Success StoryProducers Have Increased Awareness of Hay Testing Value



Producers Have Increased Awareness of Hay Testing Value

Author: Myron Evans

Planning Unit: Carter County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Livestock and Forage Production and Marketing

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

~~Hay testing continues to increase as more and more farmers obtain knowledge about what a valuable management tool they are and how to use the results as indicated by the 104 samples taken by agent in 2017. This was the most agent has taken in one year in Carter County and was also the most of any agent in the 2017 Annual East Ky Hay Contest. the 104 was also 25% of the 400 samples taken in 14 counties. 

    Tom Keene spoke to 60 producers at a Northeast Area Livestock Association meeting on how to interpret their hay test results. Mr. Keene had 6 hay samples with the hay quality analysis for each sample. He went over each sample so the producers could see the visual difference in quality as well as from the analysis. Mr. Keene talked on how to produce better quality hay as it relates to fertility, plant species, and maturity. He them demonstrated how to take the hay test results and plug them into a simple ration balancing program to balance their rations. Mr. Keene explained it all so well it was easy for all to understand.

      Not only are they learning how to use the results in their winter feeding program, they are learning what makes one hay sample better than another. They are seeing how maturity plays a huge role in hay quality by seeing how TDN and RFV go down with maturity. They are also learning how legumes improve their hay quality by seeing how the CP% increases with legumes in the stand. The CP% has increased in hay in 2017 as indicated by the hay test results. Carter County producers won 5 of the 20 awards presented or 25% of the awards. 






Stories by Myron Evans


Agriculture Advancement Council Administers $130,000 in CAIP Funds

about 6 years ago by Myron Evans

When The Tobacco Phase I Cost Share Program was enacted in 2004, non profit organizations were solic... Read More


3 Beef Associations Join for Group UK IRM Mineral Order

about 6 years ago by Myron Evans

The Northeast Area Livestock Association has been conducting a group mineral order for about 15 year... Read More


Stories by Carter County CES


Have I done enough?

Have I done enough?

about 6 years ago by Anita Jones

Many Kentuckians experience food insecurity.Adult Obesity is 46% compared to state average of 33%.Th... Read More


Truth and Consequences

Truth and Consequences

about 6 years ago by Whitney Morrow

The Carter County Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Council, the Drug Free Coalition, and School... Read More


Stories by Forages


Utilizing Unconventional Forages for Beef Health and Profitability

Utilizing Unconventional Forages for Beef Health and Profitability

about 6 years ago by Whitney Carman

Fescue has been the most consistent forage for hay and pasture in Grayson County. Some people will c... Read More


Establishing and Grazing Native Grasses on Reclaimed MIne Lands in Eastern Kentucky while Monitoring Wildlife Habiatat

Establishing and Grazing Native Grasses on Reclaimed MIne Lands in Eastern Kentucky while Monitoring Wildlife Habiatat

about 6 years ago by Thomas Keene

In order for people in eastern Kentucky to have and maintain economic stability (now that coal produ... Read More