Covid-19 caused the cancellation of the 2021 Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction.  The auction returned in 2022, and to the delight of all those involved the event picked right up where it had left off.  Buyers and sellers alike were glad to see the event bring together forage producers with forage buyers. Even in early 2022, producers began to see that the cost of production in the upcoming growing season was going to be significantly higher than 2021. Savvy livestock producers came to sale ready to make purchases for 2022 winter feeding needs. Would-be sellers were willing to use the strong market to bolster their cash flow going in the 2022 growing season.  

2022 was the fifth edition of the hay and straw auction.  What started as a partnership between Metcalfe, Monroe, & Barren Counties now includes all the counties and agents in W8.  Thirteen consignors sold over $31,500.00 of hay, straw and baleage. Over 2,500 round rolls of hay; 1,100 rolls of baleage; and over 4,300 small square bales were sold either at the auction or as a direct result of the sale.  As usual, several producers were again to establish relationships with buyers outside the sale.  Agents have been asked about this practice of producers making “side deals”.  The deals made outside the sale do deprive the Metcalfe County Fair Board of the small commission they receive for use of the facilities. Conversely, anytime buyers and sellers get a relationship started, then economic development has occurred.

The Tri-County Hay & Straw auction continues to be an excellent educational opportunity for consignors, buyers, and spectators. By utilizing the Kentucky Department of Agriculture forage nutrition analysis and the weight of forage, buyers are making well informed choices. Producer are seeing first hand the value of properly stored forage, and using nutritional analysis to make feed decisions.

Livestock and forage producers in south-central Kentucky look forward to last Saturday in January when hay and straw go on the auction block at the Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction. What started a way to simply get buyers and sellers together, has grown into an economic development opportunity and a teachable moment.