Publication Date
1989
Description
Hay production in the United States of America (US) is about 140 million metric tons/year. In 1987 most US hay producers had fewer marketing opportunities because of surplus production and lower demand due to a continuing national decline in livestock numbers. In Wyoming, marketing hay on the basis of forage quality is becoming critical for the economic survival of many haygrowers, particularly in years of low demand for hay. Demand for high quality hay by specialty markets (dairy and horse hay) is greater than supply throughout the US. However, buyers for such markets insist that quality hay is difficult to locate and supplies are inconsistent. Many hay producers are willing to produce quality hay but need a mechanism for exposure to new markets. In 1987 Wyoming initiated a standardized, fee-based « hay evaluation and listing service » composed of a chemical analysis and standardization visual appraisal by trained, unbiased, thirdparty evaluators. The service was modeled after Oklahoma State University's Haymarket program (Cuperus et al., 1983) but with substantial modification. The program addresses alfalfa, grass and mixed hay. Hay cubes and loose hay are also included. After evaluation, hay is listed and exposed to potential buyers in Wyoming and other states. « Wyoming Haylist » is a marketing tool which utilizes modern methods of forage analysis to determine the nutritive value of hay. The program does not broker hay. Marketing agreements, price negotiations, payments and delivery arrangements are the responsibility of buyers, sellers, and possibly, hay brokers who use the list. Primary objectives of « Haylist » were to document forage quality, establish credibility of hay producers, increase exposure of Wyoming hay to potential buyers and to encourage the sale of hay on the basis of forage quality. Specific goals were to: (1) Improve hay marketing; (2) Reward growers for quality; (3) Link buyers and sellers; (4) Move hay in years of surplus production; (5) Familiarize buyers and sellers with modern concepts of forage analysis and visual appraisal; (6) Focus educational programs on production of quality hay, storage and stand management.
Citation
Gray, A M., "Hay Quality and Marketing Improved with Wyoming Hay Evaluation and Listing Service" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 30.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session8/30
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Hay Quality and Marketing Improved with Wyoming Hay Evaluation and Listing Service
Hay production in the United States of America (US) is about 140 million metric tons/year. In 1987 most US hay producers had fewer marketing opportunities because of surplus production and lower demand due to a continuing national decline in livestock numbers. In Wyoming, marketing hay on the basis of forage quality is becoming critical for the economic survival of many haygrowers, particularly in years of low demand for hay. Demand for high quality hay by specialty markets (dairy and horse hay) is greater than supply throughout the US. However, buyers for such markets insist that quality hay is difficult to locate and supplies are inconsistent. Many hay producers are willing to produce quality hay but need a mechanism for exposure to new markets. In 1987 Wyoming initiated a standardized, fee-based « hay evaluation and listing service » composed of a chemical analysis and standardization visual appraisal by trained, unbiased, thirdparty evaluators. The service was modeled after Oklahoma State University's Haymarket program (Cuperus et al., 1983) but with substantial modification. The program addresses alfalfa, grass and mixed hay. Hay cubes and loose hay are also included. After evaluation, hay is listed and exposed to potential buyers in Wyoming and other states. « Wyoming Haylist » is a marketing tool which utilizes modern methods of forage analysis to determine the nutritive value of hay. The program does not broker hay. Marketing agreements, price negotiations, payments and delivery arrangements are the responsibility of buyers, sellers, and possibly, hay brokers who use the list. Primary objectives of « Haylist » were to document forage quality, establish credibility of hay producers, increase exposure of Wyoming hay to potential buyers and to encourage the sale of hay on the basis of forage quality. Specific goals were to: (1) Improve hay marketing; (2) Reward growers for quality; (3) Link buyers and sellers; (4) Move hay in years of surplus production; (5) Familiarize buyers and sellers with modern concepts of forage analysis and visual appraisal; (6) Focus educational programs on production of quality hay, storage and stand management.
