Success StoryHay Contest
Hay Contest
Author: Robert Smith
Planning Unit: Nelson County CES
Major Program: Forages
Plan of Work: Crop and Livestock Management, Marketing, and Education
Outcome: Initial Outcome
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.
Rank | Sample Name | CP (% DM) | TDN (%) | RFV | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Creekside Alfalfa | 21.1 | 58 | 139 | Best CP and RFV overall |
2 | Morgan Alfalfa | 17.8 | 59 | 130 | High legume digestibility |
3 | Sam Left Hand MGH | 16.2 | 61 | 120 | Best non-legume performer |
4 | Sam Hutchins Clover Hay | 15.0 | 58 | 115* | Damp legume sample |
5 | Sam Right Hand MGH | 14.2 | 60 | 107 | Well-balanced mixed hay |
6 | Sam Hutchins 1st Cut MG | 13.7 | 60 | 97 | Damp, protein-rich |
7 | Sam Hutchins 2023 MG | 13.6 | 60 | 96 | Previous year hay, still rich |
8 | Jeff Eaucs - Midds | 13.4 | 60 | 87 | Good protein + energy balance |
9 | Adam 1 Mixed Grass | 11.5 | 58 | 92 | Balanced fiber & minerals |
10 | Mixed Grass Square (LTEY) | 12.6 | 59 | 94 | Solid mixed hay performer |
11 | Morgan MGH Rolls | 12.2 | 60 | 95 | Good TDN and potassium |
12 | Jeff Eaucs - Last | 11.5 | 59 | 83 | High potassium, moderate digest. |
13 | Jeff Eaucs - Early | 11.3 | 60 | 85 | Similar profile to "Last" |
14 | Round Bale Spalding Farm | 12.7 | 60 | 84 | Dense but low sugar content |
15 | Bobby Mixed Grass 1 | 11.9 | 59 | 93 | Well-rounded digestibility |
16 | Lee Dillon | 10.5 | 61 | 89 | Moderate CP, strong fiber |
17 | Morgan Teff Square | 11.0 | 61 | 88 | High TDN for grass |
18 | Allen 2 | 10.7 | 58 | 81 | Lowest RFV, fair energy |
19 | Wheatley MG Hay (Damp) | 10.7 | 58 | 82 | High moisture, average nutrients |
20 | Wheatley MG Hay (1st Cut) | 10.2 | 58 | 82 | Similar to above |
21 | Wheatley Clover Hay | 10.0 | 57 | 85 | Lower CP for legume |
22 | Wheatley Timothy (Damp) | 8.9 | 59 | 97 | Lowest CP of all samples |
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