Weigh , Test And Sample
Before You Buy
Three hay-buying tips .
by Linda Geist University of Missouri Extension
Weigh , test and sample hay before buying or selling , says
University of Missouri ( MU ) Extension Livestock Specialist Eldon Cole .
Beef producers rely on good-quality hay to boost profits . “ Unfortunately , our hay production is not always the greatest quality ,” Cole says . “ The category we excel in is ‘ other grass hay ’— specifically , cool-season grass or mostly fescue . Missouri growers often harvest hay past its peak . As far as high-quality hay , such as alfalfa , we end up around 20th place most of the time .”
On top of that , Missouri ranked second in the nation in 2019 carryover stock which may have been stored poorly .
Cattle producers in most states face uncertainty in buying hay because there are no uniform standards .
Cole says his search for fescue hay prices in various farm magazines turned up empty . “ The closest I found was fair-quality mixed-grass hay at $ 40 to $ 50 per large round , or $ 20 to $ 40 per 4-by-5 round bale . Those reports were from the Missouri Weekly Hay Report .”
There is a grading system for alfalfa that helps buyers make better decisions . A recent report from Kansas showed that buyers were paying $ 1 per relative feed value ( RFV ) point in alfalfa hay . For example , buyers paid $ 142 per ton for alfalfa with an RFV score of 142 .
When buying hay , Cole says you should check three things :
1 . Weigh a few bales on a scale . Not all big round bales weigh 1,000 pounds ( lb .). Most weigh less than that , so you could be paying more per bale than you should . Bale size and density matter .
2 . Core-sample 10-15 bales . Send samples to a lab for analysis of moisture , fiber , energy and protein . The test will show the RFQ ( relative forage quality ) and help with ration balancing . Knowing these numbers will help you arrive at a fair price . Cost is about $ 25 .
3 . Look for hay that has been stored properly . Buy hay that has been stored in a barn as a first choice and hay that has been wrapped as a second . Whatever you choose , store hay you buy in a covered location . Locate your feeding area in a well-drained open area with easy access for feeding to reduce waste .
“ The greatest expense cattle producers face each year is forage cost , whether it ’ s pasture , hay or haylage ,” Cole says . “ Use a sharp pencil to evaluate whether to raise your own hay or to buy it .”
Inventory hay pastures and stockpiles now .
MU Extension Beef Nutritionist Eric Bailey says now is a good time to inventory pastures and hay stockpiles to determine how much hay you need for winter feeding . Keep enough bales on hand to create a balanced ration to your herd ’ s nutritional needs .
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62 • OCTOBER 2020