Wyoming hay exhibited

Each year, the Wyoming State Fair (WSF) Hay Show, presented by the Wyoming Hay and Forage Association, invites the top hay producers from around the state to exhibit their prized products.  The WSF Hay Show takes place inside the Wyoming Livestock Roundup Tent, located across from the beef show ring near the midway.  

The hay is judged by a panel of three forage industry professionals based on qualities such as maturity, texture, leaf retention, bale quality, color, odor, foreign material, mold and forage analysis. Before the contest takes place in Douglas, core samples must be taken by University of Wyoming Extension Educators and sent to the Forage Analysis Laboratory.  

In this year’s contest, Mark Bappe of Riverton took home the title of Open Show Champion with his third cutting alfalfa hay and was also recognized as the Alan M. Grey Best of Show Award winner. Bappe also received honors for the Champion Grass Hay and the Champion Alfalfa Third Cut Hay.  

William Gutierrez of Casper was recognized as the Youth Show Champion, as well as the Premier Exhibitor Reserve Champion with third cutting alfalfa hay.  

Bill Cox of Powell was awarded Champion Mixed Hay with more than 50 percent alfalfa and the Champion Mixed Hay with less than 50 percent alfalfa.  

Hurley Farms received honors for the Champion Second Cutting Alfalfa Hay.  

The Overall and Reserve Champion will move on to compete at the World Forage Analysis Superbowl during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. in late September.   
For more information about the Wyoming Hay and Forage Association, visit wyhay.com.