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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 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.


RankSample NameCP (% DM)TDN (%)RFVNotes
1Creekside Alfalfa21.158139Best CP and RFV overall
2Morgan Alfalfa17.859130High legume digestibility
3Sam Left Hand MGH16.261120Best non-legume performer
4Sam Hutchins Clover Hay15.058115*Damp legume sample
5Sam Right Hand MGH14.260107Well-balanced mixed hay
6Sam Hutchins 1st Cut MG13.76097Damp, protein-rich
7Sam Hutchins 2023 MG13.66096Previous year hay, still rich
8Jeff Eaucs - Midds13.46087Good protein + energy balance
9Adam 1 Mixed Grass11.55892Balanced fiber & minerals
10Mixed Grass Square (LTEY)12.65994Solid mixed hay performer
11Morgan MGH Rolls12.26095Good TDN and potassium
12Jeff Eaucs - Last11.55983High potassium, moderate digest.
13Jeff Eaucs - Early11.36085Similar profile to "Last"
14Round Bale Spalding Farm12.76084Dense but low sugar content
15Bobby Mixed Grass 111.95993Well-rounded digestibility
16Lee Dillon10.56189Moderate CP, strong fiber
17Morgan Teff Square11.06188High TDN for grass
18Allen 210.75881Lowest RFV, fair energy
19Wheatley MG Hay (Damp)10.75882High moisture, average nutrients
20Wheatley MG Hay (1st Cut)10.25882Similar to above
21Wheatley Clover Hay10.05785Lower CP for legume
22Wheatley Timothy (Damp)8.95997Lowest CP of all samples








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