FiveOaksFarmGA wrote:TexasBred wrote:Texasmark wrote:My problem was finding it when you needed it and getting the quality you want. Most operators around here make their living with it. That presents problems in the quality aspect, especially when the operation is of such size they can't manage it all in a timely manner...aka mature hay, low protein, high flax, thick stems......, or they have a Bermuda hay patch in a river bottom somewhere and it never gets any attention other than baling and the baling period is way over the 30 day cut for max protein window.
So I tried growing my own and having it baled. That didn't work because when it's baling time everybody is busy so you can't get any custom guys over to do yours when you want them.
So I do my own, besides its good for me and the results are comforting....you don't have to worry about all of the above.
Actually you do. Everything you do should be working to eliminate "all of the above". Every old cow thinks her calf is the prettiest in the pasture. Every cattleman thinks his hay is the best he could possibly feed...but is it really???
Every hay buyer thinks they are experts on producing hay as well. That's why I provide the test and you decide to buy it or go elsewhere.
On behalf of good hay producers everywhere, I'd really like to apologize to you for whomever screwed you over so bad.
You don't owe me an apology and I've never been screwed on hay. I have always had hay tested and also buy it by the ton, not by the bale or roll. I've found most can't guess weight either. A good test gives me a lot of leverage in deciding what I buy. Don't use that much hay anymore but when I use to use 1500-1800 round bales a year it also allowed me to decide on hay for lactating cattle, dry cattle and heifers. A good hay test can be the best friend both a buyer and seller can have. Especially if you know how to read it.
