The 2009 Kansas Hay and Grazing Conference will be held Wed., Jan. 14 at the Kansas Farm Bureau building in Manhattan. The conference is sponsored by Kansas State University Research and Extension and the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council.

Noble Foundation forage researcher, Andy Hopkins will give the keynote address "Where Are We Headed with Forage Research?"

The event, which starts with registration from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., is for anyone interested in livestock grazing, hay production and utilization or the buying and selling of Kansas grass and hay products, organizers said. In addition to breakout sessions, the event will feature educational displays and commercial exhibits.

An awards luncheon will feature a presentation by Greg Krissek, director of government affairs at ICM, Inc. Krissek will speak on "Colwich Ethanol Plant Producing Cellulosic Biofuels in Kansas."

Presentations on a variety of topics will include: Liability in the Hay Business; Pasture, Rangeland, Forage - Vegetation Plan of Insurance; Cool Season Grass Fertilization; Clean Water Farms Project; and Patch Burn Grazing of the Tallgrass Prairie.

More topics to be covered include: Rangeland Management with a Cow Herd; Proper Burning Technique for Rangeland and CRP; Grass-Fed Beef Update; Using Byproduct Supplements; A "Watch List" for Invasive Plants in Kansas; Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Animal Identification Update; and Improved Forages for the Southern Plains.

The pre-registration fee of $40, payable by Jan. 8, covers a 2009 membership in the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council, a 2009 KFGC Discount Coupon Book, conference lunch and breaks, and conference proceedings. The registration fee after Jan. 8 and at the door is $60.

Registration and further information is available by calling 620-431-1530 or email kwalters@oznet.ksu.edu.