How Grass Bought the Farm
This year’s keynote speakers, Dr. Ben Bartlett and his wife Denise of Log Cabin Livestock in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, will present “How Grass Bought the Farm.” Ben is a retired MSU Extension Educator and a leader in bringing managed intensive grazing to Michigan and an early adopter of utilizing baleage in challenging northern climates.
The conference also features the Forage Spokesperson Contest, showcasing innovative Michigan farmers, along with an afternoon presentation by retired MSU Extension Educator Jerry Lindquist, “45 Years of Best Forage Practices.” Lindquist will highlight proven strategies such as strategic fertilization, multispecies cover crop grazing, bale grazing, and regenerative forage methods.
Breakout sessions throughout the afternoon include a forage research update from MSU Forage & Cover Crop Specialist Dr. Kim Cassida, and a virtual fencing panel featuring farmers, industry representatives, and university experts discussing this emerging livestock‑management technology.
Registration is $65 before March 15 and $75 after, including lunch prepared by the CTE Culinary Arts Program. The event is sponsored by the Michigan Forage Council and MSU Extension.
Pre-registration ends on March 15th at which time all fees increase by $10, which must be paid at the door.
Lunch is not guaranteed if you do not register by March 15, 2026
More than 600 years of combined forage and grazing experience will gather in Clare on March 19 for the 2026 Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference, hosted at the new CTE John C. Magnus Center, located at 3200 S. Clare Ave., Clare, MI. This new facility offers convenient access from US-127. The event brings together farmers, researchers, and industry professionals passionate about improving forage production and grazing systems.
Schedule
9:00 A.M. Registration & Tradeshow Opens
9:30 A.M. Welcome & Introductions, Jon Nelson, Michigan Forage Council President
9:45 A.M. How "Grass" Bought the Farm, Dr. Ben & Denise Bartlett, U.P. Grass, Cattle and Sheep Caretakers
10:20 A.M. Refreshments and Tradeshow Break
11:00 A.M. Forage Spokesperson Contest
12:00 P.M. Luncheon Feast
12:30 P.M. MFC Annual Business Meeting
1:10 P.M. Sharing 45 Years of Best Forage Practices,Jerry Lindquist, Retired MSU Extension Grazing Educator
1:50 P.M. Tradeshow Break
2:15 P.M. Breakout sessions
Room A: Forage Research Update from MSU, Dr. Kim Cassida, MSU Forage Specialist
Room B: You Need a Grazing Plan, Dr. Ben Bartlett, Longtime Grazier - Still Learning
2:50 P.M. Continuation of Breakout Sessions
Room A : Preventing & Dealing with Hay Fires, John Strieter, Strieter Farms, Bayport, MI Panel Discussion of Farmers and Agri-business
Room B: Virtual Fence - the "No Fence" Containment System, Jerry Lindquist, MSU Extension Retired
3:30 P.M. Conference concludes
For questions/help with registration please call (989) 426-7741.