Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show entry deadline is July 10

MT. VERNON, Mo. -- It is time for landowners and hay producers to start making entries to the Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show according to Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension. The entry deadline is July 10; judging takes place on July 29, the day before the fair opens.

The hay show accepts entries for hay harvested in Missouri during 2010. Classes in the hay show include legume, cool season grass, warm season grass, grass/legume mixes and summer or winter annual grasses. The show primarily receives small, rectangular bales but special classes exist for large hay packages.

The hay entries are evaluated by laboratory analysis and by subjective procedure of a judge. The latter involves color, aroma, purity and texture. The traits are weighted to actually favor the lab analysis which uses the relative feed value system of measuring digestibility and expected intake.

Most of the entries are from eight to 10 counties surrounding Springfield according to Cole.

"Exhibitors use the hay show to find out the real nutritional value of their hay. In addition, the show is a great way to promote quality hay production both from an individual and a region's standpoint," said Cole. "Many of the OEF entries will be entered in the Missouri State Fair and it is not uncommon for a southwest Missouri hay to rank at the top in that competition." Missouri has the reputation as a top forage producing state according to Cole, so seeking out the best hay producers, quality-wise, makes a lot of sense.

Prospective entrants may contact their nearest University of Missouri Extension Center for entry information. An agronomy specialist will visit the farm and take core samples randomly from the bales to be submitted for the lab test.

All testing is done through the Custom Lab at Golden City. Ten small bales are core sampled while five large hay packages make up an entry. There is a $19 entry fee per lot of hay.

The first hay show was in 1985 and it remains a joint activity between the Ozark Empire Fair and University of Missouri Extension. In 2010, sponsorships for premiums are from Marshfield Machinery, Conco Quarries Inc., and S & H Farm supply in Lockwood and Springfield.