McNay Hay Day to feature multiple sessions of haying equipment demonstrations
Multiple sessions will feature different equipment throughout the event
6/25/25
Equipment demos are part of the July 31 McNay Hay Day.
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting a haying equipment demonstration field day on July 8 at the McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm in Chariton.
This event will feature several sessions, each showcasing different types of haying equipment, with demonstrations from industry representatives from south central Iowa. ISU extension beef specialist Chris Clark said there also will be an equipment trade show area where attendees can inspect the machinery and meet with industry representatives.
"I’m excited about the opportunity to showcase some equipment and talk about how and why that equipment can be used to help producers make good hay," Clark said. "Forage production is a huge part of raising beef cattle in southern Iowa and we use a lot of hay for winter feed. It just makes sense that we try to help producers optimize hay production to economically make a nutritious product for their livestock."
In addition to seeing a variety of haying equipment, attendees can learn more about weeds.
"We are featuring ISU extension field agronomist Meaghan Anderson during a lunch-time educational presentation about controlling weeds in forages," Clark said. "This will be a valuable talk for anyone who manages hay ground or pasture."
Other ISU Extension and Outreach specialists, including field agronomist Logan McCrea, will be present throughout the program to meet with attendees and address production questions.
The day will begin with demonstration sessions from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Following these sessions, participants can visit the equipment trade show until 5 p.m. A lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees, prepared by the Lucas County Cattlemen.
Preregistration for this field day event is strongly encouraged. On-site registration will be available.
The McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 45249 170th Ave., Chariton. In the case of inclement weather on July 8, organizers have planned a rain date of July 16.
For more information and registration assistance, contact Clark at 712-250-0070, McCrea at 641-226-7102, or the Lucas County Extension Office at 641-774-2016.
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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Chris Clark, Iowa State University extension beef specialist, 712-250-0070, caclark@iastate.edu
