The 101st annual Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Hillside Christian Church in Marshfield, continuing a long-standing local tradition while addressing current topics relevant to area producers.
Hosted by the Webster County University of Missouri Extension, the conference will run from 6 to 8:45 p.m., with registration opening at 5:45 p.m. A meal will be served at 6 p.m., catered by Shelia’s Café and featuring fried chicken and all the fixings. The educational program begins at 6:45 p.m. The event is free to attend, though pre-registration is requested by Feb. 20.
Extension Engagement Specialist Kyle Whittaker said the conference’s longevity reflects its continued value to the agricultural community.
“Reaching the 101st conference is a milestone, and it speaks to the continued interest in education and outreach among producers in Webster County,” Whittaker said.
The conference has evolved over time to reflect the needs and schedules of today’s agricultural community, with a format designed to provide shared learning and discussion.
“Our goal is to offer information that producers can actually use,” Whittaker said. “By having everyone attend the same sessions, it creates a common foundation for conversation and learning.”
One featured presentation will be “The History of Ozarks Soils and Conversion to Farmland — Lessons that Help Us in Today’s Forage Production,” presented by Josh Dunn, MU Extension agronomy specialist. The session will examine long-term soil test data and conservation efforts across the region.
“This presentation looks at where our soils have been and what that history can tell us about managing forage and nutrients more effectively in the future,” Whittaker said.
Another topic on the agenda is Agricultural Electrical Safety, presented by Josh Fuller of Show-Me Power.
“Electrical safety is an issue that never goes away in agriculture,” Whittaker said. “Anytime we can provide education that helps keep people safe on their farms, it’s time well spent.”
The final presentation of the evening will focus on cattle health with “Anaplasmosis and Theileria: The Devil You Know vs. the Devil You Don’t,” presented by Dr. Emily Johnson of Marshfield Veterinary Clinic.
“Producers are dealing with these diseases more frequently, and prevention is a major part of managing them,” Whittaker said. “This session is about understanding the risks and what can be done to reduce them.”
The conference will be held at Hillside Christian Church, located at 769 Hillside Loop in Marshfield. Donations will be accepted. The event is made possible through the Webster County Extension Council, Webster County Commission, University of Missouri Extension and local sponsors.
Pre-registration is requested by Friday, Feb. 20, and can be completed by calling the Webster County Extension Center at 417-859-2044 or registering online at extension.missouri.edu/events/webster-county-diversified-ag-conference.
CUTLINE:
Soil health and nutrient management will be among the topics discussed at the 101st Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference on Feb. 24 in Marshfield. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
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