“Forages — Changes, Challenges and Opportunities” is the theme of the 16th annual Northwest Pennsylvania Grazing Conference.

The conference will be held March 12 at the Zion Church located about 3 miles south of Interstate 80, exit 62, near Clarion.

This year’s conference will focus on the changes and challenges that grass-based farmers are facing and where they can find opportunities in the future.

Sessions will cover topics such as getting the most out of forages, extending the grazing season, marketing opportunities, multi-species grazing and equine pasture management.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Garry Lacefield, Forage Specialist from the University of Kentucky.

Lacefield is a native of McHenry, Ky., and grew up on a crop-livestock farm in the western Kentucky coal field area. He has authored and co-authored more than 300 extension publications, papers, articles and book chapters, and he has lectured extensively in the U.S. and abroad.

He serves on a number of state and national boards and committees and is past president of the American Forage and Grassland Council.

USDA-NRCS grazing specialists Sid Brantley from Kentucky and Tom Calvert from Somerset County (retired) will discuss multi-species grazing opportunities.

Brian Moyer, PSU Extension, will talk about finding and keeping customers, and Dr. William Wise, veterinarian, will talk about keeping horses healthy on pastures.

More than 30 companies and organizations will exhibit products and services during the event.

Register before March 1. Registration is $30 per person and includes a hot buffet lunch.

Mail the registration and fee payable to Headwaters RC&D Council, Attn: Brittany Dittemore, 109 N. Brady St., 2nd floor, DuBois, PA 15801.

Conference information can be downloaded from the Headwaters RC&D website at www.headwaterspa.org, or by calling 814-503-8653.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.