Washington County, with its 44,783 acres dedicated to hay production, plays a significant role in the region's agricultural landscape. Even with such a large number of acres in hay production producers were only utilizing the extension office to send out a handful of forage samples each year. Forage quality plays a vital role in animal nutrition and in a producer's ability to sell hay. The extension agents in old District Five understand the importance of forage quality and wanted to entice producers to test their forage so decided to do that by creating the South-Central Kentucky Hay contest. 

This contest allows producers to bring in forage samples to be tested for FREE at the University of Kentucky's forage lab. Producers receive their hay sample data along with a guide on how to interpret their forage sample, this is followed up with an educational program on interpreting soil samples at the awards ceremony.  They are also entered into a contest to compare the quality of their samples and are given awards in various areas. Lastly, producers are given the option to have a nutrition plan tailored for them based on their forage results and the needs of their livestock. Overall, this practice not only helps in optimizing feed quality but also supports better livestock health and farm profitability.

The South-Central Kentucky Hay Contest saw a tremendous turnout for its first year with over 260 entries, showcasing the dedication of local producers to improving hay quality. Washington County submitted 10 samples and came home with four ribbons including 1st Summer Annual Hay, 2nd Alfalfa-Grass Hay, 2nd Alfalfa Hay (2nd to the Grand Champion Hay for the entire contest), and 3rd Grass Hay. The producers were very excited with the results and can't wait to utilize this program again in the future.