The Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction started as only Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties. Today the cooperating counties are Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe. The anticipated annual event is something both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to rely on.  Each year presents unfavorable weather conditions that result in a forage supply shortage for a number some livestock producers.  The auction system allows the hay supply and demand to accurately drive the market. The Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction allows all producers to get an idea of the value of their forage. 

In January of 2024, twelve different consigners offered large rolls of dry grass or legume hay; small square bales; rolled baleage; and small squares of straw for sale. Twenty-three different buyers made purchases totaling $23,959. 

2024 marked the sixth year of this event.  Since its inception, over $190,000 worth of forages have been sold.   Sixty-one different consignors have sold at the sale over the past 6 years.  Consignor development and recruitment is an ongoing process as many sellers have established relationships with customers who now buy directly from the farm.  These connections are another positive outcome to the Tri-County Hay Auction.   Farmers have witnessed first-hand that quality hay brings a quality price. 

The 2024 sale also saw new partnerships emerge.  Flu vaccines and health screenings were made available to those in attendance through Western Kentucky University, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, & Barren River Health Department.  University of Kentucky Extension staff provided Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) education. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and UK Extension have developed nutritional recipes using Kentucky wild game.  Hay auction participants were treated to venison chili and received information about the Cook Wild program. 

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