Hay Mostly Escapes Sandy’s Wrath
Hurricane Sandy caused a few hiccups and headaches for hay buyers and sellers in the eastern U.S. last week. But regional sources contacted by eHay Weekly on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 say things could have been much worse overall.
Canadian Straw Sells At Iowa Hay Auctions
Five to seven loads of 3 x 3 x 8’ wheat-straw bales have been moving weekly from Manitoba through the Dyersville Sales Co., Dyersville, IA, reports auction owner Randy Hess.
Hay Exports Continue Upward Push
West Coast hay-exporting firms continue to do brisk business. According to U.S. Department of Commerce numbers, the volume of hay leaving ports in the Pacific Northwest and California for overseas destinations was up by 10% through the first six months of 2012 compared to a similar period the previous year.
USDA Hay Production Outlook Improves Slightly
USDA revised its 2012 production numbers upward for both alfalfa and other hay in its October Crop Production reportreleased Oct. 11. But the newest numbers won’t do much to improve the overall low supply situation or take pressure off prices in months ahead, says Matt Diersen, ag economist with South Dakota State University Extension.
Hay Is Tempting Target For Thieves
With prices remaining at historically high levels in many parts of the country, incidents of hay theft are becoming increasingly more common.
Stage Set For Hay-Import Increase
Look for alfalfa and other hay from Canada and Mexico to fill at least some of livestock producers’ feed-supply void caused by widespread drought.
Hay Buyers, Sellers: Watch For Fire Ants
With hay moving around the country due to this year’s drought, officials in several states are concerned that the red imported fire ant (RIFA) could unwittingly be, as the pesky insect’s name states, imported into new areas.
Hay Hard To Find In Idaho
Even at $300/ton – what one Illinois dairy producer and hay broker said he’d pay for dairy-quality alfalfa – don’t expect to find abundant supply in Idaho, says Rick Waitley.
Web Keeps Marketing Costs Low For Kentucky Hay Grower
Internet sites are becoming an increasingly important part of the hay-marketing program at Flynn Farms of Kentucky near Louisville. “It’s a low-cost way to reach a lot of potential buyers,” says Mark Flynn, who farms in partnership with his father, Ron.
Stage Set For Slight Upward Move On Alfalfa Prices
By most accounts, the numbers in last week’s Crop Production report from USDA are sure to put upward pressure on U.S. alfalfa prices in the months ahead. The big question is just how far prices might move, says Matt Diersen, ag economist with South Dakota State University Extension.
Web Site Uploads Drive Hay Sales For Indiana Grower
In the highly competitive horse-hay marketplace, quickly getting messages about your product to potential customers can give you a leg up. Hay grower Kenneth Klabunde’s marketing tools of choice: a smartphone and a Web site – Indianahayonline.com.
