WARSAW – Farmers with forages or feeding hay this winter, are encouraged to join the Kosciusko County Purdue Extension on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. to assess the quality of their forages.

The Kosciusko County Purdue Extension is located at 202 West Main Street, Warsaw.

In 2019, farmers saw less than ideal conditions for growing outstanding forages, said a news release from the Kosciusko County Purdue Extension.

This event gives farmers the opportunity to have their hay or forages tested. It is important to know if livestock feed meets nutrition requirements, said the news release.

On Dec. 12, learn about the importance of testing forages for their nutritional value and how to utilize the results to feed livestock this winter. The event involves looking at different forage samples and comparing them with actual test results.

Although many think they are experts at just looking at hay or forages and knowing the quality, tests tell the true story, said the news release.

The program involves a discussion about the proper ways to take forage samples for testing. Different styles of hay probes will be available. The Purdue Extension will use test results from hay samples to learn first how to read them and interpret their meaning. After establishing an understanding, the results will be utilized to make feeding decisions for animals this winter and spring.

The Purdue Extension is looking for volunteers to assist with the program by receiving a free hay test. In order to get the free hay test, generate a sample and drop it off at the Extension Office. Hay probes are available at the Purdue Extension Office if needed.

All samples should be submitted by Friday, Nov. 22. Volunteers are encouraged to attend the Dec. 12 event as well.

The program is free of charge. An RSVP is needed to make sure the appropriate amount of handouts are available on Dec. 12.

Those planning to attend this session, please RSVP by calling Purdue  Extension—Kosciusko County at (574) 372-2340 or by email to Kelly Heckaman at kheckaman@purdue.edu by Dec. 6.

The program flyer is available on the following website: extension.purdue.edu/kosciusko.