2026 Western Kansas Forage Conference: Dec. 10 in Great Bend
K-State Extension will host the Western Kansas Forage Conference on Thursday, December 10, 2026, in Great Bend. The conference will feature research-based information and practical management recommendations for forage producers, livestock owners, and agricultural professionals.
The one-day program will cover a variety of forage production and livestock management topics, including forage fertility, pest management, forage insurance, livestock health concerns, and emerging technologies.
The conference will be held at the Oil & Gas Museum, 5944 10th Street, Great Bend, Kansas. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., with presentations starting at 9:30 a.m. and the program concluding at approximately 3:15 p.m.
Program Topics
K-State specialists will present on the following topics:
- Haying and Grazing Annual Forages and Associated Economics – John Holman, K-State Agronomist
- Forage Fertility Management: How Much Should I Spend on Fertilizer and Safeguards for Toxicity? – Logan Simon, K-State Southwest Area Agronomist
- Alfalfa and Annual Forage Insects – Anthony Zukoff, K-State Entomologist
- Forage Insurance Options to Protect Your Forage Investment – Jenny Ifft, K-State Agricultural Policy Specialist
- Net Wrap: Love It or Hate It? Death Loss vs. Removal Issues – Sandy Johnson, K-State Northwest Area Livestock Specialist
- Livestock Entomology: Winter Feeding Sites and Fly Control – Cassandra Olds, K-State Livestock Entomologist
- Prussic Acid and Nitrate Toxicity: Prevention and Management – Augustine Obour, K-State Soil Scientist at Hays
- Virtual Fencing: Payoff and Best Uses – Colin Tobin, K-State Range Management Scientist
The program will include opportunities for discussion with presenters throughout the day, along with a lunch break at noon.
Registration Information
Participants can register online at: https://bit.ly/KSUForageConfor scan the QR code.
For questions or additional information, contact the K-State Cottonwood Extension District at 620-793-1910 (Great Bend) or 785-628-9430 (Hays).
The conference is supported by K-State Extension's Cottonwood, Walnut Creek, and Midway districts, the Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers, and industry sponsors.
