By Scout Nelson
Producers interested in expanding their forage options will have an opportunity to evaluate a range of warm-season forage varieties during an upcoming field day near Valentine. Organized by Star Seed, the event will showcase 14 forage varieties growing under similar conditions, allowing farmers and ranchers to compare performance and adaptability.
The free field day will be held on Monday, September,21,2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time. Participants will tour replicated research plots and learn more about forage selection and cropping strategies.
The event is designed to help producers assess traits such as growth habits, vigor, and suitability for grazing, hay, and forage production systems. Seeing the varieties side by side will provide practical insights for producers considering new forage options.
A highlight of the program will be presentations by Nicolas Cafáro La Menza, Nebraska Extension cropping systems specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. He will discuss forage production, management practices, and agronomic factors that influence the success of warm-season forage crops.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with Nebraska Extension professionals and industry representatives. Discussions will focus on forage management, crop rotations, productivity, and other cropping system considerations.
The educational portion of the event will run from 10 a.m. to noon and include the trial plot tour and expert presentations. Participants will be able to closely examine the plots and learn about the strengths and management requirements of different forage varieties.
Following the field tour, a hosted lunch and reception will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Bunkhouse Restaurant and Lounge. The gathering will provide an opportunity for networking and discussions with growers, researchers, extension specialists, and seed industry professionals.
While attendance is free, space for the lunch reception is limited. Organizers encourage participants to register in advance to reserve their spot.
The trial field is located about 18 miles north of Valentine on U.S. Highway 83 in Olsonville, South Dakota. Additional information and registration details are available online or by calling 800-782-7311.
By bringing together forage trials, research expertise, and industry knowledge, the field day aims to help producers make informed forage management decisions and improve the productivity of their livestock and cropping operations.
For Registration Visit.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-songdech
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Education