Each year, numerous farm owners will make the decision to put their hay for sale. It could be caused by a surplus or because they have decided to create a side source of income. Either way, most farms that are capable of sustaining themselves will keep the hay that they produce as feed for their own cattle and will only sell if revenue is obtainable. As a result, it is important to maintain knowledge of existing markets and potential buyers while waiting for the sale of hay to be completed.
Preparing the Hay for Sale
Even if it is the beginning of the haying season, and you are hoping to have all your bales sold before the snow falls, it is important to harvest the forage as if it was your own. This means maintaining consistent checks of the hay crop and committing to a schedule that will ensure the highest possible quality for the future buyer. In order to ensure the sale of hay, the farmer should seek out potential buyers before and during the production stages. This may include drawing up a contract between producer and seller that allows for negotiation of price but restricts the buyer from backing out of a sale during environmental hardship.
Maintain the Value
Hay quality is essential when making the decision to commit to a potential buyer. Weather and disease heavily influence hay prices and ultimately determine if there even is a sale available. Bales that contain too much alfalfa are not suitable for horse owners, while bales that lack alfalfa and clover may not contain the appropriate nutrients that beef or dairy producers require for their animals. Therefore, all farm equipment used during harvesting should be properly inspected and greased on a regular basis. Hay producers should invest in extra twine, hydraulic oil, haybine knives and baler belts in case of any breakdowns during spontaneous weather patterns. Preparing for unexpected events not only allows an increase in the speed of production but promotes the chances of a higher quality product which results in higher prices, more offers from buyers and an increased profit from the sale of hay.
Methods of Marketing
Producers will harvest their hay between June and September and aim to have it sold by the end of November at the latest. Farm owners who wait to sell their hay past November are expected to experience a decrease in potential buyers as most producers will prepare purchase what they need before the snow falls. Today, most producers still sell their hay through word of mouth, but new online methods allow for a greater range of buyers and the potential for higher prices.
Online marketing also grants the opportunity for the sale of hay to transpire faster. Producers can advertise their forages online through numerous social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and through websites such as AgBuySell. AgBuySell is a platform that would allow farm owners to advertise and sell their hay at a click of a button from the comfort of their own home.
Not only is registration free but for a limited time only, they’re offering each new member one
free credit to post a listing. Come check it out on their webpage today! -
http://agbuysell.com/free-trial/.
Jordyn Prior