CHATHAM — The Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center will host a Forage Twilight Program on Wednesday, June 13, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in Chatham. The program will feature the various forage-based research projects that are being conducted at the farm. They include:

– Annual clover trial – Dr. Kim Cassida

– Reduced-lignin alfalfa trial – Dr. Kim Cassida

– Alfalfa and forage grass performance trials – Christian Kapp

– Small grains and pea forage variety trial – Monica Jean

– Alfalfa nurse crop species and seeding rate trial – Jim Isleib

– Cover crop species performance trial – Dr. Dean Baas

To cap the evening, featured presenter, Mike Buis, has been invited to speak on Extending the Grazing Seaon with Cover Crops. Buis is a third generation cattle rancher and farmer from Chatham, Ontario. He has developed a practical and sustainable system of growing and grazing cover crops and will share his successes and failures over the past 10 years. The Buis’s own a mixed farming operation with vegetable and field crops as well as a herd of 350 beef cows. They are an innovative farm and not afraid to try new operational techniques. They raise, finish and sell their beef in their own retail store. Learn more here.

The event will begin with dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. at the South Farm of the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center at E3774 University Drive, Chatham. The educational program will begin at 6 p.m. with plot tours and networking opportunities with researchers and will conclude back in the barn for Buis’ presentation. The event should wrap-up by 9 p.m. and will be held rain or shine. Registration is not required, but strongly encouraged. For any questions and to register, contact Michelle at (906) 439-5114 or colema98@msu.edu. If you are interested in learning more about forage research at MSU, feel free to reach out to Ashley McFarland at 906-439-5176 or ashleymc@anr.msu.edu.