Carolina.
The agenda includes classroom instruction, hands‑on training and field tours focused on strengthening pasture and forage management strategies across the region. Participants will receive updates on forage varieties and management practices, as well as learn about animal nutrition and ongoing research aimed at helping producers increase productivity and sustainability on pasture‑based operations.
Registration is available on the Mississippi State University Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station website. Registration deadline is March 30.
Hotel group rates are available at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Aiken, South Carolina. Hotel group-rate deadline is Feb. 27.
Presentations on the first day include a session on low-pH alfalfa and ryegrass breeding by Ali Missaoui of the University of Georgia. This will be followed by an update from Ali Babar of the University of Florida on the SunGrains Forage Breeding Program.
Other activities on March 30 include an Extension roundtable, a business meeting and a reception and poster competition.
Participants will tour Yon Family Farms in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, and Fox Pipe Farm in Laurens, South Carolina, on March 31.
On the final day of the conference, Nicolas Dilorenzo of the University of Florida will give a presentation on beef cattle nutrition. Lisa Baxter of the University of Georgia will discuss bermudagrass stem maggot control.
Afterwards, participants will tour the Research and Education Center fields, where they will learn about the cool-season demonstration, cool-season mixture grazing and overseeded bermudagrass trials. A weed-control update will also be provided.
The conference will adjourn around 2 p.m.
The program also includes a trade show, research presentations and Extension poster sessions, giving participants opportunities to connect with industry representatives and explore the latest technologies and innovations in forage systems.
For questions, email Liliane Silva at lseveri@clemson.edu.
