Vital forage information to be presented at 2024 Southwest Hay & Forage Conference

Forage growers in the Southwest will have access to important industry information at the 2024 Southwest Hay & Forage Conference in Ruidoso, New Mexico.


 
The conference will take place Jan. 25-26, 2024, at the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive. The event is hosted by the New Mexico Hay Association and New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.


 
Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist, said the conference addresses common issues that growers face daily, including high input costs, soil fertility, water management and pest control.


 
Participants will also have the opportunity to speak directly to consultants, industry representatives, researchers and specialists.
 


The 2024 conference will feature forage, irrigation and pest management experts presenting on various crop topics.


 
“Each year, various pests in the form of insects, weeds and vertebrate pests cost New Mexico hay growers millions of dollars,” Marsalis said. “This year’s conference will have several presentations related to pest management of weeds in alfalfa, corn and sorghum, as well as updates on two of the most important insect problems in alfalfa, weevils and aphids.”


 
Pest-related (CEU-qualifying) presentations will include:

Alfalfa weevil and aphid research update, Kyle Harrington, University of Arizona Extension
• Weed control in alfalfa update, Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension weed specialist
• Corn and sorghum weed control, Kevin Heflin, Texas AgriLife Extension
• Alfalfa aphid and corn trait update, Logan McGarrah, Corteva AgriScience; and Rex Brandon, Pioneer HiBred
• Pesticide and regulatory update, Steve Baca, New Mexico Department of Agriculture


 
Ongoing droughts continue to plague the Southwest and challenge agricultural production in the region. Matt Yost, Utah State University Extension specialist, has an extensive background in water and soil fertility management in multiple cropping systems. He will present on maximizing irrigation efficiency in both sprinkler and flood irrigation systems. In addition, Clint Hopper of Hopper Pump & Drilling will present on the latest irrigation pump and system technologies, and maximizing water application.


 
One of the prevailing hot topics in agricultural circles is soil health and improving yields through various soil-applied products. John Idowu, NMSU Extension agronomist, will present information on soil sampling and testing protocols for soil health analysis, going beyond just simple fertility programs. In addition, Yost will provide a research-based, candid look at soil wetting agents and biologicals.


 
In addition to alfalfa, much of New Mexico is based in perennial pastures and hay fields that provide valuable forage for livestock. Two talks will focus on these systems. Marsalis will give an overview of the various perennial grass options available to producers and will provide an update on ongoing research involving cool-season grasses. Also, Anowar Islam, former University of Wyoming Extension forage specialist, will present on alfalfa-grass mixtures and how planting arrangement influences yield and quality.


 
“These alternatives to alfalfa provide diversity to haying operations and opportunity for producers to tap into different markets,” Marsalis said.


 
Finally, a legislative update will be provided by the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau.


 
The two-day conference will also feature a large machinery and agricultural industry trade show. Equipment, seed, chemical and other agribusiness companies will be on hand to display their latest products available to hay and forage producers. During the industry update portions of the conference, participants will hear special highlights from ag-industry representatives.


 
Back by popular demand, following dinner, an Ace-in-the-Hole Casino Party and fundraiser will be held for participants to try their hand at competing with their friends and winning cash prizes totaling up to $500. This year, 12 gaming-style tables will be available. The special spouses’ interest session, Painting with Peggy Krantz, returns this year, and is available for $40 a person.


 
Five New Mexico pesticide applicator continuing education units have been approved for this meeting. CEUs for Texas and Arizona have been requested as well Certified Crop Advisor credits.


 
Pre-registration is $150 a person before Dec. 31. Attendees may register after Dec. 31 or at the door for $175. Annual membership dues to the New Mexico Hay Association are $55.


 
For more information, including a full agenda, visit http://www.nmhay.com  or https://forages.nmsu.edu . Registration, payment, sponsorship and vendor information is available at http://www.nmhay.com .

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/vital-forage-information-to-be-presented-at-2024-southwest-hay---forage-conference/s/d22f5dcd-53c4-4226-bca6-700d1234a4e7