jhm47
True BYH Addict
I've been baling hay this past week. Got nearly 400 large round bales so far, and probably another 100 to do today if I get out there and get at it. Grass hay.
Higher hay prices ?????
- Thread starter Royd Wood
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lupinfarm
Loving the herd life
I'm in Ontario (out by Belleville) and prices don't appear to be going up at all this year for grass hay and alfalfa/grass and straight alfalfa. We stick pretty well around the $2.50-$3.00/small square and $25-$30 for a 4x4 roundbale of alfalfa/grass (all suitable for horses).
Hollywood Goats
Ridin' The Range
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wow I didn't realize I was over paying so much!! I really need to find a cheaper hay source!!
Beekissed
Herd Master
I look for second cut to be extremely high here as we are in a drought and most farmers won't even have a second cutting. The first cut was not as good as normal and most guys didn't get it cut until it was already cured on the stem a little.
Then we got some sporadic rains and intense heat that turned all the baled hay left in the fields immediately brown/black with mold.
I got some really nice first cut for $1.50 a bale but I normally feed second cut until early spring, then feed the first cut hay. I'll be hard pressed to find second cut hay here at a decent price, I'm thinking. Last year was a good year and I only found it for $3.95 per bale.
Then we got some sporadic rains and intense heat that turned all the baled hay left in the fields immediately brown/black with mold.
I got some really nice first cut for $1.50 a bale but I normally feed second cut until early spring, then feed the first cut hay. I'll be hard pressed to find second cut hay here at a decent price, I'm thinking. Last year was a good year and I only found it for $3.95 per bale.
You should try this side of the country for hay. We have seen "dairy grade" 4 x 4 up to $145.00 each.lupinfarm said:
Hay costs in BC are a killer, despite the fact crops where excellent this year.
Hate to think of the cost of organic feed in the future if we are stupid enough to allow GMO alfalfa in to the country.
jhm47
True BYH Addict
Let me preface my remarks by stating that I am no big fan of Monsanto and their predatory marketing practices. That said, I also must grudgingly admit that all biotech corporations must make a profit in order to continue to exist.
As to the RR (roundup ready/tolerant) alfalfa debate, I hope it is cleared for use, and I will plant it if it becomes available. Here is why:
1. The other chemicals that are being used on alfalfa are much more toxic than Roundup. I have used some of these "other" chemicals, and Roundup is far, far safer.
2. If used correctly, Roundup requires less trips across fields, thus saving energy.
3. I know that many are opposed to the RR technology because of the possibility of creating "super" weeds. However, ALL herbicides have the potential to create resistance to them. If used correctly, Roundup is no more or less susceptible than other chemicals.
4. Cost---Roundup has become one of the lower-priced herbicides, since the patent expired. This will enable farmers to keep the costs of producing hay lower.
5. The possibility of cross-pollination is minimal. Ever since the RR gene was released into our world in soybeans, corn, sugarbeets, and other crops, there has been NO evidence of cross pollination. However, we must remember that once these genes are released, there is NO bringing them back.
I know that others will disagree with me on this, but I have personally used these technologies, my friends and neighbors have used them, and in my opnion, Roundup is head and shoulders safer than the other chemicals that are used in place of it. JMHO
As to the RR (roundup ready/tolerant) alfalfa debate, I hope it is cleared for use, and I will plant it if it becomes available. Here is why:
1. The other chemicals that are being used on alfalfa are much more toxic than Roundup. I have used some of these "other" chemicals, and Roundup is far, far safer.
2. If used correctly, Roundup requires less trips across fields, thus saving energy.
3. I know that many are opposed to the RR technology because of the possibility of creating "super" weeds. However, ALL herbicides have the potential to create resistance to them. If used correctly, Roundup is no more or less susceptible than other chemicals.
4. Cost---Roundup has become one of the lower-priced herbicides, since the patent expired. This will enable farmers to keep the costs of producing hay lower.
5. The possibility of cross-pollination is minimal. Ever since the RR gene was released into our world in soybeans, corn, sugarbeets, and other crops, there has been NO evidence of cross pollination. However, we must remember that once these genes are released, there is NO bringing them back.
I know that others will disagree with me on this, but I have personally used these technologies, my friends and neighbors have used them, and in my opnion, Roundup is head and shoulders safer than the other chemicals that are used in place of it. JMHO
freemotion
Self Sufficient Queen
RoundUp causes cancer. I can't imagine what the "worse" chemicals do to you.
Beekissed
Herd Master
The same, I would imagine. 
As much as I understand the argument for use, I have to question it in an area like ours where you never see hay crops sprayed. Why introduce it in the first place and mess up our export markets that will not accept GMO feeds? What advantage is there in this case? And why take the risk of cross pollination when there is no clear advantage? Why take the risk of destroying the organic based agriculture markets that are well established here?
I have to ask this because when looking at regional difference and survival there are clearly two sides to this coin.
I have to ask this because when looking at regional difference and survival there are clearly two sides to this coin.
