Kentucky Forage Testing Program Helps Cut Feed Costs

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky Division of Regulatory Services (UKDRS), working with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the Cooperative Extension Service, has launched a new Forage Testing Program designed to help producers improve livestock nutrition, lower feed costs and support sustainable agriculture.

Supported by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, trial testing began in September 2025, and the program is now fully operational. It offers comprehensive nutritional analysis of hay, silage and other forages.

Ray Smith, Extension forage specialist in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, welcomed the launch of the service.

“This will be a tremendous benefit to livestock and hay producers in the state,” Smith said. “Having this testing at the same location as UK Soil Testing offers a user-friendly format and quick turnaround. It also facilitates county Extension agents working with specialists to explain the results to their clients.”

Smith noted that forage makes up more than 80% of most ruminant and equine diets, yet many producers feed hay without knowing its nutritional value. UK associate professor and equine nutrition specialist Bob Coleman emphasized the value of testing for horse owners.

“Feeding hay is just part of owning horses,” Coleman said. “Having the analysis tells a lot about the hay, allowing horse owners to make better use of the hay and their feed budget. It is exciting to have this service available at UK.”

Jeff Lehmkuhler, Extension professor of beef cattle nutrition, added, “Forage testing provides the foundational information to build a cost-effective supplement strategy to meet the nutritional needs of beef cattle and ensure performance goals are met.”

UKDRS uses Near Infrared Spectroscopy to analyze forage quality, with standard tests priced at $22 per sample and results available in about three business days. Producers can review results with Extension agents to balance rations and improve forage management.

By transitioning testing to UK, KDA will expand hay marketing services, including hay grading and monthly USDA hay market reports. Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said, “Farmers who are already utilizing the soil lab through their local extension agent can now add a follow-up forage analysis and consultation through UK Cooperative Extension, resulting in a more complete soil and forage improvement plan.”

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