The University of Wyoming Extension will host its WESTI Ag Day forage conference Wednesday, Feb. 12, in Worland. This all-day conference is designed to provide professional farmers with current, research-based information about best practices in Wyoming agriculture.

The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. It will take place at the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center, located at 2200 Big Horn Avenue.

This year, the conference will focus on alfalfa production. “No matter if you’ve been cutting hay for a year, or if you’ve been cutting hay for 20 years, you’ll get something out of it,” says Dan VanderPloeg, Washakie County agriculture and natural resources educator.

Speakers include Paul Stukenholtz, head of agricultural consulting business Stukenholtz Laboratory, who will present about fertilizing alfalfa to maximize yield and quality. UW researchers, extension specialists, and community partners will also present at the conference. They will address alfalfa establishment, pest control, and variety selection, as well as labor sources and forage market outlook.

The conference also features a vendor reception. From 12-1 p.m., banks, seed companies, and irrigation installation and management businesses will advertise their products and services.

Conference participants are asked to contact the Washakie County Extension office at (307) 347-3431 to reserve a spot as space is limited. A catered lunch will be provided for registered participants. On-site registration will open at 7 a.m. if space is still available.

To learn more about WESTI Ag Day, contact VanderPloeg at (307) 347-3431 or dvanderp@uwyo.edu.