Hay disappearance within Indiana during the past year totaled 2.7 million tons, an increase of 23 percent from a year earlier. According to Petritz, results for the year ahead will be ruled by the weather, which will affect hay quality and quantity. In its March report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Indiana hay producers planned to harvest 775,000 acres this year, or 3 percent more than in 1998. Kentucky producers said they, too, will harvest about 3 percent more acres, but growers in Ohio, Illinois and Michigan expect to harvest fewer acres, and the Wisconsin estimate matches last year's harvest. It also gives farmers the opportunity to interact with producers of like interest, agribusiness personnel and university personnel.
Farmers also can compete in a hay quality contest by bringing one unbroken bale of hay as an entry.
The hay will be tested at Purdue, and winners will be announced within 10 days of the field day. Each winner will win a certificate and forage-related products. Hay Day is free, and lunch is available at a minimal price.