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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryCentral Kentucky Hay Contest



Central Kentucky Hay Contest

Author: Brandon Sears

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Kentucky has long been known for our Bluegrass Pastures and green, rolling hills. We have an abundance of forages with nearly 5 million acres of hay and pasture lands. Recent programming surveys by the UK Beef Extension group indicate that about only 35% of livestock producers test hay for quality. Utilizing hay testing to determine nutrient content allows for more efficient feeding of livestock through the winter by matching high quality hay with livestock that have the greatest nutrient requirements at a particular time. For example, lactating animals have greater nutrient needs than not lactating or non-pregnant livestock.

In an effort to increase hay testing numbers, educate farmers and provide outreach, 15 Central Kentucky Counties partnered with the UK Extension Forage Specialists Dr Jimmy Henning and Dr Chris Teutsch to offer a hay testing program and contest. The Madison County ANR agent took the lead in coordinating this effort with specialists and other agents in our group. We have 232 samples in our contest this year which is up about 75 samples from last year which was our first year.

All hay samples were weighed, dried and ground by agents. Samples were then analyzed by the UK Forage Extension Group in Princeton and Dr. Chris Teutsch. On December 14th we held a producer education and awards program at the Fayette Co Extension Office. Dr. Jimmy Henning, Extension Equine Specialist, Dr. Bob Coleman and area agents shared results of the contest, educated producers about how to read the hay quality reports and help them make decisions to more efficient feed their livestock. Outstanding achievement for participants were recognized with awards in various categories such as Top Producer, Highest County Average and Agent with most samples.

Producer survey data is being compiled and will be presented at the meeting and also used for program evaluation.  






Stories by Brandon Sears


Hay Auction 2025

Hay Auction 2025

about 15 days ago by Brandon Sears

Madison County continues to rank in the top 3 in the state of Kentucky for hay with approximately 43... Read More


Invasive Plant Control Program

Invasive Plant Control Program

about 23 days ago by Brandon Sears

Invasive plants have major biological, economical and aesthetic impacts on Kentucky by degrading nat... Read More


Stories by Madison County CES


Hay Auction 2025

Hay Auction 2025

about 15 days ago by Brandon Sears

Madison County continues to rank in the top 3 in the state of Kentucky for hay with approximately 43... Read More


Invasive Plant Control Program

Invasive Plant Control Program

about 23 days ago by Brandon Sears

Invasive plants have major biological, economical and aesthetic impacts on Kentucky by degrading nat... Read More


Stories by Forages


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Describe the Issue or Situation.Each year the Union Co Extension Office host a hay show during the c... Read More


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about 8 days ago by Rebecca Konopka

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