Purdue Extension Offering Free Forage Testing Program On Dec. 12, RSVP Required
Posted
Staff Report-
If you’ve got forages or will be feeding hay this winter, then join Purdue Extension at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at 202 W. Main St., Warsaw, to find out exactly how good your forages are.
2019 provided less-than-ideal conditions for growing outstanding forage, according to a news release from Kelly Heckaman, Extension educator, Purdue Extension Office.
Maybe you were one of the lucky ones and got hay made during one of the early opportunities this year. Whatever your case may be, this is the year to have your hay or forages tested. It is very important to know exactly what you are feeding to your livestock and if you are meeting their nutrition requirements.
On Dec. 12, attendees will learn the importance of testing your forages for their nutritional value and how to use the results to feed your livestock this winter.
“We will take a look at different forage samples and compare them with actual test results. Although many of us think we are experts at just looking at hay or forages and knowing the quality, tests tell us the true story,” the release states.
During the program, the proper ways to take forage samples for testing will be discussed. Different styles of hay probes will be available. Test results from hay samples will be used to learn first how to read them and what all those numbers mean.
“After we understand the numbers, the results will be utilized to make feeding decisions for your animals this winter and spring. You don’t always have to be a nutritionist to understand and utilize this important information,” according to the release.
To assist with the program, Heckaman is looking for some volunteers who are interested in receiving a free hay test. If you are one of the first five people to respond to her about this offer, she will pay for your hay test. However, in order to get the free hay test, you will have to generate the sample and drop off at the Extension Office. She does have a hay probe at her office if you need one. Heckaman would like to have all samples by Nov. 22. She will need for you to be in attendance Dec. 12 and to have a slab of the hay available for the program.
There is no charge to attend the program on Dec. 12, but attendance is needed to make sure the appropriate handouts are available.
If you are planning to attend this session, RSVP by calling Purdue Extension – Kosciusko County at 574-372-2340 or by email to Heckaman at kheckaman@purdue.edu by Dec. 6. The program flyer is available at the following website: extension.purdue.edu/kosciusko.
