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, 14 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 236 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 14^th 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.

Post-program surveys revealed that every participant gained new knowledge, reflecting the program's effectiveness in enhancing hay production practices. Our program recognized outstanding hay production efforts and promoted improvement and collaboration.