State Councils
Michigan Forage Council
The Michigan Forage Council (MFC) is a non-profit 501c(3) volunteer organization that is recognized by the State of Michigan as the official commodity group for forage-based agriculture. As such, it participates in educational and policy-setting initiatives from the Michigan legislature, MDARD, Michigan Farm Bureau, MSU Extension, and MSU forage research programs. The MFC is an affiliate member of the American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC), which performs similar functions on a national level, and the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance (NAFA), which focuses on promoting forage industry interests in Washington DC. The MFC also represents Michigan within the National Grazing lands Coalition (NatGLC).
Membership in MFC is open to forage producers and buyers, forage industry professionals, public service personnel, and anyone else interested in the promotion of forage agriculture, regardless of whether they live in Michigan.
⇒ 2021 Affiliate Council Annual Report
⇒ 2022 Affiliate Council Annual Report
MFC Board Members:
Jon Nelson ( President )
Nick Rodgers (Vice President )
Jerry Lindquist ( Secretary )
Paul Wagner (Treasurer)
Dr. Kim Cassida (Executive Secretary/Educational Advisor)
Michigan Membership Application
Membership Dues:
Individual (1yr): $50
Individual (3yr): $120
Corporate (1yr): $50
Corporate (3yr): $125
Events:
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference
March 19, 2026 | 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
John C. Magnus Center
RESD
3200 S Clare Ave, Harrison, MI. 48625
Agenda
On-Demand Workshops:
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference: US Dairy Forage Research Center – Dr. Dennis Hancock
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference: MSU Forage Research Update – Dr. Kim Cassida
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference: Value-Added Hay and Straw Repackaging – Mike Lauwers
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference: Hot Air for Forage – John Strieter
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference: Michigan Grazing Dairy Industry Trends – Tom Cook
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference: The Baleage Balance – Moisture, Fermentation and Risks – Dr. Dennis Hancock
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference: Michigan Hay Supply Update – Jerry Lindquist
Great Lakes Forage & Grazing Conference: Details to Forage Excellence – Phil Kaatz
Resources:
https://forage.msu.edu/
https://forage.msu.edu/people/
Contact:
Jerry Lindquist: lindquis@msu.edu (231-912-0103)
Kim Cassida: cassida@msu.edu (517-353-0278)
Attn: Kim Cassida, Executive Secretary
1066 Bogue St., Rm A486
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1325
AMERICAN FORAGE & GRASSLAND CONFERENCE 2027
Register Now:: January 11-14, 2027 in Knoxville, TN.
NATIONAL FORAGE WEEK 2026
June 14-20, 2026. Get details.
WHY ARE FORAGES IMPORTANT?
These resources cover about 55% of the land area in the United States Forage-livestock industry contributes more than $60 billion annually.
Become a Member
Learn how you can make a difference by being a member of our organization.
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Reach Us
We'd love to hear from you. Contact us at the information below, or complete the form.
PO Box 867,
Berea, KY 40403
membership@afgc.org