We're the International Grassland Congress
The International Grassland Congress promotes interchange of information on all aspects of natural and cultivated grasslands and forage crops for the benefit of mankind, including sustained development, food production and the maintenance of biodiversity.
We are pleased to welcome delegates to the United States for the 25th International Grassland Congress May 14-19, 2023, in Covington, Kentucky. This is the first time IGC will be in the US since 1981.
The theme of the conference is Grassland for Soil, Animal and Human Health. The conference features academic presentations that highlight research on grassland ecology, forage production and utilization, livestock production systems, grassland sustainability and ecosystems, and grassland policies and social issues.
Another highlight of the event will be tours of grasslands throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. We are excited to host the International Grassland Congress in Kentucky. Find out more about the event using the links below.
The International Grassland Congress (IGC) is a worldwide gathering of leading scientists, students, industry, extension and primary producers that meet every 3-5 years to share their research results and their experiences.
What is a grassland?
Grasslands cover 27% of the world’s land area, account for 70% of agricultural land, and are one of the most important ecosystems in the world.
They form an important foundation for agriculture and livestock husbandry as well as contribute to the livelihoods of more than 800 million people.
From its beginning as a small group of researchers in Europe in 1927, it is now a gathering with over 1000 delegates from 80+ countries. Congress delegates often state that the IGC Congresses they attended were a highlight of their career because they interacted with people from around the world with a shared interest and passion for grasslands and the animals that grasslands sustain.
The International Grassland Congresses have spanned the globe and have been held on every continent with the last five in Brazil, Ireland, China, Australia, and India and upcoming Congresses in Kenya and the United States. Topics at these Congresses range from grassland production and utilization to grassland policies and social issues. Other topics include livestock production systems, grassland ecology, grassland sustainability, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem services. The impact of IGC Congresses extends long after the actual gathering of people with initiatives such as a study being commissioned on the global future of grasslands.
The new IGC history book is here!
In 1927, recognizing the importance of grasslands in food security, a group of 16 scientists, from seven European countries, met in Leipzig, Germany to seek ways to improve grassland agriculture and communication among grassland scientists. Close to 100 years later, their efforts have evolved into the International Grassland Congress, an event attended by about 1000 delegates representing more than 80 countries.
Using first-hand accounts of those who lived through its history, this book traces the origin and development of the International Grassland Congress. It also gives insight on how historical events, organizational changes, and technical advances are affecting the event and grassland science as a whole. However, despite shifting priorities and technology, many basic principles, methods, and objectives emerging from the early research in grassland agriculture remain relevant today.
It is written by Vivien G. Allen (Texas Tech University, USA), Roger J. Wilkins (Rothamsted Research, UK), Garry D. Lacefield (University of Kentucky, USA) and S. Ray Smith (University of Kentucky, USA). It is published by The Forage and Grassland Foundation (Lexington, Kentucky, USA).
Leadership
Find contact information for each regional leader in the International Grassland Congress here.
Resources
Looking for resources sorted by region? Look no further!
Publications
Grassland terminology, information about our new history book, and past Congress minutes can be found here.