FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, November 18, 2009

FROM:  Matt Hanson, UW-Extension Crops and Soils Agent, Dodge County

Beaver Dam Tested Hay Sales Begin in December

            The UW-Extension Dodge County office and the Dodge County Forage Council are hosting tested hay sales on the FIRST and THIRD TUESDAYS of the month beginning December 1, 2009 and continuing through April 6, 2010.  The tested hay sale will be conducted at the Beaver Dam Auction Market located 1 mile north of Beaver Dam on Hwy 151 and County Hwy A.  Follow Hwy A north less than one-tenth of a mile to Buckhorn Road and watch for signs.  High quality Canadian hay (large square bales) will be available again this year at each of the tested hay sales.

Tested hay sales provide the buyer with important information about the load such as percent moisture, crude protein, percent neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and percent acid detergent fiber (ADF).  With that information, the relative feed quality (hay quality) is calculated for the load of hay prior to the sale.  The hay buyer benefits because they have a very good idea how well suited the hay will be for their livestock.  The seller benefits as well because the sale is made on more than just the visual appearance of the hay alone. 

            Although the size and shape of hay bales are numerous today compared to the common small square bale of years past, the final sale prices are summarized on the web as price per ton for a specific quality range.  This helps to set a price baseline, not only for the area but for the region as well because of the scarcity of tested hay sales.  In fact, this tested hay sale is one of only two tested hay sales in Wisconsin that publish the results online for the general public. 

            The first quality tested hay sale will be held on Tuesday, December 1, at the Beaver Dam Auction Market located north of Beaver Dam.  Forage testing begins at 10 am through noon to allow time to process the samples and print data sheets for the buyers.  The hay sale begins at 1pm.  If you plan to sell hay, bring it early to assure that it is tested before the sale. Testing fees will also be collected for loads that arrive after the noon deadline.  If you have specific questions about the hay sale or the Beaver Dam Auction Market, call Dan Ritger at 414-333-8625.

            For additional information, contact Matt Hanson at the Dodge County UW-Extension Office at (920) 386-3790.  Hay sale information including sale dates and current hay prices for the ‘09 – ‘10 winter months will be available on the Dodge County Forage Council website at:  www.widcfc.com

#  #  #  #

An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.