Forages play an integral part of the rural agriculture economy in Grayson County. Hay production specifically makes up for 35,300 acres of production, ranking 24^th in the state. On average, Grayson County produces 100,000 tons of hay each year. Hay production is important for the area due to the amount of livestock, large and small, that utilize it. Therefore, forage quality is a very important factor that the Agriculture agents in the area get questions about.

Working closely with Breckinridge county Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Grayson County Agriculture and Natural Resources agents planned a Master Haymaker course that would walk through various stages of production and common problems faced in the bi-county area.

The program originally began in February 2020 but was postponed to Fall 2020 Due to the COVID-19 restrictions. The program utilized forage extension Specialists that would educate producers on Forage Quality, Warm/Cool Season Grasses, Weed Management, and Forage Preservation. The 4-part series was well attended during the pre-COVID sessions with 37 producers attending between two counties. The final 2 sessions in the Fall of 2020 were attended in person and virtually via Zoom.

Survey results revealed that 70% of participants that completed the survey plan to use recommendations to improve quality of haylage/silage storage, 50% plant to develop or implement a grazing plan, and 1 person plans to conduct a farm demonstration. One hundred percent of participants have implemented one or more best practices for improving soil quality and health due to participating in the program.