Register Now for the Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Event

By Blake Jackson

The 2025 Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference will take place in Westmoreland County at the West Overton Village and Museum in Scottdale on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with the conference starting at 8:45 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to network with fellow participants and visit with vendors.

This year’s conference highlights solar panels, with over 10,000 solar lease agreements signed by farmers and landowners across Pennsylvania. The event will feature two expert speakers.

Dan Brockett from Penn State Extension will cover the current state of the energy industry, its future, and key considerations for farmers, including land use, pricing, and trends.

The potential for solar installation on farmland is growing, and Daniel Dotterer, the owner of Agrivoltaic Innovations and Metaglobal Technologies, will explore the details and best practices of entering grazing contracts in conjunction with solar panel installation.

This conference is designed for both seasoned farmers and those just beginning their journey in forage and grassland management. Participants will gain practical knowledge on topics such as dry hay, haylage, and grazing.

Attendees will also have the chance to interact with exhibitors from industry and government, fostering connections and learning about the latest products and services in the field.

The full conference agenda includes:

• Solar Leasing in PA: Important Considerations by Dan Brockett, Penn State Extension
• Challenges of Grazing Under Solar Panels by Daniel Dotterer, Agrivoltaic Innovations
• Silage: A Comprehensive Guide by Dr. Megan Smith, Lallemand Animal Nutrition
• Assessing Forage Quality from a Report by Cliff Ocker, Rock River Laboratory, Inc.
• Baling Quality Hay: From Cutting to Storage by Jeff Roberts, Harvest Tec

Registration fees for walk-ins or those paying after February 1 are $30 for PFGC members and $50 for non-members, which includes lunch. For more information or to register, visit the PA Forage and Grassland Council website or contact Terri at PAForageGrassland@gmail.com.

Vendors are welcome to participate, with sponsorship opportunities available for beverages, breaks, speakers, and lunch. For vendor details and a complete fee schedule, reach out to Terri at PAForageGrassland@gmail.com.

Photo Credit: pexels-jeffrey-czum