MARQUETTE – Michigan State University Extension is hosting the 10th annual Agriculture for Tomorrow conference in Escanaba on March 8 to help Upper Peninsula farmers stay informed, up-to-date and profitable.

Topics will include alfalfa and mixed forage management, U.P. beef feedlots, malting barley and distillers grains as cattle feed, raising hogs in the Upper Peninsula., raising Holstein steer calves, farmer panels focusing on cash crops and direct marketing, using social media to advocate for agriculture and promote your farm business, being prepared to apply for loan funding, finance opportunities for beginning and young farmers, and applying soil health concepts to U.P. farms.

Participants can gain information on farming practices they are currently pursuing, or explore new possibilities.

Delta County farmers and Michigan Agriculture Commission member Diane Hansen will provide a key note talk on “Advocating for Upper Peninsula Agriculture.”

MSU Extension U.P. crop production educator Jim Isleib said in a written statement: “This conference is a local, low-cost opportunity for farmers of all kinds and sizes to get together and learn. It’s a great day off the farm toward the end of a long U.P. winter.”

Agriculture for Tomorrow will take place at Bay College, Heirman University Center, 2001 N. Lincoln Road, in Escanaba.

The early registration cost is $25 before Feb. 24, or $35 after that date, and includes lunch and materials.

For more information about the Agriculture for Tomorrow conference or to register, visit events.anr.msu.edu/2016agfortomorrow/.

Contact Isleib at 906-387-2530 or isleibj@anr.msu.edu with any questions.