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. 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: Monte Bottens, Bottens Family Farm and AgEmerge Podcast; Zach Cox, A Better Way to Farm; Matt Gregor, Pike Feeds; Logan Karcher, Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition; Laura Lant Haney, Midwest Grass and Forage; Elton Mau, Circle M Ranch; Teresa Steckler, University of Illinois Extension; Trevor Toland, River Oak Ranch; and Jonathan Walls, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services.

“We know producers depend on high-quality, results-oriented information when making decisions for their operation,” said Keely Wilcoxen, IFGC secretary-treasurer and Illinois Forage 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.

ILGLC is a valued partner in the Forage Institute.