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Post by frankiediego on Oct 13, 2008 15:59:44 GMT -5
Hello,
Like the cricket who didn't store the nuts for winter, we are last minute hay shopping:) I'm looking for some E Wa Hay. Craigslist showed two farms in Selah that have reasonable hay prices at $10 per bale for Alfalfa and Alfalfa Gras Mix. One farm has them for Alfalfa- 3rd cut @ 82 lb bales the other is 90lb mix, doesn't say what cut - or $220 - 240 per ton. We're thinking about 4 tons. Anyone in that area that can give me a thumbs up or down on the quality of hay out of Selah this year? I don't want to drive all the way over for crappy hay. Zim, you're from that area? The one with the mix is a woman named Loren.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
On another note, I have a hay guy that is local that I've used for many many years. He's quoting $380 for Timothy and $350 for grass/mix. I am not making the income right now. How bad is it that I'm going to get my own hay this year? I feel bad, but, I can get almost twice as much hay.
I also am switching from Timothy to Alfalfa/Grass mix to save. Any advice or things I should know?
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Post by susie on Oct 13, 2008 18:27:08 GMT -5
My 2 cents.... Grass/alf mix for 220 is a good deal.. esp. if you are getting a bale that weighs 90 lbs...Generally a bale that is a little heavier means that you will actually get sections when you open the bale rather than fluff....off course you wont be able to tell until you check it out. As long as this isn't first cutting...your grass should be tender. (I personally like the alf/grass mix.. my horses eat the alf first then they nibble on the grass throughout the day... keeps them busy and I dont have to worry too much about suppliments because the alf does provide the nutrients they need)
On a side note.... we grow alf/grass mix... it is all spoken for right away... but the one thing we fight while growing it is...... weeds!!! We cannot spray for broad leaf because that will kill the alfalfa.. and we cant spray for water grass and crab grass cuz that will kill the orchard grass..... so, just for your sake, ask about weed control , or if it is weedy?? Pig weed, water grass, mustard, kosha(sp) all really like to grow in hay fields, but you dont want to pay for it when you are buying hay..... none will hurt your horses, but you will end up with a bunch of sticks on the ground because it tough and yuky tasting.
In my opinion, Timothy is way way way over priced.... I know that some people cant feed anything else... but if you can.. then switch. Timothy causes a lot allergy like problems... Im not bashing Timothy... I have just had really bad luck with it for me and my horses.
I hope this is helpfull... good luck , and if I can answere any other questions please let me know.
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Post by zimalia on Oct 13, 2008 22:22:38 GMT -5
You can't really say how the hay is in any given area. That has to do with how it's cut, and when it's baled. So it's an individual thing.
If you want to know, give the lady a call. She can tell you anything you'd need to know.
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Post by frankiediego on Oct 13, 2008 22:39:35 GMT -5
Thanks, Susie! That's great info. I appreciate it. Zim, I already had calls into them, but I thought some advice would help arm me with knowledge so I can ask the right questions. Thanks for the help.
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Post by Flying Cowgirl on Oct 15, 2008 11:11:13 GMT -5
I like an alf/grass mix, it's hard to find (for me). So, I've been buying grass and I'm going to look for a ton or so of Alf and mix it on my own. I think that $220 is a good price.
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