Kentucky hay contests encompass 584 samples in 2023

Specialists Involved: Jimmy Henning, Chris Teutsch, Jeff Lehmkulher, Bob Coleman and Ken Andries (Morehead State University).

The Eastern Kentucky Hay Contest (EKHC) is a cooperative effort between the county agents in Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky and local cattlemen’s associations and the University of Kentucky faculty specialists in animal science, plant and soil science and also specialists from Kentucky State University. The contest began 28 years ago involving three counties and has grown to include 17 counties. The contest has seen an increase in the number of samples submitted over the course of the educational effort. Record numbers of samples have been received in recent years. In 2018, the number of entries was around 450 and in 2019 that number increased 25% to 599. In 2020, the number of samples submitted was 625, the most ever. In 2021, 515 samples were tested and 468 were entered into the contest (entering the hay sample into the contest is optional). In 2022, 497 samples were tested and 397 were entered into the contest. In 2023, 453 samples were collected and tested. The value of these tests in 2023 were $11.325 assuming forage analyses will cost at least $25 in a commercial laboratory. Producers that participate in the hay contest received a forage quality analysis from the UK Forage Program, which has an accredited forage laboratory. If desired, producers may request a ration for feeding their hay. Proper feeding helps these producers avoid the loss of production and livestock from underfeeding such as was seen in stressful winters like of 2018-19.

The success of the Eastern Kentucky Hay Contest led to the initiation of a similar event in Central Kentucky in 2023. The Central Kentucky Contest netted 131 samples in its inaugural year.

A third contest will be conducted in the South Central area of Kentucky in 2024.