The World's Forage Analysis Superbowl was started to “create an awareness of the differences in forage quality and of the value of forage quality to the dairyman,” says Dan Undersander, University of Wisconsin extension forage agronomist.
“And I think also to show that quality forage can be produced under many different systems in many different parts of country,” adds Undersander, who's been contest coordinator for most of its 25 years.
Those objectives have been achieved, he says. Samples of hay, haylage, alfalfa cubes and corn silage, submitted by dairy producers and commercial growers from throughout the U.S., have all won the contest. While Wisconsin is the dominant state, only about a third of the entries typically come from there, according to Undersander.
Sept. 4 is this year's entry deadline. Rules and entry forms are available at hayandforage.com.
Superbowl sponsors include Hay & Forage Grower, AgSource Cooperative Services, DairyBusiness Communications, World Dairy Expo and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.