Maine producers demonstrate top quality at 2025 Maine Hay Contest
Henry Hardy and family garnered first place in the annual Maine Hay Contest sponsored by UMaine Extension. (Photo courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension)
Pine Ridge Acres representatives won second place in the annual Maine Hay Contest sponsored by UMaine Extension. (Photo courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension)
Matt Sneller, of Conant Acres, accepts the award for third place in the annual Maine Hay Contest sponsored by UMaine Extension. (Photo courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension)
Henry Hardy and family garnered first place in the annual Maine Hay Contest sponsored by UMaine Extension. (Photo courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension)
Pine Ridge Acres representatives won second place in the annual Maine Hay Contest sponsored by UMaine Extension. (Photo courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension)
Matt Sneller, of Conant Acres, accepts the award for third place in the annual Maine Hay Contest sponsored by UMaine Extension. (Photo courtesy University of Maine Cooperative Extension)
WATERVILLE — The results of the 2025 Maine Hay Contest, sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension, were officially announced during the Maine Forage Conference held this fall in Waterville. The contest, which recognizes producers who achieve the highest hay quality scores, highlighted the resilience and expertise of Maine farmers in a challenging growing season, according to UMaine Extension, in a news release.
Contest entries were ranked based on the Relative Forage Quality score (RFQ), which assesses protein, energy and fiber digestibility. Hardy Farm in Farmington won first place with a RFQ score of 170. Second place went to Pine Ridge Acres in Falmouth with a 166 RFQ, and Conant Acres in Canton was awarded third place with a score of 159.
Representatives from the winning farms, including Henry Hardy and family, Aaron Bank of Pine Ridge Acres, and Matt Sneller of Conant Acres, were present to receive their awards and commemorative plaques.
The win is particularly notable for Hardy Farm, which clinched the first-place title for the second time, demonstrating sustained excellence in hay production, according to the Extension.
"This year’s results were a testament to the skill and knowledge of hay Maine producers, " said the Extension. "The elite scores, especially considering environmental challenges such as drought faced by many producers this year, demonstrate that Maine farmers possess the excellent management practices necessary to produce superior-quality hay."
The Maine Hay Contest is an Extension educational initiative, pushing farmers to measure and improve their forage quality. Maine producers are encouraged to participate in the 2026 contest.
"Whether you are aiming for the top prize or wish to learn more about the quality of hay you are currently producing, participation is a valuable step toward optimizing animal nutrition and farm profitability," said the release.
Learn more about the contest rules and submission guidelines at the program website.
About University of Maine Cooperative Extension
As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety, and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H, which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement, and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.
