JUNE 2026
Improve your forage operation with strategies from proven producers.
Take your pick of several conferences, pasture walks, and events geared for Midwest growers and graziers.
Register for $40 by June 15.
Tentative Schedule
9:15 - 10 AM: How to Create a Successful Hay BusinessThe day begins with a panel of Illinois growers sharing their strategies for creating a successful hay business.
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
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
Noon - 1 PM: Lunch and Awards
1 - 1:45 PM: Choose Your Session
Utilizing Cover Crops to Maximize Forage, by Laura Lant Haney
How to Start a Regenerative Grazing System: The Basics, by Trevor Toland
Soil Testing Micronutrients, by Zach Cox
Hay Sampling, by Matt Gregor
Regenerative Grazing, by Logan Karcher
1:55 - 2:40 PM: Choose Your Session
How I Graze in Corn and Soybean Country, by Elton Mau
Paddock Design, by Trevor Toland
Multi-Species Grazing, by Teresa Steckler
Black Vulture Nuisance Permits, by Jonathan Walls
Livestock Integration into Row Crops with Virtual Grazing, by Monte Bottens
Want more information about the Forage Institute?
Contact Keely at ifgcforage@gmail.com
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
These events need support from our partners to keep registration costs manageable and help us connect growers with the resources they need to be successful. We hope you’ll consider becoming a sponsor.
Platinum Sponsor $1,000
4 complimentary registrations
Trade show table
Conference signage
Brief address to attendees
Full-page ad in attendee packet
Opening event recognition
Gold Sponsor $750
2 complimentary registrations
Trade show table
Conference signage
1/2 page ad in attendee packet
Lunch recognition
Silver Sponsor $500
2 complimentary registrations
Trade show table
Conference signage
1/4 page ad in attendee packet
Breakout recognition
Bronze Sponsor $350
1 complimentary registrations
Trade show table
Conference signage
1/8 page ad in attendee packet
Business Members $200
1 complimentary registrations
Trade show table
Business card included on website and newsletter
HEART OF AMERICA GRAZING CONFERENCE
The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition is hosting the 2026 Heart of America Grazing Conference alongside the Illinois Forage & Grassland Council.
Day 1: July 15 ($40) | Noon - 8 PM
Farm Tour of the Curt Rincker Farm | Trade Show | Dinner & Keynote | Virtual Fence Panel Discussion
Day 2: July 16 ($45) | 8 AM- 4:45 PM
Cattle Genetics Keynote | Bale Grazing | U of I Research | Small Ruminants | Virtual Fencing
BUILD A REGENERATIVE GRAZING SYSTEM CONTEST
JULY 16 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Held in conjunction with the Heart of America Grazing Conference
Be creative as you plan a successful regenerative grazing system using adaptive practices. The contest includes a short quiz on your understanding of adaptive grazing practices. Then, apply what you’ve learned by mapping out a grazing system, including forage maintenance, pasture design, and grazing rotation schedules.
Compete as Teams of 2 or 3 participants, or register as individuals and meet your teammates at the contest. Two divisions: HS and Post HS
Each team will have access to a mentor. Resources to help you prepare will be available after June 1.
Prizes: Each participant will receive a grazing stick. The top team members in each division will receive a prize.
ADDITIONAL FORAGE EVENTS
June 6: Cropland Grazing Pasture Walk, Kaeb Farm, Cissna Park
What does a cropland-to-pasture conversion on a diversified farm look like after three years? Come find out.
June 10: Dairy Grazing Pasture Walk, Koester Farm, Scales Mound
This operation utilizes a mix of annual and perennial forages, and the walk will cover how the grazing system is managed across the season.
June 13: Virtual Fence Pasture Walk, Nerganah Farm, Chapin
The walk will cover how the system works day-to-day, what it takes to get cattle trained to the collars, and how virtual fencing compares to conventional temporary fence for managing rotations.
June 20: Dairy Grazing Pasture Walk: Morning Star Farm, Quincy
See how one Illinois producer is combining cover crop grazing with traditional perennial pasture to keep dairy cattle on grass as much of the year as possible.
One more thing
In case you missed our April Grow and Graze webinar on producing high value forage, you can watch the replay at The Grazing and Forage Hub. Watch the replay.