Benton County, AR, bermuda hay producers will host the 10th annual Quality Forage contest with an open invitation to producers from throughout Arkansas and neighboring states to submit hay samples. The deadline to submit samples is Nov. 21.

Winning samples will be submitted to the American Forage and Grassland Council for its national forage contest. One goal established by the county's producers in 1997 was to promote production efficiency and management along with a greater awareness of bermudagrass hay quality and marketing, says Robert Seay, Benton County extension agent. "The samples will be analyzed for several measurements of quality, including color, protein content and energy value," he says.

The $15-per-sample fee includes the analysis and an invitation to a program and sponsored meal. Producers may enter multiple samples, but each must be from hay produced under their management. Entries must be about 1/2 lb and should consist of core-sampled hay taken from multiple bales of the same cutting and variety. Contact Seay for more information about entry requirements.

Winning producers will be recognized at an awards program to be determined later. Inquiries regarding program or award sponsorships should be directed to Seay at Rseay@uaex.edu.

Source: Delta Farm Press.