All hay and beef cattle producers in Austin County and surrounding areas are encouraged to participate in the 2025 Austin County Hay Show, scheduled for October 3 at the Austin County Fairgrounds. As part of the event, hay sample submissions are now being accepted through August 31 for free forage analysis provided by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Where to Pick Up Sample Boxes & Forms
Producers can pick up hay sample collection boxes and entry forms at the following locations:
- Bellville: Bellville Farm & Ranch, Linseisen’s Feed & Supply Inc, Austin County Extension Office
- Sealy: Steinhauser’s
- Cat Spring: Bernardo Farm & Ranch
- New Ulm: 4M Feed & Ranch
- Industry: Lindemann Store
Why Forage Testing Matters
Each submitted sample will be analyzed by the Texas A&M Forage Testing Lab. This analysis offers key insight into hay quality—including crude protein levels, total digestibility, and acid detergent fiber (which measures the ratio of leaf to stem). These factors help producers determine whether supplemental feed is needed during the winter months.
Testing is free for all who grow forage or feed hay to livestock, thanks to sponsorship from the Austin County Beef & Forage Committee.
Hay Show Categories
Producers may submit multiple samples across the following categories:
- Improved (Hybrid) Bermudagrass (excluding Tifton 85) – e.g., Coastal, Jiggs, Alicia
- Other Bermudagrasses – e.g., Common Bermudagrass, Tifton 85
- Warm Season Annual Grasses – e.g., Rice Straw, Hay Grazer, Sudan Crosses
- Other Warm Season Perennials – e.g., Bluestem, Johnsongrass, Kleingrass
- Cool Season Grasses – e.g., Wheat, Oats, Cereal Rye, Ryegrass
- Legumes – e.g., Clover, Peanut, Cowpea
- Legume/Grass Mixtures – e.g., Oats/Vetch, Rye/Clover
- NEW in 2025: Mixed Grasses – e.g., Bermudagrass/Bahia, Bermudagrass/Johnsongrass
Samples will be judged as part of the Austin County Hay Show on October 3, with results shared at the Annual Fall Forage Seminar or mailed to producers following the event.
Want More Information?
Full guidelines and hay show details are available ONLINE.
For questions about hay testing or cattle supplementation, contact:
Austin County Extension Office at (979) 865-2072
