Extensions Notes: East KY hay contest winners announced

By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Forage sampling and analysis is the best way to determine the nutritional content and quality of hay, so each fall Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agents across the eastern part of the state and University of Kentucky forage specialists partner together to host the East Kentucky Hay Contest.   The contest provides an opportunity for local producers to receive the analysis for free and then use that information to develop a more adequate feeding plan for the winter.  

This year’s winners include three Carter County farmers.   Tommy Marcum received two ribbons for second place in both the grass hay and mixed grass/legume hay categories.   Mick Franks placed third in grass hay, while Danny Carroll placed second in the grass baleage category.   Carroll also had the highest overall Relative Feed Value score from all the Carter County samples.    Carter County received the award for the most samples collected for the second year in a row. 

Hay sampling can be done all year through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture or private labs.   If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of hay sampling contact the Carter County Extension Office.  Educational programs of the Kentucky 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 expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.