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Being a savvier buyer can get you a better price for horse-hay when buying in today market
In the past, horse-hay made up a relatively small portion of the household budget. Hay was generally easy to afford, and if the crops were damaged and caused a shortage, the cost of bringing in hay from other states did not break the local farmer. Those day, it seems, are over.
According to the United States Agriculture department the average cost for hay today is $133 dollars a ton and is going up. Drought and other extremes have reduced hay supplies along with other factors.
Corn, wheat, soybean crops are more profitable, farmers are planting less hay, also the rising cost to fuel adds to the expense of production and transport, as a result, increased hay prices. Hay prices may never be cheap again but you can became a savvier hay buyer and get more for your money.
Getting the most hay for your money
So how can you cope with the higher price of horse-hay that show no signs of declining.
Plan Ahead: The earlier in the year you line up your hay source, the better. Think about hay when you don't need it. have a supplier line up early spring. If you wait, you will be paying a much higher price.
If your all ready have a supplier consider making arrangement before any hay is cut. Call your source early tell him that how much you liked the horse-hay last year and you would like to buy it again this year. The supplier will be happy to know the hay is sold ahead of time and you may be able to negotiate a better price.
Buy Direct: The more individuals that handle the horse-hay the greater the expense. Therefore, the closer you get to the person the grows and cut the hay the better the price.
Buy the best quality hay you can afford. Lower quality horse-hay might seem cheaper, but it costs you more in the long run.
You will end up with more waste because your horses will likely leave much of it on the ground. Even if you horses don't eat it all, you will have to feed more hay to maintain their healthy conditions.
Watch The Weather: Even If you already have a hay buying plan, be prepared to improvise should condition change. follow the rain average you get, check you pasture for signs of dryness or to much moisture. If it is to dry, you'll have to feed hay sooner but there will be less available. This is one reason not to wait to by your horse-hay.
Buy from a reputable hay seller: Buying hay from someone you don't know could turn into a expensive mistake. "The golden rule is know who you are dealing with".
If you are using someone you found yourself, ask for references also you can ask "who have you sold to". Then always give that person a call to find out if they were satisfied with the entire transaction.
Buy in bulk: A larger shipment of hay is nearly always cheaper than multiple smaller ones because of hauling costs.
If you have the plenty of space for the hay purchase it all at one time. If you don't have the space consider buying a years supply and have it delivered in stages.
Another option is to find other hay buyers in your area and make one large purchase. Usually the farmer is happy knowing he sold the hay and don't have to store it. This gives you the opportunity to arrange a much lower price.
Be a Good Customer:Always remember that if you leave a supplier because someone's hay is a nickel less a bale, don't expect to be welcome back the next season when you realize that the cheaper hay isn't as good. Just like you want a good supplier, The supplier want a good customer and your loyalty will most likely be rewarded with a low hay price.
I hope you will follow these steps when you need hay. I believe they will help you become a savvier buyer and allow you to get a better price for your horse-hay when buying in today market.
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