In many years hay can outperform grain in gross value per hectare. This is particularly relevant when crops have bulk but lack the soil moisture to attain high yields of grain. Calculate what is best for you. Complete the tables below for producing hay and then repeat for producing grain and compare your margins.
Will there be buyers?
Every year around 9 million tonnes of fodder (hay, straw and silage) is made, totalling around $1.3 billion. Each year the majority of this fodder is eaten by livestock. Like all commodities the market is cyclical, however growers with good quality hay are able to achieve good returns in most years.
