A new alfalfa hay processing plant is being opened in Rapid City, SD, by Southeast Ranch LLC, headquartered in Miami, FL. At maximum capacity, the plant can process up to 2 million tons annually, according to Joel Gutierrez, company president. Processed hay will be shipped by rail to a port in Jacksonville, FL, for ocean shipment to customers in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere.

Gutierrez says his company expects to buy most of its alfalfa hay within 250 miles of Rapid City, a region that includes much of Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North and South Dakota and Wyoming. Purchases are limited to a minimum of one semi-trailer load. The hay must be green and is preferred to be no more than 15% moisture and a minimum of 16% protein, 22% crude fiber, 10.5% ash and 2.5% fat.

The company is buying hay now, and small square, large square and round bales are all accepted, says Gutierrez. He says prices offered are competitive with other options, and payment is made within 21 days following inspection, testing and weighing. Half the agreed-upon price is paid before the hay leaves the farm.

For more information, go to www.seranch.com or contact Southeast Ranch LLC at 877-350-2690 or info@seranch.com.