Southwest Project Grass 45th Anniversary Conference

Southwest Project Grass (SWPG) is a cooperative effort group led by county conservation districts, local farmers, and industry partners, with assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture. They also receive assistance from Penn State Extension, the PA Department of Agriculture, the PA State Conservation Commission, and others. The goal of SWPG is to promote and improve pasture and rotational grazing systems through field days, pasture walks, and conferences.

This year is the 45th anniversary of SWPG, and to celebrate, they are hosting a conference in collaboration with the Red Devon Association on October 2–5, 2025, at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. Some highlights of the event include keynote speakers Steve Campbell, Troy Bishopp, and Dr. Lowell Midla, in addition to a Red Devon cattle show. The event will take place mainly on Friday and Saturday, kicking off with a farm tour and then returning to the fairgrounds for breakout sessions, which continue on Saturday, followed by live demonstrations.

Topics will include livestock management issues like profitability, mineral nutrition, cattle handling, and direct marketing, but will also focus on pastures and forage production with discussions revolving around soil health, testing your forages, fertility, and extending the grazing season.

For the full agenda, more information on SWPG, to register or sponsor the conference, visit the SWPG website. For any questions, reach out to Leanna Duppstadt, lms5900@psu.edu or 814-483-7156.