PA Forage and Grassland Council to Hold Annual Meeting

The 2025 Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference is moving West to Westmoreland County! This year's conference will be on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the West Overton Village and Museum in Scottdale. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the program starting at 8:45 a.m. Please come early to enjoy fellowship with other participants and vendors.

With over 10,000 solar lease options offered and signed in PA by farmers and land owners, this year's highlighted topic is focused on solar panels and features two great speakers. Dan Brockett, with Penn State Extension, will focus on where the energy industry is so far and where it is going in the future, including prices, land use, and considerations for farmers. The draw of solar panel installation is coupled with the desire to still utilize the land, so Daniel Dotterer, Owner of Agrivolatic Innovations, Daniel Dotterer Farms, and Founder at Metaglobal Technologies, will discuss some of the details, considerations, and best practices before entering into a grazing contract.

This conference will surely provide information for farmers with years of experience in making dry hay, haylage, and grazing and producers just getting started and looking to develop their skills. Enjoy the opportunity to network with producers and interact with exhibitors from both industry and government alike. Session participation will provide attendees with practical and helpful information that can be implemented immediately.

Full Program for the 2025 Conference:

• Solar Leasing in PA: Some important considerations — Dan Brockett - Penn State Extension
• Challenges Related to Grazing Under Solar Panels — Daniel Dotterer - Owner of Agrivoltaic Innovations, Daniel Dotterer Farms and Founder at Metaglobal Technologies 
• Silage: A Comprehensive Guide — Dr. Megan Smith - Global Silage Technical Project Manager, Lallemand Animal Nutrition
• Assessing Forage Quality from a Report — Cliff Ocker - Director of Sales & Client Relation, Rock River Laboratory, Inc. 
• Baling Quality Hay: Considerations from Cutting to Storage — Jeff Roberts, Harvest Tec

Walk-ins or registration paid after February 1 will be $30 for PFGC members and $50 for non-members, including lunch. The conference and registration information are available at the 2025 PA Forage Grassland Annual Conference registration website or by contacting Terri (PAForageGrassland@gmail.com). For a complete agenda and more information, visit the PA Forage and Grassland Council website.

Vendors are also welcome and encouraged to participate in the event. Sponsorship options include pre-conference beverages, multiple breaks, speakers, and lunch. Sponsors can also purchase exhibit space. For a complete schedule of fees and vendor signup letter, contact Terri (PAForageGrassland@gmail.com).

The Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council, in cooperation with Penn State Extension, sponsors the conference.