For many years, cattlemen and producers have fed rations without data for their hay being readily available. By data I am meaning proteins, fibers, macronutrients, micronutrients, etc. However, in May of 2025 this all changed when NIR was no longer located in a different state or far off at an extreme cost. NIR came to Barren County. Glasgow to be exact. NIR Near Infrared Spectrometer gives feed value and protein and many other things of a farmers feed and forages. This allows a farmer to match the rations with the cutting that is needed. Not all cattle need the same protein level or fiber. With NIR it is no longer a question, it is an answer for the producer that can be had within a couple days. This increases marketability and profitability of cattle gains and the selling of hay.

We kicked this venture off at our Open house in May. Nearly 200 were in attendance and numerous television stations, radio stations, and newspapers were present. An estimated of 15000 were reached by different avenues and many had an initial impact that day and the following days. We expect this to grow beyond the region to help aid the farmers and producers in the commonwealth.