Three Ways To Be More Profitable Making Hay

By Linda Geist

Haymaking is a game of threes, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts.

To be profitable, producers must manage three key factors: equipment expenses, quality and yield.

Haymaking grew in popularity in the 1970s with the introduction of the large round baler. Large bales improved efficiency and reduced the labor required to handle and store small square bales. But just because producers can make more hay, it doesn’t mean they should, he says.

Skyrocketing equipment costs are forcing producers to take a harder look at haymaking economics. Machinery prices have far outpaced calf sale prices. Since the 1970s, the cost of a baler has increased tenfold, while calf prices have only increased a little more than fivefold.

A producer must have an understanding of this inflation issue and how to better leverage equipment in order to have a profitable haying enterprise.