Hay Contest Evaluation and Organization for Teaching and Promoting Hay Quality

Abstract

A methodology for conducting competitive xhibitions or hay contests was developed to evaluate, teach, and promote hay quality. Exhibits are subjected to a forage analysis and a visual appraisal for economically important variables. The criteria for visual appraisal are particularly appropriate for hay produced and marketed in the Wyoming environment. This model is a standardized, rigorous, yet flexible approach used to coordinate county and state fair events in Wyoming. C EXHIBITIONS of commercially produced hay have gained popularity in recent years. Also known as hay shows or hay contests, some of these events are becoming widely publicized and have entrants competing from different regions of the USA. These shows include the World’s Forage Analysis Superbowl (6) begun in 1984 and more recently the National Hay Show (2) initiated by the American Forage and Grassland Council in 1991. When the Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (WCES) initiated hay shows in 1987, detailed criteria relating to economically important characteristics of hay quality were outlined to evaluate these events. The primary author of this article had experience judging similar events in Oklahoma, but other hay evaluation criteria (l, 7, 8, 9, II, 14, 15) were reviewed. The final model for judging these events incorporated criteria relevant to conditions for producing and marketing hay in Wyoming. This article presents a standardized, rigorous, yet flexible model developed for these exhibitions. These events combine modern concepts of forage analysis (8, 9, 13, 15) with a standardized visual appraisal developed for Wyoming-produced alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay. Education, promotion, and recognition are primary objectives. More specifically, these events can teach forage analysis and visual appraisal as well as encourage the application of these concepts in the production and marketing of high-quality hay. Finally, formal recognition, awards, and publicity increase the visibility of those who produce and exhibit high-quality hay. THE COMPETITIVE EVENT AS A TEACHING RESOURCE Land-grant institutions continue to apply current scientific knowledge to solve practical problems (10). In view of this, the WCES is interested in teaching and promotDepartment of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sci., Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071. Wyoming Agric. Exp. Stn. Journal Article JA 1637. Received 8 Mar. 1991. *Corresponding author. Published in J. Nat. Resour. Life Sci. Educ. 21:53-56 (1992). ing new technology to improve management and profitability of crops and other resources. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of extension service programming to improve the quality and yield of commercially produced crops can be difficult to quantify, because unlike classroom teaching, progress is rarely measured with an exam. However, extension education programs such as on-site forage testing (12) have been used to improve hayproducer awareness of forage quality at a state fair. Another approach for increasing awareness has also been demonstrated with participants of competitive exhibitions of hay (4). Competition predisposes exhibitors to new concepts if excellence is rewarded and recognized. Participants learn by comparing the results of evaluated entries. The attributes and economic significance of highplacing entries are explained in terms of nutritive value and certain visual appraisal criteria. Educational brochures, video tapes, presentations, or scheduled lectures at these exhibitions can reinforce the relationship of hay quality to marketing. These events can relate quality to profitability. Hay producers can be encouraged to tailor commodities to various specialty markets, a form of economic development. Exhibits, if evaluated and ranked according to standardized criteria, can broaden the perspectives of both participants and observers. Exhibitors and observers who compare the quality of entries might then be encouraged to modify production practices. ORGANIZATION AND SUPPORT Successful exhibitions require publicity, participation of hay producers, and cooperation of county and state fair boards. All parties make important contributions, but one or two individuals should take responsibility for planning and coordinating all events leading to a final exhibition at a state fair. Because potential entrants need time to understand and prepare for an event, preparations must be initiated well in advance. Responsibility at the local level will increase once events are established. Procedures for local and state exhibitions should be explained at meetings, promoted in newsletters and the popular press, and posted in county locations frequented by hay producers. Personal invitations or contacts with potential participants by university extension agents are effective, if not crucial, the first year. County events in Wyoming specify that exhibitors submit a five-bale entry per class and state events specify a Abbreviations: WCES, Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service; CP, crude protein; ADF, acid detergent fiber; NDF, neutral detergent fiber; RFV, relative feed values; DMD, dry matter digestibility; DMI, dry