By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
Local farmers are encouraged to showcase their hay-making expertise by entering the East Kentucky Hay Contest. The contest aims to recognize outstanding hay production practices and promote the importance of quality forage in the region while also providing farmers with a nutrient analysis of their sample. Forage sampling and analysis is the best way to determine the nutritional content of hay and reports will include crude protein, total digestible nutrients, relative feed value, and more that can be used with the UK beef forage supplement tool to develop basic rations.
Overall contest winners will be recognized with ribbons, but all participants will benefit from the contest since knowing the nutritional content can reduce feed costs, increase animal performance, and provide information to improve forage stands. Therefore, farmers of all experience levels are encouraged to participate in this free event. Local county extension agents work in conjunction with UK Ag Extension Forage specialists to offer the program.
The Carter County Extension Service is committed to supporting local agriculture and providing resources to help farmers succeed. By participating in the hay contest, farmers can contribute to the advancement of the region’s hay industry and demonstrate their dedication to producing high-quality forage. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Extension office at 606-474-6686 or Rebecca.k@uky.edu to schedule an appointment. All samples must be collected by October 11th.
For additional information contact the Carter County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
- The Grayson Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM until noon and on Thursdays from 2:00-6:00 PM. The market is located in the shed behind the Extension Office. The Olive Hill Farmer’s Market is located in the Save-a-Lot parking lot and is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 8:00 AM and Mondays at 3:00 PM until sell out each day. There will be a pop-up market on the first Tuesday of the month in the Friendship & Chapel House parking lot from 6:00-8:00 PM.
- Pesticide Container Rinse & Return – August 19th from 10:00-12:00 – Kee’s Farm Service
Gardening in Small Spaces Garden Tour – Tuesday, August 20th @ 6:00 PM at Eddie & Angie Fultz’s
