Austin County Hay Show Celebrates Top Forage Producers

The Annual Austin County Hay Show and Fall Forage program took place on Friday, October 6th at the American Legion Hall on the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville. This event, held in conjunction with the Austin County Fair, allowed producers and ranchers to have their forage samples evaluated. The Fall Forage Program, organized by the Austin County Beef & Forage Committee and County Extension agent Stacie Villarreal, featured presentations on various topics related to forage.

Presentations included discussions on understanding label terminology, identifying and managing unwanted elements in forage, and the cost of feeding pasture. Speakers included Greg Baker, Dr. Stacy Hines, and Dr. Tony Provin, all associated with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The Overall Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Hay Show winners were awarded belt buckles.

This year’s winners were as follows:

• Overall Grand Champion: Kash Krueger (Coastal Bermudagrass)
• Overall Reserve Champion: Matt Waak (Alicia)

In specific categories, the winners included:

• Coastal Bermudagrass: 1st place – Kash Krueger, 2nd place – Matt Waak
• Other Bermudagrasses: 1st place – Dean Allred (Tifton 85)
• Warm Season Annual Grasses: 1st place – Matt Waak (Hay Grazer-Jackpot), 2nd place – Scianna Farms (Sorghum Alum)
• Other Warm Season Perennial Grasses: 1st place – Kash Krueger (Johnson grass), 2nd place – Patrick Klecka (Bahia grass/Johnson grass)
• Legumes/Grass Mixtures: 1st place – Mark Kmiec (Rye grass/Austrian Winter Peas), 2nd place – Patrick Schmid (Clover/Vetch, Wild Rye/Bermuda grass)
• All Other Mixed Grasses: 1st place – Matt Waak (Coastal Bermudagrass/Johnson grass), 2nd place – Matt Waak (Bermuda/Johnson grass)

A total of 53 forage samples were submitted from Austin and Waller Counties. The winning entries, along with class winners, were showcased in the Ag-ventures building. Those interested in participating in the Austin County Hay Show next year can contact the Austin County Extension office at 979-865-2072. Participation is open to hay producers in Austin and surrounding counties. For inquiries, please reach out to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Stacie Villarreal at 979-865-2072.