Illinois Forage and Grassland Council held its Annual Meeting on Jan. 31 at the Sangamon County Farm Bureau Building in Springfield. Members reviewed council business, discussed upcoming initiatives, and voted on several organizational updates.

It’s been a year of growth for the Illinois Forage & Grassland Council

Conner Brown of Brown’s Baling and Hay was presented the Outstanding Producer Award at the 2025 Forage Expo. Conner began his business with funds from the Wayne Wackerlin Memorial Fund.

This year’s Expo features a wide range of exhibits, equipment demonstrations, presentations, contests, and award announcements.

The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition and the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council seek an energetic and self-motivated Coordinator to join the efforts of the newly created Illinois Forage Grazing Collaborative.

There are many ways to determine forage and soil health, and soil fertility is a great tool in our management kit. Collecting information from a soil test, yield, and general observations can put you on the right track to productive fields.