MACON, Ga. — The Georgia Farm Bureau recently announced its 2017 Quality Hay Contest.

The purpose of the contest, according to a flyer from the organization, is to encourage and promote quality hay production.

The contest is open to Georgia Farm Bureau members who produce dry Bermudagrass (any type or variety) on their farm; only hay produced in Georgia is eligible.

Entry fee is $20 per sample and is required to cover the cost of lab analysis.

All entries will be tested at the University of Georgia using the Relative Forage Quality system to determine total digestibility, the GFB flyer said.

“It is imperative that each sample be as dry as possible before sealing in the Zip Lock bag,” the flyer said. “High moisture will accelerate teh build-up of mold on the sample and will cause it to be disqualified.”

Entries must be submitted to the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, Public Policy Department, no later than Oct. 31.

Contest winners will be announced at the Georgia Farm Bureau annual meeting Dec. 4 at Jekyll Island.

Producers entering the contest can have a free listing in the GFB Hay Directory.

Anyone with questions or to get a copy of the entry form, please contact the Colquitt County Farm Bureau at (229) 985-7179.