Hay samples will be accepted from August 1 through August 31 at collection sites across Austin County. The free testing program is open to hay producers in Austin County and surrounding counties and is designed to help evaluate forage quality before winter feeding begins.
Each sample will be analyzed by the Texas A&M Forage Testing Laboratory, providing producers with valuable information about crude protein levels, digestibility and fiber content. Those results can help livestock owners determine whether additional nutritional supplements may be needed during the winter, potentially improving herd health while helping reduce unnecessary feed expenses.
Producers may drop off samples at Bellville Farm & Ranch, Linseisen’s Feed & Supply, the Austin County Extension Office, Steinhauser’s in Sealy, Bernardo Farm & Ranch in Cat Spring, 4M Feed & Ranch in New Ulm and the Lindemann Store in Industry. Entry forms and instructions for collecting samples will be available at each location.
The Hay Show welcomes entries in several forage categories, including improved bermudagrass, other bermudagrasses, warm-season annual grasses, warm-season perennial grasses, cool-season grasses, legumes, legume-grass mixtures and a new mixed grass category featuring combinations such as bermudagrass and bahiagrass.
Testing is sponsored by the Austin County Beef & Forage Committee. Results will be available following the Annual Fall Forage Seminar on October 2 at the Austin County Fairgrounds or can be mailed directly to producers after the event.
For hay producers, forage testing is one of the simplest ways to make informed feeding decisions before cooler weather arrives. Understanding the nutritional value of stored hay allows producers to better manage winter feeding programs, maintain healthier livestock and avoid unnecessary supplementation costs.
For more information about submitting a hay sample, contact the Austin County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 979-865-2072.
