Cartersville, GA
While there were submissions from all over the state, in the end, there could only be one winner of the GFB Quality Hay Contest. This year, it was Franklin Dowell of Bartow County, whose more than two decades of experience finally paid off after numerous close calls.
“It was quite an honor. It was quite an honor. I’ve put hay samples in the contest the probably five or six years previous and I’ve been close, but this is the first time. So, it’s pretty amazing because I’ve been here 25 years and the people I work for, they were excited too,” says Dowell.
To make it even more special, Dowell won the contest using a variety that isn’t very common to this part of the country.
“I’m growing a special grass; jiggs bermuda. There’s not a lot of it. It’s a grass that I brought in here and planted and I’ve sold to a few other people around that are planting it. There’s not a lot of it in the state. So, to win the hay contest with this grass means a lot,” says Dowell.
This type of recognition is not only appreciated by the farmer, but the industry as a whole in the state, as maintaining high quality hay is vital when it comes to marketing it.
“Georgia ranks about eighth in farm gate value in hay production. We feel like that if we can encourage our producers to spend a little extra time incorporating some good cultural practices in production of hay, that it’s going to enhance our value and enhance our reputation as a quality hay producer,” says Harry Thompson, Chairman of the GFB Hay Advisory Committee.
Even though the victory was sweet, that isn’t the only reason farmers enter the contest, as it also gives them a chance to see just how they stack up against other growers.
“It’s a contest in that there’s a little bit of bragging rights, I guess you could say, in the hay production industry. By knowing what your quality standards are, it kind of gives you a leg up on being able to market your hay if you’re a commercial hay producer,” says Thompson.
It’s more than just bragging rights Dowell received, as Vermeer also awarded him a new bailer. It’s a partnership the company says just makes sense.
“I say it really aligns with our brand pillars of being good stewards of the land and also resources we have given to us. It’s a challenge for them and us to figure out what is to come next. So, it embodies what we challenge ourselves to do and what we brand ourselves to do and has equipped everybody to do more,” says Alex Bone, Territory Sales Manager for Vermeer.
That’s really the overall goal for each and every producer, as they must overcome plenty of hurdles throughout the year.
“It’s a pride thing. I take a lot of pride in it. It’s hard. Sometimes you cut hay and the next thing you know, you’re getting a thunderstorm. So, you try to pick your windows and do the best job you can,” says Dowell.