The Maine Hay Contest
Extension Education
Jaime Garzon
Assistant Extension Professor
University of Maine
Orono,
Abstract
Hay is Maine's third most important crop, and most livestock operations rely on it during forage shortages, such as the winter months and summer slump. However, Maine hay producers primarily focus on the quantity produced per area, often overlooking the nutritional quality that affects animal performance later. The Maine Hay Contest program aims to encourage hay producers to evaluate and record the nutritional quality of their hay. The contest covers the costs of sampling, shipping, lab analysis, and interpretation of hay samples from each participating farm. Entries are ranked based on Relative Forage Quality (RFQ), 48-hour digestibility, and crude protein concentration. In its inaugural year, 2024, the contest included 12 participating farms from eight Maine counties. The evaluated hay samples showed an average of 14% crude protein and 63% digestibility, receiving 146 RFQ points. Recognition and awards for the top three quality entries took place at the Maine Forage Conference in November 2024, with 48 attendees. In this first year, 100% of participants expressed satisfaction with the program process; 80% showed interest in improving their harvesting and soil management practices, while 25% aimed to introduce better forage species to their hayfields. Two participants expressed a keen interest in boosting their scores for 2025, and four additional farmers requested to have their hay tested after the competition. The hay contest is set to occur again in 2025, with expectations for 20 operations to participate. Plans are in place to compare each year's results to evaluate the program's effectiveness over time.
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: Jaime Garzon
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Garzon, J. Assistant Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine, 04469-5735