James Burton, a Walker County farmer, was recently recognized in Moultrie at the Sunbelt Ag Expo for producing quality hay. Burton placed third in the “cool season perennial grass hay” division of the 2009 Southeastern Hay Contest.

He won this honor with a sample of his orchard grass hay that he produced on his farm in LaFayette. His hay had a crude protein level of 17.3 percent, a total digestible nutrient level of 62.2 percent and a relative forage quality value of 133. If you are familiar with hay nutrient levels, you will realize these are superior levels for grass hay.

The Southeastern Hay Contest is an annual event with the top three placings in each category being recognized at the Farm Expo in Moultrie. It is a true Southeast contest since it is open to entries from Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Alabama.

For more information about the hay contest or to get your hay tested, call the Walker County Extension Office at 638-2548.

Norman Edwards is coordinator of Walker County Extension Service.