FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 6, 2006
For more information contact:

Cindy Garretson-Weibel
Director, Agribusiness Division
Wyoming Business Council
Office: 307.777.6589

Scott Keith
Livestock & Forage Program Manager
Wyoming Business Council

Wyoming hay takes top honors at World Dairy Expo

MADISON, WISC. - Wyoming hay producers won top honors in the World Forage Analysis Superbowl on October 5 during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.

The World Forage Analysis Superbowl at the World Dairy Expo is the premier hay analysis contest in the country. The World Dairy Expo hosts more than 65,000 dairy industry professionals each year. Dairy producers from all over the country pay notice to the hay quality at the prestigious Superbowl contest.

The following Wyoming hay producers were recognized:

• Overall Grand Champion: Ervin Gara III of Huntley
• Commercial Hay Champion: Ervin Gara Jr. of Huntley
• First Time Entry Champion: Hardrock Farms, David Hinman of Wheatland
• Second Place Commercial Hay: Kellie Hinman of Wheatland
• Third Place Commercial Hay: Bill Reed of Casper
• Sixth Place Commercial Hay: Casey Epler of Cheyenne

“Wyoming’s sweep of this contest speaks volumes for the quality of hay produced in the state,” said Scott Keith, Livestock and Forage Program Manager for the Wyoming Business Council’s Agribusiness Division. “This recognition creates a consistent awareness of the value Wyoming hay plays in the dairy marketplace. This is very beneficial for the quality hay producers in the state.”

Wyoming’s dry climate, high elevation and warm days-cool nights create an exceptional environment for growing and harvesting extremely high quality hay. Producers who pay special attention to harvest timing and management consistently produce alfalfa high in nutritional value. This hay is desirable in the dairy marketplace, an industry that is found primarily outside the borders of Wyoming.

The Wyoming Business Council Agribusiness Division enables producers to participate in this event by awarding the top Relative Feed Value hay entries at the Wyoming State Fair a premium which includes payment of the $25 entry fee for the Superbowl.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

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