2023 Hay Improvement Program: Increasing Hay Testing Adoption
Extension Education
Brad Runsick
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Mountain Home
Abstract
Adoption of hay testing has been slow in Baxter County. Many producers don’t have an accurate view of the quality of the hay they produce, sell, or feed, oftentimes relying solely on a visual appraisal of a lot of hay. As such, hay is bought, sold, and eventually fed, with little to no regard to accurate forage quality. This, of course, can lead to problems further down the line with reduced winter body condition in the cow herd that aren’t being supplemented properly, lower conception rates, and ultimately less weaned calves to sell. The primary goal of the Hay Quality Improvement Program was to address this domino effect at its source. In addition to measuring forage quality, we wanted to provide producers with accurate dry matter weights for their bales, which are often unknown, to be able to better market their hay and/or plan for winter hay inventory needs.
Producers were recruited to participate via social media and a quarterly beef and forage newsletter with the incentive that the lab analysis fees would be waived – an $18 per sample value. Participants were limited to a maximum of 6 samples and weighings each. For 2023, 34 grass hay samples were taken, representing 12 producers in Baxter County. At the conclusion of the project, producers were sent a summary of their results that included their hay weights and a breakdown of how each lot of hay compared to their cow herd requirements. Results from this program were shared on the county Facebook page, and presentations were given at the county cattlemen’s association meeting and Baxter County Conservation District field day. Promotion of the program and its results has prompted other producers to have their hay tested.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Brad Runsick
-
Runsick, B. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72653