 "Photo: Alex Treneff")
 "Photo: Alex Treneff")
MTSU'S new 435 acre farm, formerly Guy James Farm, held a field day to showcase current student research being orchestrated in its facilities.
The event, which was open to the campus community as well as the general public, focused on hay-wrapping techniques currently being researched by MTSU students.
"We believe more than anything that research enhances the teaching mission," said School Director Warren Gill. "Our focus is the students, and these are all student projects."
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Ag Enhancement Program is sponsoring the agricultural business and agricultural science haylage study. The TDA gave a grant for the study of wrapping hay in plastic to improve the quality of the hay.
According to a presentation at the field day, using plastic wrap to preserve hay has just recently received new attention although it's not a new technique.
Gill said that wrapping wet hay in airtight plastic, preserves longer than regular hay, not to mention the superior quality hay is better for cows' health.
"The cows just love this stuff," Gill said. "It's more nutritious for them because it's packed with protein."
Because the hay is wrapped airtight, it is allowed to ferment, which maintains sugars from the fatty acids in the hay. This process then results in a lush bale of haylage that is healthier and tastier for the cattle.
This is the first time that beef cattle on diets of plastic wrapped haylage have been researched and observed, according to Jonathan Black, senior agriculture science major and the student responsible for the research project.
Starting next month, the calves being observed will be split into groups and fed either regular hay or the haylage. Their behavior will then be monitored to see if there is a dramatic difference between the groups.
"We want the calves to be more relaxed," said Angela Smotherman, senior horse science major and one of the students involved with the research. "We don't want them anxious and running around because they lose weight that way, and when they are relaxed, they will gain more weight."
The main goal of the haylage research project is to see how beneficial this new technique will be to farmers.
However, one drawback of producing wrapped haylage is the cost. The hay-wrapping machine alone costs around $20,000, not including the added cost of $3 worth of plastic per bale.
While the wrapping system has significant financial implications, those involved with the project believe such an investment will result in an important turnover.
"At the end of the day, producers want to know how much they are going to gain from this," Black said. "With good results, it will be clear that it's definitely worth it."
Visitors to the field day got to witness firsthand the haylage-wrapping machine in action.
Wrapping the bales in six minutes, the machine is expected to save farmers a great deal of time in the fields.
With several other studies currently taking place, it is clear MTSU'S farm laboratory's goal is for students to develop important hands-on skills.
Other current research includes dairy, horse and plant science studies, all offering experiential learning for students.
"We plan to develop our farm laboratories, especially this one," Gill said. "It will prove to be a sustainable student and community asset."
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