Newsletter article by Susan Wurzbacher

New Warm-season Grass Producer Group Supports Grower Needs in a Developing Industry


Warm-season grass crops are a compelling opportunity for producers interested in expanding acreage to marginal fields for fuller land utilization, exploring new agricultural products and markets, enhancing ecosystem services, and reaching many other objectives. However, adoption of these crops has not yet become widespread, and producers interested in or actively involved in managing these crops may benefit from working cooperatively in building the industry. Penn State Extension has recently been working with warm-season grass growers in the region to establish a producer group designed to help meet the needs of those working directly with these new crops.

Known as The Association of Warm Season Grass Producers (AWSGP), this group:
Promotes the use and planting of warm-season grasses.
Works to maximize the profitability of these crops for local farmers.
Assists in educating growers on the implementation of best practices for managing and harvesting these
      crops.
Supports and encourages entrepreneurial activity that further develops the use of warm-season grasses
     in all areas of agriculture.

Membership is voluntary and open to any individual, business, or organization representing those interested in using or supporting the activities of AWSGP and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.

If you might be interested in joining or just want a bit more information, reach out to Will Brandau, the AWSGP Chair (willbrandau@gmail.com / 570-379-2971), who will place you on the email list and begin a dialogue about your interests and needs as they pertain to this group. You can also contact Sarah Wurzbacher at the Penn State Extension Crawford Office (sjw246@psu.edu / 814-350-7753).

In the meantime, let’s address a few of the basic questions you might have:
Q: Is this a Penn State Extension program?
A: Penn State Extension facilitated the founding of this group, but the leadership (officers, steering committee members) and membership are composed entirely of producers and businesses working directly in the industry as practitioners.
Q: What is the cost of membership?
A: The AWSGP collects modest annual membership dues to cover a few basic expenses (for example, its website): $10 for a participant who does not produce warm-season grasses, $25 for a farmer producing warm-season grasses, and $40 for a business.
Q: Can I see what this group is all about before joining?
A: As a newly established group, the AWSGP welcomes interested individuals to join them for a few calls or meetings before committing to membership and paying dues.
Q: Where else can I find out more?
A: In addition to using the contact information above, you can visit the AWSGP website (http://www.awsgp.org/) or swing by the Penn State Renewable and Alternative Energy table display (in the Harrington Building) at Ag Progress Days (August 16-18), where an AWSGP member will be posted to talk with you. In addition, several AWSGP members will be present at a series of upcoming pellet production workshops happening across Pennsylvania between July and September. Find out more about these workshops at https://www.pnercd.org/.