It is estimated that less than one quarter of the normal amounts of hay produced in Hunt County will be made this year. With the drought situation, and extra pressure received from grasshoppers, hay production has been minimal, and livestock producers are paying extremely high prices for what is available. But the annual Hunt County Hay Show will go on. Over 40 entries were received for the show, which will be held Thursday, September 15 at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center in Greenville.
The topics discussed at this year’s show will be as important as ever. The highlight of the show will be an educational program presented by retired County Extension Agent Brian Cummins from Van Zandt County. Mr. Cummins will discuss Feeding Livestock During the Winter with Little or Low Quality Hay Supplies. So in the midst of this depressing production year, plan to attend this annual event. We know you will not be disappointed.
As I calculate the information to be provided at the show from the hay entered, the ranges in quality are always evident. Some hay tests are in the 4-6 percent crude protein level, and others reach over 20 percent. This makes it imperative that all producers learn how to best manage their livestock and winter feeding program, based on the hay available to them.
In an effort to continue to assist producers with forage education, a new program has been added to this years event. There will be two hours of educational programs (with 2 hours of CEU credits available for those with a pesticide applicators license) in addition to the traditional aspects of the Hay Show. Beginning at 3 p.m., Dr. Vanessa Corriher, Extension Forage Specialist from Overton will discuss Winter Pastures, Fertilization, Herbicides and Armyworms. She will be followed at 4 p.m. by Mr. Brandt Mettler of DOW Chemical, who will cover Broadleaf Herbicides, Mode of Action, and Timing of Applications. These two sessions are new for this year and are intended to enhance the educational aspects of the show. All interested are encouraged to attend. While CEU hours will be given, these seminars are open to everyone.
Following the seminars, at 5:00 p.m., participants can view the hay entered in the show, participate in the Hay Judging Contest, and visit with vendors. Dinner will be served around 6 p.m., then our speaker for the evening, Mr. Brian Cummins will present his program. Hay show winners will also be recognized, and many great door prizes will be awarded to attendees. A meal will be provided.
Tickets are $10 per person, required for any part of the program and meal, and are currently available at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 2217 Washington Street in Greenville as well as the Northeast Texas Farmers Coop in Greenville and Huffman Farm Supply in Commerce. Tickets have risen in price this year as is required by AgriLife Extension Partial Cost Recovery procedures. Sponsors and donors will still be covering the cost of your meal as in year's past. Call the Extension Office at 903-455-9885 Ext. 0# with further questions. Interested parties are welcome to attend all, or only a portion of the afternoon and evening’s activities, but tickets must be acquired by September 9. You may also come by the Hunt County Extension Office for a detailed flyer.
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