Close Resources

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 Testing through NIRS for the Commonwealth of Kentucky



Hay Testing through NIRS for the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Author: Tyler London

Planning Unit: KSU Administration

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

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.






Stories by Tyler London


Hay Testing through NIRS for the Commonwealth of Kentucky

about 3 days ago by Tyler London

For many years, cattlemen and producers have fed rations without data for their hay being readily av... Read More


Farm Transition Workshop

about 2 months ago by Tyler London

Describe the Issue or Situation.The average age of US farmers increases every year. More and more f... Read More


Stories by KSU Administration


West Louisville Urban Growers Learn About Soil Health

West Louisville Urban Growers Learn About Soil Health

about 5 days ago by Kelly Rawalt

More than 120,000 people in Jefferson County experience food insecurity, with limited access to fres... Read More


Respond. Recover. Rebuild: KYSU's 2025 Frankfort Flood Response

Respond. Recover. Rebuild: KYSU's 2025 Frankfort Flood Response

about 1 months ago by Cameron Sellers

In early April 2025, severe flooding impacted Frankfort and surrounding areas, damaging homes, displ... Read More


Stories by Forages


Central Kentucky Hay Contest

Central Kentucky Hay Contest

about 5 days ago by Brandon Sears

Kentucky has long been known for our Bluegrass Pastures and green, rolling hills. We have an abundan... Read More


Union Co Hay Show

Union Co Hay Show

about 2 months ago by Katie Hughes

Describe the Issue or Situation.Each year the Union Co Extension Office host a hay show during the c... Read More