Southern Farmers Collaborative Group members attended the "Building the Herd: 2024 Annual Convention" in Columbus, GA, from March 13-15, focused on various learning topics to enhance their knowledge and skills in cattle farming and forage management. The topics covered during the convention included:

  1. Building a forage system from the ground up: Participants learned strategies and best practices for establishing and maintaining a sustainable forage system to support their cattle herds.
  2. Government programs and USDA FSA: Attendees gained insights into government programs and services offered by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), which are relevant to cattle farming and forage management.
  3. Parasite resistance for your herd: This session provided information and strategies for managing and preventing parasite infestations in cattle herds, focusing on promoting herd health and productivity.
  4. Building a brand: Participants learned about the importance of branding in the cattle industry and strategies for developing a solid and recognizable brand for their operations.
  5. Direct-to-consumer and niche marketing: This topic explored opportunities for direct-to-consumer sales and niche marketing in the cattle industry, enabling participants to better connect with consumers and meet evolving market demands.

Overall, the convention provided SFCG members with valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance their cattle farming practices and optimize their forage management strategies.