Forage Analysis Superbowl notes sponsors new category

MADISON

Over $25,000 in cash prizes is available for the 33rd World Forage Analysis Superbowl.

This is the largest prize sum in the history and made possible by generous contest sponsors including platinum sponsor Mycogen Seeds.

Held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo, the contest compares forage samples from across North America on lab and visual analysis in eight categories including a new category this year, organic hay.

The Grand Champion Forage will receive a check for $2,500 from Kemin, and the Grand Champion First-Time Entrant will receive a cash award of $1,500 from Kuhn North America.

The winning entry in each category will receive a $1,500 cash award; cash awards will also go to those placing 2nd through 4th. Categories and sponsors include, Champion Dairy Hay sponsored by W-L Research, Champion Grass Hay sponsored by Barenbrug USA, Champion Commercial Hay sponsored by NEXGROW alfalfa, Champion Haylage sponsored by Ag-Bag, Champion Baleage sponsored by Agri-King, Champion Standard Corn Silage sponsored by Agrisure Traits, Champion Brown Midrib Corn Silage sponsored by Mycogen Seeds, as well as the new category - Champion Organic Hay sponsored by Blue River Hybrids Organic Seeds.

“Our goal is to adapt the contest to what we see happening in real-time with forage harvesting and processing. Adding an organic category was a natural progression for this contest,” stated Dr. Dan Undersander, Forage Agronomist for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

To be eligible, organic hay must be grown on the farm submitting the entry and must be from a bale, any type or size, like other hay entries. Additionally, the entry must be accompanied with an organic certification.

In addition to the above categories, two other awards will be given: Quality Counts Hay/Haylage and Quality Counts Corn Silage sponsored by CROPLAN By WinField. Additional support is provided by the National Hay Association as a Silver Sponsor.

All winners will be recognized at the Mycogen Seeds Awards Luncheon, held this year on Oct. 5, during World Dairy Expo.

The World Forage Analysis Superbowl is organized in partnership with DairyBusiness Communications, Dairyland Laboratories, Inc., Hay & Forage Grower, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and World Dairy Expo. To learn more, visit foragesuperbowl.org.