Around 469 forage samples in seven different forage categories entered in the World Forage Analysis Superbowl. The seven categories included brown midrib corn silage, standard corn silage, haylage, baleage, commercial hay, dairy hay and grass hay.
Growers from across the US and Canada were invited to send their best samples in either dairy or commercial divisions.
Dairy samples are judged on lab analysis (60%), visual judging (30%), and calculated milk per tonne (10%).
Commercial entries are judged on lab analysis (70%) and visual judging (30%).
Visual judging consists of analysing the colour, texture, maturity and leafiness, depending on the category. Dairyland Laboratories, located in DePere, WI, tested the samples.
During the World Dairy Expo the winner was announced. The best forage in 2014 comes from Michigan. Johnson Farms LLC, Daggett, Mich., took Grand Champion honours and was awarded a $2,500 cheque for its standard corn silage entry in the World Forage Analysis Superbowl. The cash award was presented by Kemin, and was one of many recognising top-quality forage entries in the annual contest.