Registration open for IBA and IFGC Summer Conference and Forage Expo

MACOMB, Ill. — For the first time, Illinois Beef Association will be hosting its Summer Conference and Annual Meeting in conjunction with the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council Forage Expo on June 7-8 in Macomb.

IBA and IFGC members and stakeholders will meet to discuss industry issues, network with others producers, elect leadership and honor award recipients. The combined events this year offer producers the opportunity to participate in both meetings at one location, for one registration fee.

This year’s conference will consist of several educational sessions bridging beef industry and forage production topics.

Speakers this year include Scott Brown with University of Missouri and Meghan Grebner of Brownfield Ag News, jointly presenting a Market Outlook for 2022, as well as University of Illinois’ Dan Shike sharing insights on heifer development and beef cattle longevity.

Additionally, Forage Professor Emeritus Dan Undersander from University of Wisconsin will be discussing several points on successful planting, growing and harvesting of forages and alternative feedstuffs.

The forage and baling demonstrations for IFGC Expo will be hosted a few minutes from the conference at River Oak Ranch outside of Macomb.

Trevor Toland, owner and past IBA Commercial Producer of the Year, will host a tour of the cattle operation along with Carson Welsh, showcasing the work they are doing on the ranch’s cow-calf and forage enterprises.

Both organizations will recognize statewide award winners during an evening awards dinner.

IBA will name a Farm Family of the Year, Seedstock Producer of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year, Environmental Steward of the Year and Outstanding Junior of the Year, as well as the new IBA Member of the Year award.

IBA will also hold its annual meeting and election of new directors and officers during the conference activities.

For more information or to register for the IBA & IFGC event, go to www.illinoisbeef.com or call the IBA office at 217-787-4280.