Purdue 'hay day,' now known as the Purdue University forage field day, will happen June 10 this year. Traditionally, it's been scheduled for the end of June.
Not this year. The premier event features, as usual, morning programs plus field demonstrations in the afternoon, weather permitting. The weatherman has not been kind to this event very many times over the past five years. Perhaps sixth time is a charm?
Keith Johnson, Purdue forage specialist, helps head up the event. The Indiana Forage Council is another key sponsor of the program. Various companies, all commercial businesses who have products for the hay and /or forage industry, generally set up displays in a giant tent. Those visitors who register early can view the displays before the program starts. Those arriving later will have a chance to view displays between breaks and during the noon hour.
A wide variety of topics are slated for discussion during morning educational sessions. Expect topics to be related closely to anything to do with producing, storing or feeding forages.
On days when the weatherman cooperates and sunny skies fill the air, the afternoon becomes a beehive of activity. The entire afternoon is devoted to equipment exercises, consisting of mowing, raking, tedding and baling. In the baling category, you can choose to watch small square bales, large round bales or even large square bales.
The format generally consists of a company representative explaining features of the piece of equipment being demonstrated. He typically concentrates on anything that's new, or on strong points of his unit.
Once he's finished talking and has answered any possible questions, a skilled operator supplied by the equipment company makes a pass with the implement. Then the process repeats for the next type of equipment.
For more information, visit the handy Web site maintained by Purdue Students. Visit: www.agry.purdue.edu/forageday.