Forage conference slated for later this week
by October 30, 2019 5:30 pm 259 views
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. The conference begins at 9 a.m., but registration starts a half hour before.
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.