Hay and forage producers can learn more about hay and forage production at the 28th annual Hay & Forage Expo set for June 25 and 26 near Boone, Iowa. It’s the industry’s only two-day hay and forage event in the nation.

Live field demonstrations of hay making, hay handling and forage harvesting are the key draw for visitors. The two-day extravaganza showcases mowing, conditioning, baling and hay handling demonstrations on alfalfa. Visitors can compare the various equipment brands side by side under actual field conditions.

This year’s event will be held at Central Iowa Expo, the same location where the Farm Progress Show will be held in August. Alfalfa fields designated for parking during the Farm Progress Show will be used for the haying and forage harvesting demonstrations. That means around 150 acres of alfalfa is available for the demos.

The alfalfa acres are owned by Farm Progress Show host farmer Eric Ziel. He says the crop came through the harsh winter of 2013-14 in fine shape. “Considering the winter we had, the alfalfa survived quite well.”

The first cutting was put up in big round bales but second and third cuttings will be big square bales and a few small squares, depending on the weather. “The big squares sell the best,” notes Cory.

Ziel says the alfalfa was seeded in 2008 for the first Farm Progress Show held on the site. “So, we will soon be into the seventh season on this crop. We hope to get another three years out of it.”

A 10-acre exhibit field will highlight displays from the major and shortline specialty manufacturers, seed, building and storage facility suppliers, and a range of related product suppliers. Exhibitors plan to showcase a host of new products aimed at boosting the efficiency and profitability of hay and forage production.

At the Haying Industries Tent you will find the latest in livestock feeding and handling equipment as well as information on seed, forage crop protection products and much more.

Each show day will feature an informative seminar. “Weather Outlook for 2014 and Beyond” will be presented Wednesday, May 25 by Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State Univ. Ext. Climatologist. “Corn Stover — Managing and Selling Biomass to a Cellulosic Biorefinery” will be presented Thursday, May 26 by Matt Darr, assoc. professor, Iowa State Univ., Dept. of Agricultural and Biosystems.