Free hay-testing in Cherokee County

RUSK – Free hay-testing is being offered as part of the annual Cherokee County Hay Show, with samples due Sept. 13.

“A great and easy way to get your hay tested for free is to enter either a square bale or a large trash bag full of hay in our annual Hay Show and Sale,” said Cherokee County agriculture extension agent Aaron Low. “You will be provided with a detailed analysis of your hay crop.”

Testing results from samples – which must be produced in Cherokee County – will be given during the annual Hay Show & Sale, slated Tuesday, Oct. 26, at the Cherokee County Exposition Center in Jacksonville.
A 6 p.m. catered dinner is followed immediately by a hay auction, with Grand Champion, Reserve Champion and Blue Ribbon hay auctioned during the event.

Proceeds benefit the youth of Cherokee County via a scholarship program, which, to date, has disbursed more than $250,000 in scholarships.

Hay entry drop off locations are at the Extension Office in Rusk, Hicks Farm and Ranch in Alto, Farm and Ranch Feed in Jacksonville, Steele’s Feed and Seed in Troup and Tri County Livestock Market in New Summerfield, Low said.

To learn more, contact him at the Cherokee County Extension Office 903-683-5416 or email arlow@ag.tamu.edu