By Jamie Martin
The World Dairy Expo once again hosted the World Forage Analysis Superbowl, marking its 41st year of celebrating excellence in forage production. This year’s competition attracted 232 entries from 12 states, reflecting the widespread dedication of farmers to producing quality forage for livestock and dairy.
Peterson Farm of Poplar Grove, Illinois, emerged as the World’s Forage Grand Champion with their winning Baleage category entry. Their achievement earned them $2,500, sponsored by Legacy Seeds. Tilstock Farms of Plum City, Wisconsin, won the Grand Champion First-Time Entrant Award, receiving $2,000 for their Alfalfa Haylage entry sponsored by Brevant Seeds.
The Quality Counts Awards highlighted exceptional forage quality. Danny Krueger of Wausau, Wisconsin, earned recognition for BMR Corn Silage, while Sand Creek Dairy of Michigan topped the Hay/Haylage category. These awards emphasized forage value for livestock nutrition as much as overall yield.
Category winners showcased excellence across different forage types. Baleage was led by Kendall Guither of Illinois, while Commercial Hay honors went to Hardrock Farms of Wyoming. In Dairy Hay, Andy Schmitt of Iowa took first place. Grass Hay was led by Ted Peterson of Wisconsin, and Alfalfa Haylage was won by Ciolkosz Dairy of Wisconsin. Other leaders included Woldt Farms of Wisconsin in Mixed/Grass Haylage, John Schwittay of Wisconsin in Standard Corn Silage, and Denmar Acres of Wisconsin in BMR Corn Silage.
Sponsors supporting the event included Byron Seeds, Scherer Inc., Agri-King, QLF Agronomy, CROPLAN, Barenbrug USA, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, and many more, all underscoring the importance of forage in dairy and livestock success.
The Forage Superbowl continues to spotlight the skills and commitment of U.S. forage producers, honoring their contributions to agricultural strength and rural communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska
Categories: National