November 2024
IL Grazing Lands Coalition & IFGC Seeking Coordinator
The Illinois Forage Grazing Collaborative, established in 2024, is a new partnership between the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition, the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, and the University of Illinois Extension to offer new educational resources to Illinois producers on the benefits of conservation grazing associated with different forage selection and grazing management. This effort will equip Illinois producers with knowledge and technical assistance on pasture management, soil health, forage selection, and cover crop and crop residue grazing.
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. The successful candidate will have a background in forage and livestock grazing systems and will be responsible for providing support to Illinois producers through educational resources and statewide events. The Coordinator reports to the ILGLC Executive Director and will interact directly with the IFGC Board of Directors.
The position is part-time (50% FTE) with an average expectation of 20 hours per week. Compensation based upon experience. ILGLC and IFGC are equal opportunity employers, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
For more information or to view the complete job description visit the Illinois Forage and Grassland website at www.illinoisforage.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with interview beginning immediately. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Christian@ilgrazinglands.org.
North Carolina Hurricane Relief
The Northwest Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, Juda Hay Sales and Jon Herron with Just Say Hay, donated hay to help farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. In addition to the hay donations, bagged and canned livestock and pet food, and fencing supplies were also donated. Additional opportunities to donate may be possible at the NW IFGC Hay Sale in Orangeville, IL. For more information contact Don Brown, Jr. at 815-238-8372.
IFGC Annual Meeting
The 2024 IFGC Annual Meeting is planned for November 23 at 9:30 a.m. in the Clover Room at the University of Illinois– Macon County Office, located at 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd, Decatur, Illinois. The meeting will include a review of IFGC events, board meeting and election of officers and directors.
Lessons from a Seasoned Forage Producer
After serving as a hay producer for 43 years, Steve Berning, IFGC board member and owner of Galusha Farm in Warrenville, IL has decided to retire. Steve grew up on a dairy farm and in 1981 started in hay production and marketing. IFGC would like to thank Steve for his service to the forage community and for serving as a board member for many years.
In a recent interview Steve shared some of his experiences over the last four decades:
What changes have your seen in technology or within the industry?
“The biggest change was the 21 bale accumulator for small square bale production. It takes the work out of it and allows very efficient product and storage handling operations. We can now bale 600 bales an hour and place them in the barn at the rate of one bale per second.”What are the most important things you learned about marketing hay over the last 40 years?
“Patience! The customer is right, treat the customer like you want to be treated and cash on delivery”What advice would you give someone wanting to start their own hay business?
“Buy an established hay business. Find one that is profitable, otherwise it takes years to become established and make money.”What’s next for you?
“I plan to retire on April 30, 2025. I want to successfully transition my business before that time; then retire, travel and not watch the rain forecast as much.”
To learn more about Steve Berning and visit Galusha Farm.
AFGC Annual Conference—Kissimmee, FL
The American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference will be held January 12-15 in Kissimmee, Florida at the Wyndham Conference Center. Registration for the conference can be completed online. The conference will include workshops on the latest in baleage research, grazing cover crops, and renewable energy. The emerging scientists competitions, forage bowl and forage spokesperson competitions will also be held.
2025 SUMMER EVENTS
Nov. 8: Pasture Walk, Quincy, Dean & David Dedert Farm
Nov. 9: Pasture Walk: Pasture Grazed Regenerative Farm, Clare, IL
Nov. 13-14: Missouri Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference, Lake Ozark, MO
Nov. 16: Greg Thoren Pasture Walk, Stockton
Nov. 23: IFGC Annual Board Meeting, University of IL Macon County Office, Decatur
Dec. 4-6: 9th National Grazing Lands Conference, Tucson, AZ
Dec. 14: Pasture Walk: Brubaker Farm, Ina
Jan. 12-15: AFGC Conference, Kissimmee, FL
Mar. 11-12: IL Grazing Lands Coalition Grazing Conference, Northfield Inn & Suites, Springfield