Growers of high quality forage are encouraged to submit samples of their best alfalfa hay, standard corn silage or brown midrib (BMR) corn silage for the 2013 World Ag Expo Forage Challenge presented by Mycogen Seeds. The competition challenges farmers and ranchers in 11 Western states and rewards them with up to $18,000 in cash prizes from Lallemand Animal Nutrition. The deadline to enter is Dec. 13, 2012.
"With grain prices on the rise, high quality forages are more important than ever for dairy producers," said Greg Cannon, Mycogen Seeds forage portfolio marketing leader. "This program focuses attention on the role of high quality forages in reducing overall feed costs."
To enter the 2013 World Ag Expo Forage Challenge, growers are encouraged to take samples of their best standard corn silage, BMR corn silage and alfalfa hay grown in 2012. The contest is administered in part by the University of California, Davis, which coordinates sample testing, contest judging and educates producers about the benefits of producing high quality forage.
The cash prizes will be awarded based on forage lab analyses and a visual evaluation of entries by dairy nutrition and forage production experts. Hay samples are tested by the University of California, Davis, and corn silage entries are tested by Cumberland Valley Analytical Services, Hagerstown, Maryland.
"The program is a great way for forage growers to be rewarded for the high quality products they are growing," said Joe Rainey, 2013 World Ag Expo chairman. "We're pleased to see the Forage Challenge at World Ag Expo again this year."
Cost to enter the 2013 World Ag Expo Forage Challenge is $25 per entry. All forage samples must be submitted to UC Davis for judging by Dec. 13. Entry forms and full contest rules can be found online at: http://www.worldagexpo.com/General-Info/Forage+Challenge.htm
The winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 at World Ag Expo.
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