2026 Illinois Forage Institute

We’ve gathered all the help you need to run a successful forage and livestock operation together in one room.

This year’s Institute will focus on high-quality educational sessions and producer engagement, bringing together an expected 100 to 150 farmers, landowners, and industry professionals from across the state.

The Forage Institute provides a focused, engaged audience, creating valuable opportunities for meaningful conversations and strong connections between producers and industry partners like you.

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Register to Attend

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Tentative Schedule

9 AM: Check In

9:15 - 10 AM: How to Create a Successful Hay Business Panel Discussion

10:10 - 10:55 AM: Choose Your Session

• Forage Selections & Best Management Practices, by Laura Lant Haney, Midwest Grass and Forage

• Can You Make Money Grazing? The Toland Experiment, by Trevor Toland, River Oak Ranch

• Soil Testing Micronutrients, by Zach Cox, A Better Way to Farm

• Hay Sampling, by Matt Gregor, Pike Feeds

• Regenerative Grazing, by Logan Karcher, Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition

11:10 - 11:55 AM: Choose Your Session

• How I Graze in Corn and Soybean Country, by Elton Mau, Circle M Ranch

• How to Achieve the Perfect Graze, by Trevor Toland, River Oak Ranch

• Multi-Species Grazing, by Teresa Steckler, University of Illinois Extension

• Black Vulture Nuisance Permits, by Jonathan Walls, the State Director of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services for Illinois

• Livestock Integration into Row Crops with Virtual Grazing, by Monte Bottens, Bottens Family Farm and the Host of the AgEmerge Podcast 

Noon - 1:00: Lunch and Awards

1 - 1:45 PM: Choose Your Session

• Utilizing Cover Crops to Maximize Forage, by Laura Lant Haney, Midwest Grass and Forage

• How to Start a Regenerative Grazing System: The Basics, by Trevor Toland, River Oak Ranch

• Soil Testing Micronutrients, by Zach Cox, A Better Way to Farm

• Hay Sampling, by Matt Gregor, Pike Feeds

• Regenerative Grazing, by Logan Karcher, Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition

1:55 - 2:40 PM: Choose Your Session

• How I Graze in Corn and Soybean Country, by Elton Mau, Circle M Ranch

• Paddock Design, by Trevor Toland, River Oak Ranch

• Multi-Species Grazing, by Teresa Steckler, University of Illinois Extension

• Black Vulture Nuisance Permits, by Jonathan Walls, State Director of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services for Illinois

• Livestock Integration into Row Crops with Virtual Grazing, by Monte Bottens, Bottens Family Farm and the Host of the AgEmerge Podcast 

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Become a Sponsor

• Become a Platinum Sponsor

  As a Platinum Sponsor, you’ll receive:

  • 4 complimentary registrations

  • Trade show table

  • Recognition on conference signage and slideshow

  • Opportunity to briefly address attendees during opening

  • Full-page ad in attendee packet

  • Recognition during opening event

  Cost $1,000.

  Sign Up As Platinum Sponsor

• Become A Gold Sponsor

  As a Gold Sponsor, you’ll:

  • 2 complimentary registrations

  • Trade show table

  • Recognition on conference signage and slideshow

  • Full-page ad in attendee packet

  • Recognition during lunch

  Cost: $750.

  Sign up as a Gold Sponsor

• Become A Silver Sponsor

  As a Silver Sponsor, you’ll:

  • 2 complimentary registrations

  • Trade show table

  • Recognition on conference signage and slideshow

  • 1/4-page ad in attendee packet

  • Recognition during breakouts

  Cost: 500.

  Sign up as a Silver Sponsor.

• Become A Bronze Sponsor

  As a Bronze Level Sponsor, you’ll receive:

  • 1 complimentary registrations

  • Trade show table

  • Recognition on conference signage and slideshow

  • 1/8-page ad in attendee packet

  Cost: 350.

  Sign up as a Bronze Sponsor

• Become A Business Member and Get Free Exhibit Space

  As an Exhibitor, you’ll receive:

  • 1 complimentary registrations

  • Trade show table

  BONUS: Business card appears on website and in newsletters

  Cost: $200

  Become a Business Member

For information about the Institute, contact Keely Wilcoxen, IFGC secretary/treasurer at ifgcforage@gmail.com.

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Your gift supports the work of the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council. IFGC is a 501C3 organizaiton.

Your support helps ensure that the Forage Expo remains accessible, informative, and impactful for the agricultural community. It also positions your business alongside a trusted network dedicated to advancing forage and grazing systems in Illinois.