The first annual forage contest in Nelson County, KY, highlights the community’s growing focus on producing, evaluating, and improving forage quality through scientific testing. This initiative, a collaboration between the Nelson County Soil Conservation and Nelson County Beef Cattle Association, aimed to bring awareness to forage nutrient content and help farmers optimize their feeding strategies.

Key Highlights:

Purpose and Process

Objective: To objectively assess hay quality across participating farms using scientific testing.

Methodology: Samples from 12 farms (22 total samples) were collected following a standardized protocol by county agents and analyzed by Dairy One Labs. The analysis focused on critical nutritional metrics such as crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and relative feed value (RFV).

Outcome: Each farm received a detailed report indicating forage quality, including how much grain might be needed for supplementation based on livestock needs.

Findings

Top-Ranked Samples:

• Creekside Alfalfa: Outstanding overall with 21.1% CP, 58% TDN, and a high RFV of 139.
• Morgan Alfalfa: Notable for high digestibility.
• Sam Left Hand MGH: Best non-legume performer.

• Additional Insights:
• Many samples indicated good nutrient profiles, although some, like Wheatley Timothy, had lower CP levels requiring consideration when feeding.
• Damp samples and older hay were present but still provided valuable insights into forage nutrient retention.

Significance

Improved Producer Knowledge: Farmers can make better-informed decisions regarding hay harvesting, storage, and feeding practices.

Enhancing Livestock Nutrition: Properly balanced forages reduce reliance on supplemental feeds and improve animal health.

Building for Future: The success of this inaugural contest paves the way for annual evaluations, fostering a culture of scientific forage management.

Broader Context

This effort underscores the importance of high-quality forages for livestock productivity, farm profitability, and sustainability in Nelson County. By integrating scientific testing into regular forage management, producers are better equipped to meet their livestock nutritional needs amidst weather variability and other challenges.