Free hay ammoniation demonstrations offered

University of Missouri Extension will provide a free forage ammoniation demonstration 3 p.m. Dec. 20, at the Craig Bennett farm in Howell County.

Farmers and ranchers can learn how to ammoniate low-quality hay to improve its digestibility, says MU Extension field specialist in agronomy Sarah Kenyon.

Even straw can be ammoniated to help producers stretch forages, Kenyon says. Following the drought of 2018, many producers face hay shortages.

Recent research at MU shows that ammoniation reduces the toxicity of endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Test hay before ammoniating, Kenyon says. Ammoniation of high-quality hay increases levels of a toxic compound that causes crazy cow syndrome when fed.

Hay treated with ammonia can be fed in about three weeks.

Directions available at extension.missouri.edu/howell. For more information, contact MU Extension in Howell County at 417-256-2391 or [email protected].

MU Extension and NRCS + MU Grasslands Project sponsor the event.