Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farm & Home News with Rex Dollar

This year has been a good year to put up a large quantity of hay. Several farmers have their barns full and hay setting outside.

Although it may not be on the minds of most people, right now is a good time to consider testing some of the hay that has been packaged. There are at least two good reasons for now being a good time to begin testing the hay that has been baled.

First, the Nevada County hay show will be held during the Nevada County Fair September 19-23.

Second, but most importantly, this hay sample can be used to balance rations to better fit your cattle herd for their winter nutritional needs.

In order to take advantage of a reduced cost of sampling as well as to be able to compare your hay to that across the county it is time to submit a sample to the Extension office and enter the 2000 Nevada County hay show.

NEVADA COUNTY HAY SHOW

This year's Nevada County hay sow will be sponsored by the Nevada County Farm Bureau. All Nevada County forage producers are encouraged to enter.

Hay entries will be divided into three classes: grasses, legume and mixed (grass and legume). Entries will be judged and receive ribbons within their class based upon forage test results and visual rating. One overall first place and second place will be judged and awarded from the overall combined classes. The hay show entry that places first overall will receive a $50 cash award and the second place overall entry will be awarded a $30 cash award.

Each entry must meet the following guidelines:

 Hay must have been grown by a Nevada County producer.

 Hay must be collected and submitted to the Nevada County Extension office no later than August 29.

 The producer will be responsible for paying forage test lab fees of approximately $12 per sample. (This is a reduced rate from the normal $15 fee.)

For additional information concerning the hay show at the 2000 Nevada County Fair call the Extension office at 887-2818.