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
For many years, cattlemen and producers have fed rations without data for their hay being readily av... Read More
Farm Transition Workshop
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
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
In early April 2025, severe flooding impacted Frankfort and surrounding areas, damaging homes, displ... Read More
Stories by Forages

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

Union Co Hay Show
Describe the Issue or Situation.Each year the Union Co Extension Office host a hay show during the c... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment