HAY growers from across Australia are eager to find out who is making the best quality hay.
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More than 1000 hay samples have been entered so far in the 2015 Feed Central National Hay Quality Competition and organisers hope to receive more entries before the closing date of June 30.
The inaugural Feed Central National Hay Quality Competition in 2014 was a great success and helped to build awareness of hay quality.
A total of 753 lots weighing 180,000 tonnes were inspected in 2014 but already the 2015 competition has surpassed that figure with 1080 submissions.
And with the increased quantity has come increased quality.
Feed Central Quality Assurance and Supply Manager Ian Wickham said the quality of entries was very solid.
“Growers are doing their best and overall the quality is very good compared to last year,” Mr Wickham said.
“We are very encouraged by the many lines of high quality hay that have been produced this season which has been on-farm inspected and feed tested and from commercial sized lots.”
Mr Wickham said higher quality hay increases the value of the grower’s product and leads to more money for suppliers and better outcomes for endusers.
“All growers who have their hay inspected onfarm by Feed Central are eligible to enter the awards,” Mr Wickham said.
“The competition was designed to promote hay quality nationally; allow benchmarking of hay quality both visually and via feed testing; and to recognise individual growers and contractors for producing high quality hay.
“The competition includes all main classes of hay - lucerne, vetch and cereal.
National and state award winners will be announced on September 25.
“Producers can enter the competition by listing their hay in the Feed Central system.
An inspector will visit properties for an on-site inspection.
More details can be found at www.feedcentral.com.au.
Feed Central provides hay certification and marketing services to a national client base and has marketed and sold more than 100,000 tonnes of quality assured hay in the past 12 months.