Understanding a producer’s forage quality is the backbone of providing a balanced nutrition plan.  Hay testing can provide data that producers and Cooperative Extension Agents use to ensure the nutritional needs of the animal are being met.  Without a test, farmers are blindly feeding leading to wasted resources.  

The Central Kentucky Hay Contest was created to generate friendly competition among producers and educate producers about forage test analysis and the economic impact of the results.  Eight central Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Agents organized the contest and gathered samples from their county to be analyzed by the UK Forage team.  In total, over 130 samples were analyzed.

Traditionally hay testing has been under utilized. Tests can be difficult for farmers to interpret and farmers often don't understand how to ration their hay. 7 Scott County farmers competed in the Central Kentucky Hay Contest submitting over 30 samples. Producers really enjoyed the one-on-one time with their agent taking hay samples and the program at the Fayette County Extension Office. All participants enjoyed the program and the information that was relayed to them. They look forward to participating in it again next year!