The price of a bale of hay in Oregon can vary significantly based on a variety of factors including type of hay, size of the bale, and availability of hay in the state. On average, a bale of grass hay, such as Timothy or Orchard, is typically around $7-10 per bale in the state of Oregon.
High quality alfalfa hay, which is more year-round and in higher demand, can cost closer to $12-17 a bale. Other factors, such as availability, supply and demand, location, and hay quality can all influence the specific cost of a bale of hay.
Regarding availability, it is important to note that different regions of the state may have different prices, as hay availability in some areas of the state may be more limited than other areas. Additionally, if a bale is particularly large in size, it may be more expensive than a standard size bale.
If you are looking for a specific bale of hay for an animal, you may be able to negotiate with the seller for a better price. Ultimately, it is important to shop around and compare prices when looking to purchase hay in Oregon.
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What is the cost of one bale of hay?
The cost of one bale of hay varies widely based on several factors, including the type of hay, the size of the bale, and the geographic area in which it is purchased. For example, small square bales of Timothy hay commonly purchased for horse feed typically cost around 5-10 USD per bale in the Midwest United States, while smaller “flakes” of hay that are more suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals may cost about 1-2 USD per bale.
The cost of a bale of alfalfa hay, which is high in protein and calcium, is also higher than other types of hay and can range from 10-20 USD per bale. Larger round bales or “big bales” are typically more cost effective than small square bales, and they can range anywhere from 25-50 USD per bale when purchased in bulk.
Ultimately, the cost of hay is determined by the type, size and availability of the hay, as well as the local market prices in your geographic area.
How many bales of hay can 1 acre produce?
The number of bales of hay that can be produced from one acre depends on a variety of factors, including grazing practices, seasonal weather conditions, soil type and fertility, and the type of hay being produced.
Generally, it is possible to produce anywhere between one and eight bales of hay per acre, with higher yields achieved when the hay is cut in the early- to mid-summer. A study conducted in the UK found that one acre of good quality land could produce an average of 4.
5 bales of hay.
Even taking into account ideal growing and harvesting practices, it is impossible to control every factor that affects hay yield, so the yield can vary widely. Some of the conditions that can lead to higher than average yields include saline-tolerant grasses, improved timing of grazing and cuttings, and effective soil fertility management.
Conversely, variables such as pest infestation, reduced access to water, and extremes of either hot or cold weather can lower yields.
Furthermore, different types of hay have varying potential yields. For example, a 2016 study in Arkansas found that one acre of Bermuda grass could produce an average of 6. 9 bales of hay, whereas one acre of bahiagrass would produce 8.
4 bales. Ultimately, based on the number of variables that can influence hay yields, the amount of hay that can be produced on one acre is not a straightforward answer.
Is hay a good cash crop?
Hay is generally considered to be a good cash crop, especially for farmers who specialize in animal husbandry, such as cattle and horse farmers. Hay is the main source of sustenance for these animals, so having a good harvest is important in order to keep their herds healthy and thriving.
As such, hay can fetch a good price on the open market since there is a high demand for it. The yields can be high, depending on the type of hay that is grown and the management techniques used. This can result in a good return on investment for farmers who grow hay as a cash crop.
Additionally, hay can last for a long time in storage, which means that farmers can often hold onto the hay for longer, until the price is right. In conclusion, hay is generally considered to be a good cash crop for farmers who specialize in animal husbandry.
Can you make a lot of money selling hay?
Yes, it is possible to make a lot of money selling hay. It is a profitable industry, especially among large-scale farmers and ranchers who have hundreds of acres of land to use for producing hay. For example, hay sellers can often command high prices for hay by providing quality hay that is disease-free, weed-free, and properly stored in the proper environment.
The key to making a lot of money selling hay is focusing on providing high-quality hay that results in high demand. It is also important to focus on quantity, as large quantities of hay can be sold to large farms, which can lead to higher profits.
Additionally, certain varieties of hay can be more lucrative than others, such as alfalfa and timothy hay. Finally, successful hay sellers should also look for opportunities to sell hay both locally and to buyers in different regions, as this can lead to higher prices due to increased competition.
How do you calculate cost of hay?
The cost of hay can vary significantly, depending on factors like type, quality, location, and quantity. When calculating the cost of hay, the primary factors to consider are the type of hay, the quality of the hay, the quantity required, and the location in which the hay is purchased.
When determining the type of hay to purchase, one should consider factors like nutritional value, growth rate of plants, and suitability for particular animals. Nutritional value is important in hay because depending on the hay’s content, the feed can support particular types of animals and their health needs.
The growth rate of plants is also important because forage hay needs to last longer and be heavier in carbohydrates. And the suitability of the hay for various livestock needs to be taken into consideration based on the animals’ health requirements.
In regards to quality, hay can vary from premium quality to average quality. The premium quality hay is generally free of any contaminants, pests, or weeds and is typically denser, greener in color, and will give the animal more nutritional value.
Average quality hay may be less dense and may have some minor contaminants, weeds, and pests, though the overall quality should still be acceptable. It is important to keep in mind that higher quality hay will typically be more expensive.
When calculating quantity, it is important to consider the size of the area that needs to be covered and the number of animals being fed. The typical recommendation for hay quantity is 2-5% of the animal’s bodyweight in dry matter.
A smaller animal may only need 2-3 lbs of hay while a larger one can need up to 10 lbs of hay.
Finally, the location in which the hay is purchased should also be taken into account, since hay prices can vary significantly depending on region (eg, hay from the Midwest is typically cheaper than hay from the West Coast).
Additionally, if one can purchase hay in large quantities directly from the farmer, it can result in significant savings.
In conclusion, when calculating the cost of hay multiple factors such as type, quality, quantity, and location should be taken into consideration.
Is it cheaper to buy hay or make it?
It depends on a number of factors and can vary based on location. Generally buying hay may be cheaper in the short term, however this may not always be the case. Making hay involves investing in the necessary equipment, purchasing seed, hammer mill, tractor, baler, and sometimes manure, so this requires an initial investment.
The cost of making hay is largely influenced by the cost of these items but can also include labor and the cost of fuel. On the other hand, buying hay often means you don’t have to invest in equipment or take on the labor associated with hay making.
If the cost of buying hay exceeds the cost of production then its likely to be more cost effective to make hay. Moreover, if you have access to quality grass seed, knowledge and access to the right equipment then making hay can also be more cost effective.
Ultimately, it will depend on the cost of equipment, the costs associated with labor and fuel, and the costs of buying versus producing hay.
Why are hay prices so high?
Hay prices have been on the rise due to a variety of factors. Demand for hay has been strong in recent years, due to increased demand from farmers needing to fulfill their agricultural requirements, from people wanting to use hay for mulch in their gardens or for landscaping, and from pet owners needing hay to feed their animals.
At the same time, global weather patterns have been changing, leading to shorter growing seasons, drought in some growing regions, and other conditions which make it difficult for producers to grow hay in the quantities needed to meet demand.
This, coupled with the fact that hay requires a lot of land and labor to produce, means that hay producers are facing increasingly higher production costs, which they must pass on to their customers.
In addition, there is a limited availability of hay worldwide. While hay is grown in multiple countries, trade restrictions, shipping costs, and taxes can make importing hay difficult and expensive. This means that hay must be sourced domestically, leading to higher prices as there is less competition among suppliers in the local market.
Overall, the combination of increased demand, higher production costs, a limited availability of hay from overseas suppliers, and other factors have contributed to a market situation in which hay currently carries a high price point.
Why is the price of hay going up?
The price of hay is going up primarily because of supply and demand. As the world population increases, the demand for hay is increasing, but the global supply of hay is not increasing at the same rate.
The current global demand for hay is outpacing the availability of hay, driving up the prices in order to meet consumer demands. Additionally, changing weather patterns are impacting the production of hay in some regions.
With periods of drought, floods, heat and cold impacting crop yields, farmers can produce less hay, leading to lower supplies and subsequent price increases. Finally, trade disputes, such as those in the United States and China, are also driving up the costs of hay due to tariffs, as well as stricter governmental regulations, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to produce hay.
Why is there a hay shortage?
There is currently a hay shortage due to a variety of factors. The most significant factor is the increasing demand for hay, as the demand for organic and natural grass-fed products continues to grow.
Other factors include an increase in global demand for feed, rising fuel and transportation costs, drought, weather-related losses, and the increased availability of corn on the international marketplace.
Furthermore, many factors have hindered hay production and availability as well, such as the rising cost of inputs for hay production, including equipment, fuel, and fertilizer. Additionally, a decrease in the number of farmers involved in hay production, as well as an increase in hay acres harvested for ethanol production, has led to a decrease in hay production and availability.
In conclusion, while a hay shortage may have been initiated by the current global demand for feed, the many factors discussed in this answer have all contributed to its current severity.
What state is the leading producer of hay?
The leading producer of hay in the United States is California, with approximately 5. 5 million tons produced in 2017. While hay production is an important contributor to California’s agricultural economy, it is not the top agricultural commodity in terms of value.
That distinction goes to dairy products and their related products, which account for more than 16 billion dollars in gross and cash income in the state. Other states round out the top five hay producers, including Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Each of these states produced more than 1 million tons of hay in 2017, making them important producers in the United States.
What state is number one in hay production?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s 2019 Hay Production report, the state of North Dakota is number one in hay production. In 2019, North Dakota harvested almost 5. 6 million tons, which is an increase of 10% from the 2018 production.
Of the hay harvested in North Dakota, 95% of it was alfalfa–the most valuable, high-protein hay crop. North Dakota’s hay production is driven by an abundance of farmland, a temperate climate, and an agricultural economy that is supported by the state’s favorable agricultural policies.
Hay production in North Dakota is also supported by state programs that provide resources and management guidance to increase yields and optimize management practices. As of 2019, North Dakota continues to lead the nation in hay production, followed by Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, and Wyoming.
Why are hay bales left out?
Hay bales are often left outdoors for a variety of reasons. For many farmers, hay bales provide a convenient and cost-effective way of storing forage that can be used for their livestock over winter, or at other times when feed might be scarce.
An interesting fact is that before the invention of mechanized baling machines, hay was stored in stacks or “haystacks”. However, haystacks were inconvenient and inefficient as hay would be prone to rot or be eaten by animals.
By creating bales of hay instead of stacks, farmers are able to conserve the hay more effectively over longer periods of time.
In addition to being a way to store hay, farmers may also leave hay bales out as a form of decoration. Some people like the rustic look of hay bales in their fields, making them popular decorations for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
Finally, the practice of leaving hay bales out on open fields serves another purpose – mulching. When left outdoors, hay bales are often exposed to dew, rain, and other types of moisture. This helps to create a natural composting process which leads to an increase in nutrients in the soil.
As such, hay bales are often used as a form of natural composting, as well as providing a natural barrier against weeds.
Does the US import hay?
Yes, the US does import hay. The US imports hay from many countries, including Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria and the United Kingdom. According to the US Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Mexico is the top exporter of hay to the US, sending over $321 million worth of hay to the US in 2018.
Canada is the second-largest exporter of hay to the US, sending $154 million worth of hay to the US in 2018. Other countries that export hay to the US include Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria and the United Kingdom, sending $75.
9 million, $66. 7 million, $18. 8 million, and $14. 6 million respectively in 2018. In addition to hay, the US also imports hay seed from other countries, with the most hay seed imports coming from Canada in 2018.
Why is there hay at construction site?
Hay is often used at construction sites for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is used for erosion control. When construction zone areas are disturbed, the dirt and soil can be easily washed away or displaced by wind or rain.
Placing hay bales or hay rolls in these areas helps to prevent this erosion, by providing a barrier to hold the dirt and soil in place. Additionally, hay can provide a source of insulation and cushioning to protect workers in the area.
Lastly, hay can also be used to cover materials and equipment, helping to protect them from the elements and accidental damage or theft.
