The ANR agents of Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8) joined forces to present a hands-on program concerning forages just ahead of winter feeding.   The skyrocketing cost of inputs, coupled with very poor growing conditions, prompted the W8 agents to develop the “Hayfields to Hay Rings” educational program. 

The program was held at the Metcalfe Co. Farmers’ Market facility.  Forty-two producers participated in sessions on optimal harvest times; maximizing stand longevity; hay testing procedures; forage analysis interpretation; and storage and feeding options.  Participants were able to guess the weight of hay rolls and small squares to reinforce the need to have forage weighed and know what their own bales weigh. Equipment for sampling was demonstrated, as well as several different types of hay feeding systems.   

Producers were shown that the outermost 6 inches of the roll represent 30% of the total volume of the roll.   Without proper storage, this 6 inches is quickly lost. The average cost of a large roll of grass hay at the time of the program was $55.00.  If you lose 30% to spoilage and waste, then you lose $16.50 per roll.  If the average farmers feeds 200 rolls per year, then $3,300 is lost. 

After the program, producers were able to closely inspect the hay feeding options as well as the sampling equipment.  One producer commented after the program, “If you’re losing $16 per roll, you can pay for hay barn pretty quickly.”