The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) will host the 2026 NFREC Beef and Forage Field Day on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, near Marianna. The event will bring together cattle producers, landowners, agricultural professionals, and students for a day of practical learning, hands-on demonstrations, and expert presentations focused on improving beef cattle and forage management.
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Participants will gain insights from UF/IFAS faculty and industry specialists on innovative practices designed to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability in beef cattle operations across the region.
The program will begin with registration and coffee from 8:00 to 9:00 AM CDT., followed by the morning program starting at 9:00 AM. Topics and speakers include:
- Reconnecting cattle to cropland: The role of integrated crop–livestock systems, presented by Jose Dubeux and Jennifer Bearden
– - Feeding for breeding, presented by Angela Gonella and Kalyn Waters
– - Perennial forage establishment, presented by Cheryl Mackowiak, Doug Mayo, Mark Mauldin, and Benjamin Hoffner
– - Nutrition for finishing beef cattle, presented by Nicolas DiLorenzo and Nick Simmons
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From 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM., all participants will enjoy a special presentation entitled “Did my steak really come all the way from Colorado?” by Dean Pringle, which will explore beef supply chains and consumer perceptions about beef origin. The event will conclude with a steak lunch at Noon., offering attendees the opportunity to network with researchers, extension specialists, and fellow producers.
The registration fee for the event is $15/person and includes a proceedings, refreshments, and lunch. Use the following link to reserve your seat for the tour wagon and your steak for lunch.
2026 Beef & Forage Field Day Registration
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