Dedicated to researching and promoting the value of the forage industry, the Midwest Forage Association (MFA) helps to educate farmers on methods that would make them more profitable in their practices with a focus on forages. Chelsea Russell, the local council director for the Midwest Forage Association explains more about the research they do and how they benefit not only farmers but the community.
“Members of the association get access to our magazine and newsletter as well as coupons from our industry supporters,” says Russell. “The most important goal of MFA though is to provide support to our local councils.”
The MFA has several local councils throughout the region that serve as the grassroots of the association. The councils play key roles in the support of the Midwest Forage Research Program.
The Midwest Forage Association runs research programs that help track alfalfa yield, agronomic practices, and much more. A lot of what MFA works on is done in collaboration with the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance (NAFA).
“We are the largest regional hay affiliate of NAFA and have board members from MFA that also sit on the national board,” explains Russell. “We’ve advocated for funding for forages for Wisconsin specifically that has resulted in the hiring of a forage specialist position that’s been vacant for a long time.”
The MFA has been doing a lot of work with the upcoming farm bill as well as past farm bills. In past farm bills, they were able to get a research program authorized specifically for alfalfa, which was the first time that alfalfa was specifically ever mentioned in a farm bill. They are working hard to have forage insurance programs and better forage protection programs included.
Russell adds, “We are here to support forage farmers and are a great resource as there is a lot of information that can be shared. As we continue on our path, hopefully we continue to grow in our members and the research we are able to conduct to truly benefit everyone.”
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