| | How can I maximize my returns on hay this year?
This year is a total reversal of last year as far as forage supplies are concerned. Supply is up and demand is down, which in many cases has resulted in hay prices reduced by half from the highs experienced in 2002. Given this scenario, hay buyers can afford to be selective in their purchases this year. In order for hay producers to maximize their returns, quality will be a major factor.
How do I ensure quality?
Sound production techniques go a long way to ensure quality. Proper stage of cutting, lack of weathering, and baling at optimum moisture are some of the ways to get good quality forage without added expense. Segregating areas of hay fields where quality variations occur will also help. Putting up tight, well wrapped bales help ensure quality by reducing moisture infiltration in stored product as well as making transportation easier with little added cost.
Another avenue producers may wish to explore is the Alberta Certified Weed Free Hay Program. “Clean” hay, free of noxious and restricted weeds, can command a premium in the marketplace and may even mean the difference between transporting the hay or not. Freedom of transportation definitely increases the available markets.
How do I determine and value forage quality?
The best method of determining forage quality is by feed testing. Forage quality can vary a great deal in the province. Using alfalfa for example, we find with one standard deviation either side of the mean for Acid Detergent Fiber (an indicator of quality, the higher the ADF the lower the quality) a range of 23 to 41%. Using comparative feed value calculations, we can determine a relative price difference of approximately 10%. Using an example of alfalfa priced at between $75 to $85/ton, this range translates to $7.50 to $8.50 difference/ton between top quality and poorer quality hay.
A basic feed test will cost approximately $35 to $40 so it would only take 5 tons of known top quality hay to justify the expense. Additionally, hay buyers may be more inclined to purchase a forage of known quality, even it is only average, rather than hay of unknown quality. This factor alone may make the difference between selling hay or sitting on it.
Ten Year Average Analysis of Alberta Feeds
Alberta Certified Weed Free Hay Program
Nutrients for Cattle
Estimating Moisture Content of Forages and Silage
Prepared by Ted Nibourg, Ag-Info Centre, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development |
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