We only have 22 quality bales for this year, and I need to keep at least 5 of them for lambing. After shopping the area for the last 2 months, I have learned again this year that a lot of hay producers don't even know the quality of the hay they put up (don't test), but seem to think it is worth the same price as the hay that is being exported. How do I know the quality isn't there, I take the time to go out (into their fields) sample 10% of the bales and send the hay for testing. Some years I pay for 4-6 hay tests @ 60.00/test. (plus all the driving around the countryside and into Red Deer (30 klms) each time).
I needed to stop this madness. A friend and fellow Katahdin producer has used haylage for years and swears by it. Then I learned that the guy that puts up his fields lives just across the river from me. This guy stands behind his product 100%, has feed value tests, and delivered it to my yard within 24 hours of my call and all at a price that fit my budget. Thank You Mr. Fox!
The sheep did not go crazy on it because they have been on hot feed since Oct.01, but they sure didn't ignore it either. Time will tell.
 |
| Bales weigh 1400-1500 lbs |
 |
| Ram Lambs were all over it |
 |
| Ewe Lambs were already up to their eyeballs |
No comments:
Post a Comment