With extremely wet winter weather in recent years, stress on livestock is becoming more and more problematic.  Losses from illness, low productivity, poor reproduction, and even death loss have taken a toll on many herds across the state.  Understanding the methods and values of forage testing are critical to livestock health and performance and combating stress.

A workshop was held on farm to show area 4-H youth from Mason, Robertson and Bracken Counties, how to correctly sample hay.  A core sample device using a drill was demonstrated to show how to properly collect hay samples.  This allowed for an accurate, composite sample from the bale and by taking numerous samples from fields, this would show the true nutrient content of the hay.Youth were given a chance to operate the core sample tool.  

The values on the hay test were explained with emphasis on the energy values.  Many producers focus on the protein, but it was explained that most often, energy was the limiting factor and this is driven by maturity of the hay.  The Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) is a measure of available energy and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) is a measure of digestibility or how much an animal can eat.Other values were also explained and how they relate to balancing a ration.  Grain values for protein and energy were given to students to be considered for rations.