The search is on for great hay. Entries are being accepted through July 21 for the inaugural hay show at the Texas County Fair.
The hay show gives farmers an opportunity to enter their 2014 hay and have it tested and subjectively evaluated for quality. It also unites growers and buyers and teaches the benefits of forage analysis. Exhibitors may also find the hay show to be an excellent way to advertise their quality hay.
To enter a sample into the fair, contact the Texas County Extension Center. An appointment will be made to have an extension staff member visit the farm and collect a sample from either 10 small, rectangular bales or five large hay packages. The sample will be analyzed for moisture, protein, fiber, energy (total digestible nutrients) and relative feed value. The lab work will be done at Custom Lab in Golden City.
Hay entries will be displayed and evaluated for subjective qualities such as aroma, color, purity and condition on Friday, Aug. 1, at the fair.
“Every year, weather interferes with timely hay making. Sometimes it is too wet, sometimes it’s too dry, but somewhere in Texas County someone has harvested outstanding hay in 2014 and deserves to be recognized for it,” said Sarah Kenyon, Texas County agronomy specialist.
The entry fee for the complete evaluation is $20. If a farmer chooses to also enter the Missouri State Fair, an additional $5 fee is charged.