Clemson extension helps launch forage, grassland council

Published: March 18, 2010

CLEMSON — The important role forage plays has led a Clemson University Extension Service forage specialist to help launch the Piedmont Forage and Grassland Council.

John Andrae urges livestock and forage producers, industry representatives and university and public agency personnel to attend the group’s first meeting March 25 at Just More BBQ in Pendleton. There is $25 registration per person and $10 for others from the same farm.

“Changes in climate, consumer tastes and research support make it vital for forage and hay growers and sellers to keep up with the issues affecting the industry,” said Andrae, who travels the state to meet with livestock growers and forage producers and talk about grazing tolerance, drought and heat hardiness, weeds, nutrients, palatability and productivity.

Two national speakers will talk at the inaugural meeting. Joe Bouton from the Noble Foundation will be speaking about advancements in forage varieties, and Chris Teutsch from Virginia Tech University will address “Building and Maintaining Soil Fertility in Times of High Input Costs.”

“This full day includes a series of in-depth research updates, presentations by area producers about their farm operations, a tour of forage research facilities at Clemson and at least one additional farm tour,” Andrae said.

For more information or to RSVP for the meeting, e-mail Andrae at jandrae@clemson.edu.

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