by Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator in
Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on March 15, 2012. It
is based on information provided by Stearns DHIA Lab and the Mid-American
Auction Company.
Mar 15 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf ... A summary of all tested hay lots and bedding
materials sold... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale and 25 RFV points...
cost per pound of dry matter and per RFV point are calculated.
History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf... A summary of hay auctions held this year
showing Medium Square Alfalfa 101-200 RFV divided in 25 RFV groups, and medium
sq. straw.
Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf ... A line graph of these auctions from 2001
to 2012. For the Feb 16 auction, the 176-200 RFV group is just one load - so
not really an average.
The next auction at Sauk Centre will be held on Thursday April 5.
You can check USDA Hay Market Reports at
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/LSMNpubs
You can take a look at U WIS Extension Ken Barnett's Weekly Hay Market discussion for the upper Midwest at:
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/forage/pubs/hay_market_report.htm
Other Notes:
Alfalfa Winter Survival
- Most of what I've seen and heard about the hay crop coming out of winter so far is positive. Keep an eye on it. We could still have the experience of freezing the tops off of it somewhere along the way and then making decisions about starting over. Mark Seeley said last week that weather records show no correlation between and early spring and when the last spring frost date occurs. But we'll hope for the best and deal with the rest.
Alfalfa Stand Evaluation Resources
- You can check www.extension.umn.edu/forages for more information about evaluating alfalfa stands
General Crop Information From U of M
- For crop issues and strategies related to an early spring and potential dry weather; Extension staff are posting most of their current observations, comments, and suggestions on the Minnesota Crop News website at http://blog.lib.umn.edu/efans/cropnews
Summer Farm Tours / Field Days
- Summer Forage Dairy Tours- we are starting to have some discussions about central MN summer dairy and forage tours and other work. If you have suggestions, you're welcome to let us know.
Craig Roerick roer0040@umn.edu
Jim Salfer salfe001@umn.edu
Randy Pepin pepin019@umn.edu
Dan Martens marte011@umn.edu
Please plan and prepare for a safe spring planting season.
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