The 2017 Southwest Hay & Forage Conference is set to kick off on January 11 and continue through January 13 at the Ruidoso Convention Center in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
The event, which is sponsored by the New Mexico Hay Association and New Mexico State University, will focus on hay operation resilience.
“Low hay prices and high input costs have caused producers to question traditional practices and consider how they can do things differently in order to increase their profit margins,” said Mark Marsalis, New Mexico State University Extension forage specialist. “This conference will address concerns of financial uncertainty and how to use new technology and alternative crops to improve crop and economic diversity.”
A number of experts will speak at the event, including Wayne Coblentz from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Garrett Kennedy of Knopf Farms, and NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Dean Rolando Flores.
“This year, we’ve assembled a broad range of forage knowledge and expertise from universities, farmers and industry interests across the United States,” Marsalis continued.
In addition, experts will touch on business and policy updates as they pertain to agricultural professionals. Presentations on equipment efficiency, technology, and regulations will all be a part of the event.
Attendees can register for the conference before Dec. 28 for $100.00, or at the door for $120.00. More information can be found on www.nmhay.com.