farmerjan
Well-known member
Alot of hay available here, first cutting was mostly all overmature because we didn't have much dry weather to make it. We usually make plenty for ourselves and sell some, and there are years we have bought some, just to have a cushion...We make 4x5 with the one baler with net wrap and 5x6 with the other baler with just twine. We like the big bales so we can make less trips and often put it on the wagon and then unload a wagon load once a week at some pastures. We haven't even moved the last group of cattle to the last winter pasture yet so aren't feeding alot, but we are at several places. For good orchard grass prices are in the $30 plus for the 4x5 and the bigger ones are $35-45. Some people just don't like to handle them.
Several dairy farmers make the big squares 3x and 4x but don't see much for sale. The small squares are what we mostly sell, second cutting orchard grass, and it goes for $4.50 to $5.50 in the field off the wagon, to $6.00-$7.50 out of the barn and/or delivered. Depends on the distance, and who is getting it. We have some customers for the last 20 years that are great, pay on the spot and help unload if they are home, or will call and mail a check right out. Then there are those that you have to make sure you get paid and it costs more. If they get it at the barn or off the wagon, its cash then.
We have not had the hay tested, we aren't trying to be in the hay business and most all the horses are just family pleasure riding horses. We also make alot of sorghum-sudan hay and our cows love it.
Several dairy farmers make the big squares 3x and 4x but don't see much for sale. The small squares are what we mostly sell, second cutting orchard grass, and it goes for $4.50 to $5.50 in the field off the wagon, to $6.00-$7.50 out of the barn and/or delivered. Depends on the distance, and who is getting it. We have some customers for the last 20 years that are great, pay on the spot and help unload if they are home, or will call and mail a check right out. Then there are those that you have to make sure you get paid and it costs more. If they get it at the barn or off the wagon, its cash then.
We have not had the hay tested, we aren't trying to be in the hay business and most all the horses are just family pleasure riding horses. We also make alot of sorghum-sudan hay and our cows love it.