The Annual Youth Forage Contest, held Friday, October 3rd during the Austin County Fair in Bellville, showcased the knowledge and skills of Texas’ future agricultural leaders. Sponsored by the Austin County Beef & Forage Committee, the event challenged students to apply their classroom learning to real-world scenarios through hay judging, plant identification, and a comprehensive forage science exam.
Hands-On Agricultural Learning
The contest provided valuable, practical experience in forage evaluation—an essential component of Texas livestock production. Students examined hay samples for species composition, maturity, leafiness, texture, and purity to understand how each factor affects livestock nutrition.
Participants competed in three key areas:
- Hay Judging: Evaluating samples based on visual and physical characteristics.
- Plant Identification: Recognizing native grasses, legumes, and common pasture weeds.
- Knowledge Exam: A 20-question test covering forage science and production.
Retired Bellville agriculture teacher Rod Vincet served as the Hay Show judge. After the competition, he reviewed the results with participants, explaining his methods and offering insight students could bring back to their FFA programs.
Recognizing Excellence
A total of 46 students participated, representing FFA chapters from Bellville, Columbus, Cypress Wood, El Campo, Flatonia, Leon, Madisonville, Needville, Pearland, and Rusk.
Team Results:
- Bellville FFA
- Pearland FFA
- Rusk FFA
- Flatonia FFA
- Madisonville FFA
Individual Results:
- Tyler Hammond – Pearland FFA
- Matthew Wybro – Bellville FFA (High Point Graduating Senior & $1,000 Scholarship Winner)
- Wade Mulholland – Flatonia FFA
- Colby Lewis – Columbus FFA
- Layne Malinowski – Bellville FFA
- Wesley Martin – Rusk FFA
- Clayton Gulledge – Pearland FFA
- James Haisler – Bellville FFA
- Audrie Busa – Madisonville FFA
- Kiley Krueger – Bellville FFA
Investing in the Future of Agriculture
By connecting academic lessons with practical fieldwork, the Youth Forage Contest fosters agricultural literacy, leadership, and an appreciation for land stewardship. The event remains an important platform for developing the next generation of Texas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals.
