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Central Texas grass growers compete at H.O.T. Fair Show |
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By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition |
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October 16, 2003 -- A large amount of Central Texas farmers invest both time and money trying to produce the best hay that they can. Taking time to evaluate their land, the soil, and the hay itself are good steps in proper forage management. An added step that can be done to ensure good quality hay is being produced - have a proteing analysis taken. The result can provide abundant information and can help assist in feeding management for the winter. On October 7 a forage discussion and hay show presentation occurred during the Heart of Texas Fair Hay Show in Waco where 47 different entries were analyzed this year. Donald Kelm, McLennan County agriculture Extension agent, was on hand to discuss the proper way to send in a hay sample in order to receive an accurate protein analysis as well as to make farmers aware of important information on what hay producers can expect for the coming winter. "One thing to remember when you are sending in hay samples is that you need to send in a generous amount," Kelm explained. This is because the sample needs to be large enough to take an adequate sample. "Three pounds is enough, but you should always be more generous so you can get a good core sample. It's better to send a little more and get your results as accurate as possible than to get a poor reading due to a poor sample." According to Kelm, the largest division of samples turned in for the show was that of Coastal bermudagrass. "The second largest division was common bermudagrass. The third was summer perennials." He stated that a good hay sample relied on the management of a farmer's crop from beginning to end. "If you are good to your crop, it will be good to you." The current situation of cuttings has not been too bad, Kelm told participants. He stated that farmers should be in good shape with hay crops because of the recent moisture. "The main problem that we are going through is grasshoppers eating along the borders of the hay fields. If you see grasshoppers in your fields, try to resolve the issue as soon as you can." That is because if the problem is not taken care of right away, grasshoppers can eat as much hay as a cow can resulting in a poor hay crop for the farmer. Kelm said farmers may also face armyworms in their fields. "Make sure you watch for these pests as well. They sure can eat a lot during the day." Almost every year armyworms invade pastures and hay fields, and damage may be severe before the worms are even noticed. This leads to hay yields and forages being reduced to almost nothing over whole fields in extreme cases. The following participants received Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion titles for their hay samples: Coastal Bermuda Grand Champion: Van Massirer, Crawford Reserve Grand Champion: Roy Grigsby, Valley Mills Bermudagrass Grand Champion: Johnny Denton, Axtell Reserve Grand Champion: Den-Tex Dairy, Axtell Perennials Grand Champion: Van Massirer, Crawford Reserve Grand Champion: JohnMitchell, Valley Mills Summer Annuals Grand Champion: Paul Simpson, Copperas Cove Reserve Grand Champion: Van Massirer, Crawford WinterAnnuals Grand Champion: Gary Bowers, Valley Mills Reserve Grand Champion: Greg Weber, Jonesboro Legumes Grand Champion: Mike Horton, Gatesville Reserve Grand Champion: MikeStout, Gatesville The overall Grand Champion was Johnny Denton of Axtell. Overall Reserve Grand Champion was Paul Simpson of Copperas Cove. Denton and Simpson will go on to the 2003 State Hay Show, which will take place in December at Stephenville. |
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