Quality-Tested Hay Auction Season Approaches

Mike Rankin
Crops and Soils Agent - Fond du Lac County
University of Wisconsin - Extension

Quality tested hay auction season is nearly here and area producers will again have the opportunity to buy or sell forage based on known nutrient value. This enables dairy and livestock owners to buy hay for specific groups of animals with varying nutritional requirements. At the same time, these auctions help to promote hay as a viable cash crop in Wisconsin and give hay producers an outlet by which to market their product. Traditionally, these auctions have had a large impact in helping to establish current market prices.

A total of 8 tested hay auctions will be held at Equity Livestock, Lomira during the winter. These are scheduled on the first and third Fridays of each month running from December through April (no sales on New Year's Day and Good Friday). Auctions begin at 12 noon but producers with hay to sell are required to have their loads checked-in by 10:30 am to insure time for testing. Non-tested feed and bedding sales are held on Fridays when tested sales are not scheduled.

Tested hay auctions are also held in Waldo (Hwy. 57 and 28 in Sheboygan Co.) at Chissy's Restaurant beginning at 1 pm on the second Thursday of each month. Again, hay must be on site by 10:30 am.

Hay price results from the Lomira and Waldo auctions can be obtained by calling the Crops and Soils phone extension on the Fond du Lac Reporter's Freeline system. To do this, call 922-9600 and wait for the 4-digit code prompt. At the prompt, enter the numbers 7-9-6-6 and listen for the tested hay auction results. Lomira hay price results will also be available on the world wide web at: www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/hayauc99.htm.  Check for results after Friday, December 4th.

For more information contact Mike Rankin