One day, all the answers: Forage Institute covers range of forage, livestock topics
CANTON, Ill. — With production input costs high and returns uncertain, forage and livestock producers need proven solutions that will improve production, lower costs, and grow new revenue options for today’s family farms.
The Illinois Forage and Grassland Council is bringing all the elements of a profitable forage operation together during the Illinois Forage Institute, beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, June 26 at Spoon River College, 23235 County Highway 22, Canton.
Fourteen interactive sessions by successful livestock and forage producers, industry professionals, and researchers will cover a range of topics, including forage production and quality, soil health, hay business basics, adaptive grazing, conversion of cropland to grazing, bale grazing, multi-species grazing, and virtual fencing.
The day begins with a panel of growers who have built successful hay operations in the state. Additional presenters include
Laura Lant Haney of Midwest Grass and Forage
Trevor Toland of River Oak Ranch
Zach Cox of A Better Way to Farm
Matt Gregor of Pike Feeds
Logan Karcher of Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition
Elton Mau of Circle M Ranch
Teresa Steckler of Illinois Extension
Jonathan Walls of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
Monte Bottens of Bottens Family Farm and host of the AgEmerge Podcast
“We know producers depend on high-quality results-oriented information when making decisions for their operation,” says Keely Wilcoxen, IFGC secretary-treasurer and Institute coordinator. “The Institute creates a valuable opportunity for meaningful conversations among producers and the industries that support them.”
Registration is requested by June 16 at illinoisforage.org/events/2026institute. The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition is a valued partner in the Forage Institute.