Hay crops in many ways are a unique crop to market. The demand for hay in the winter is very closely tied to the past summer’s production and supporting weather. This alone does not make it much different than most grain crops and their markets. But it is here that the similarities end.

Forage management strategies are as varied as the farmers who grow the forages. “Despite differing management plans, there are a few key concepts to remember with the advent of fall,” says a University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist.

The last few years have been difficult ones for hay producers. Regardless if someone is producing hay to feed to their own stock or producing it for sale to the public, the economics of hay production have changed drastically in the last several years. As a result, many producers are now taking a long-overdue look at the economics of hay production.

Selling versus marketing
First, let’s make a distinction between selling and marketing. These two terms are frequently used interchangeably, but the processes are quite different. Selling is defined simply as the exchange or delivery of goods and services to a customer for a negotiated price.

As a buyer or seller of hay, what works for you? In the end, the buyer and seller are working towards a price that gives both a reasonable chance to make a living – a return for their share in labor, management, capital and risk.

Top-quality, consistent forage is a substantial investment that affects the bottom line. Missing quality parameters can have a devastating effect on milk production and profitability.

It’s World Ag Expo time again. I know that my wife is most looking forward to this year’s show because I won’t have to be absent on Valentine’s Day. I’m sure that might be a benefit to other producers, vendors and attendees. Here’s the top 3 reasons I’m looking forward to attending this year’s show.

Alfalfa hay and other forage producers often become complacent when they hear the term “risk management.” Most often this is attributed to the misunderstanding that risk management programs relate only to managing financial risk via future, options, hedging, forward contracting or crop insurance programs.

Alfalfa quality: The key to marketing a better hay product
Hay is one of the most versatile means to package and sell stored forage for animal feed. Hay can be kept for long periods of time with little loss of nutrients when protected from weather. Many crops can be hayed successfully. Alfalfa, in particular, has successfully been used for specific ration supplementation and for specific animal markets.