Once again, as in the past, Boyd County was a major participant in the 2017 annual East Kentucky Hay Contest. This is not only from the stand point of the number of samples submitted, over 50, but also as to why we have so many. Now, after we announce the sampling dates, we take samples from those who contact us asking for us to sample their crops, we do not go around to the farms asking the producers to let us take samples. Those whose forages we sample have taken the reason for having their forages tested to heart, and are doing so to try to improve the quality of their crops. This is reflected in the quality of the samples that we take and submit. Many, especially multi-year participants, have improved the quality of their hay, and place well in the various categories. This year we had the highest overall sample tested and the contest winner. He stated, that "The reason it tested so high, was that I had learned from various Extension programs that it is better to cut it early and wrap it and make haylage than to wait for the weather to improve in order to make dry hay when the plants are over-mature, so that is what I did. I cut and baled mine weeks before most others were cutting theirs." And he was not the only one with the view of what they have learned in Extension programs have let them make better quality forages, for their own use or to sell. Most also indicate that they intend to continue to follow Extension recommendations to continue to produce these high quality crops.