GREAT POST..............
Here in NE Wisconsin, we have two farmers from whom we purchase (both store for free). The bales weigh approx 40-lbs and pay $2.50. First crop is less expensive $1.75. During haying season, one farmer brings huge kick-baled hay wagons right to our barn and we QUICKLY unload and pay $2.00...great exercise!
Last year, one of the farmers had EXCELLENT hay. This year, their hay is stemmy, a couple bales with mold.
Our other supplier's hay is terrific THIS YEAR. However, last year it was very dusty because the gravel pit was dynamiting and remnants fell to the ground. Their horse began having breathing/allergy problems, attributed to that crop of hay. We stopped buying from them after the first load....nothing like having a horse with heaves!
It's a delicate balancing act to keep both farmers supplying us....each have an abundance, but don't want either to be "put out" and cut us out come Spring.
It's fascinating to know that, even though Californians pay $12-$16 per bale, theirs are triple the weight of ours in Wisconsin. Add the cost of transporting to their area, and the price is within reason. (I couldn't lift/stack the bales....thus robbed of the exercise I enjoy from bucking hay!!)
On its face, organizing a group of horse breeders together and buy hay sounds like a good idea. Only problem is what happens if the hay quality is AWFUL....do you refuse the load? My friend in Florida had this happen on a few occasions (looked like straw) and refused the loads.
There are so many variables in purchasing hay....when it's cut/baled (dry), has the field been reseeded for quality, type of storage before delivery, region of where harvested, trustworthiness/knowledge of farmer or hay dealer, etc.
I admire folks who "know their hay" and what's good for their horses. Always thought straight alfalpha would cause founder in minis....but I guess that isn't true. CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN THAT TO ME PLEASE!
Thank you.
:aktion033: