We're excited to introduce a new component to this year's Fall Beef Management Seminar, the Payne County Hay Contest! The contest will provide a snapshot of forage quality across Payne County while helping producers better understand how their hay compares to beef cattle nutrient requirements.

Contest Criteria

• Open to all producers with dry hay harvested in Payne County during 2026
• One complimentary forage analysis per farm or ranch (first 30 samples only)

• Submit one representative forage sample following OSU forage sampling recommendations, along with a one-gallon bag of hay for visual appraisal by August 14. 

• Two categories:
  • Warm-season forages
  • Cool-season forages
• Champion and Reserve Champion entries will be recognized in each category during the Fall Beef Management Seminar.

After the first 30 complimentary forage analyses have been claimed, producers may still participate by submitting a 2026 forage analysis completed by the OSU Soil, Water & Forage Analytical Laboratory at the producer's expense.

Registration:

Register by dropping your forage sample off at the Payne County OSU Extension office and letting the peson know that's taking in your sample, you'd like to register for the contest. 

Judging:

Entries will be evaluated using Dry Matter Basis forage analysis results from the OSU Soil, Water & Forage Analytical Laboratory and compared to beef cattle nutrient requirements. Hay samples will also receive a visual appraisal.

All forage analysis results will be discussed in aggregate during the seminar to provide a snapshot of forage quality across Payne County and assist producers with supplementation decisions for the upcoming fall and winter-feeding season. Individual producer results will remain confidential, except for recognized contest winners.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https://eeo.okstate.edu. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Jennifer Patterson at 405-747-8320 at least two weeks prior to the event.