Weekly Hay Auction Report

Rock Valley Hay Auction for Thursday, May 24, 2018

Receipts:  56 loads    Last Week:  59 loads    Last Year:  110 loads

Alfalfa:  Good:  Large Squares, 4 loads 162.50-177.50; Large Rounds, 2 loads 170.00-175.00.  Fair:  Large Rounds, 9 loads 137.50-155.00.  Utility: Large Rounds, 6 loads 110.00-127.50.

Grass:  Premium:  Large Rounds, 1 load 185.00.  Good: Large Rounds, 11 loads 137.50-165.00.  Fair: Large Rounds, 11 loads 112.50-130.00.  Utility: Large Rounds, 2 loads 90.00-105.00.

Alfalfa/Grass Mixed:  Good: Large Squares, 1 load 135.00; Large Rounds, 2 loads 130.00-145.00

Oat Hay:  Large Rounds, 1 load 30.00.

Wheat Hay:  Large Rounds, 1 load 25.00.

Straw: Large Squares, 1 load 72.50.

Cornstalks:  Large Rounds, 4 loads 47.50-57.50.

 

PEAQ Evaluations Aid Producers In Putting Up Quality Alfalfa

Predictive Equations of Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) provides an estimate of the  Relative Feed Value (RFV), for the first cutting alfalfa standing in the field. Climatic variations impact alfalfa growth and development making it impossible to use a calendar date each spring to best determine when to harvest the first crop. The PEAQ method uses alfalfa stand height and maturity stage to estimate the RFV. It is most appropriate for good stands of pure alfalfa with healthy growth.

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Master Hoof Care Program Set For June 6-7 In Ames

Research has proven that with each incidence of lameness the loss of milk production, lowered conception rate, and treatment cost exceeds $120 and over 90 percent of foot rot cases, digital dermatitis and sole ulcer cases can be treated.

Finding cows early and treating them right away will shorten the duration of disease and limit the probability of relapse, but the knowledge and training of the hoof trimmers in paramount in a herd program that lowers lameness.

A Master Hoof Care training will be held on June 6-7 at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa. This course is a hands-on training program for instruction in hoof care and trimming.

Continue reading “Master Hoof Care Program Set For June 6-7 In Ames”

Weekly Hay Auction Report

Rock Valley Hay Auction for Thursday, May 3, 2018

Receipts:  83 loads    Last Week:  68 loads    Last Year:  76 loads

Alfalfa:  Good: Large Squares, 5 loads 155.00-160.00; Large Rounds, 10 loads 145.00-160.00.  Fair:  Large Squares, 3 loads 145.00-147.50; Large Rounds, 12 loads 130.00-142.50.  Utility:  Large Rounds, 1 load 127.50.

Grass:  Premium:  Small Squares, 1 load 215.00; Large Rounds, 1 load 177.50.  Good: Large Squares, 1 load 150.00; Large Rounds, 5 loads 140.00-160.00.  Fair: Large Rounds, 15 loads 115.00-135.00. Utility: Large Rounds, 10 loads 85.00-112.50.

Alfalfa/Grass Mixed:  Fair: Large Squares, 3 loads 132.50-140.00; Large rounds, 1 load 117.50.

Straw: Large Squares, 2 loads 82.50; Large Rounds, 1 load 100.00.

Cornstalks:  Large Rounds, 6 loads 30.00-52.50, mostly 40.00-47.50.

US Dairy Exports Equal 17.3 Percent of US Production

U.S. dairy exports set a new record high in March on a total volume basis surpassing the previous record high set in March 2014. Exports of whey protein concentrate and lactose each hit all- time highs. On a total milk solids basis, exports were equivalent to 17.3 percent of U.S. milk production.

Suppliers shipped 204,453 tons of milk powder, cheese, butterfat, whey and lactose during the month, up 26 percent from March 2017. U.S. exports were valued at $510 million, 8 percent greater than in March 2017 and the highest total value since April 2015.

Ingredient sales drove much of the gains. Shipments of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NDM/SMP) to Southeast Asia were nearly double the prior-year level and sales to Mexico were the second-most ever. Shipments of lactose to China increased by 57 percent during the month and were at a record high.

Overall NDM/SMP exports were 67,154 tons, up 38 percent from last year. Sales to Mexico increased 43 percent from the previous year.  Continue reading “US Dairy Exports Equal 17.3 Percent of US Production”

July Webinars Will Help Producers Deal With Financial Stress Issues

The current, protracted combination of low milk prices and the glut of milk products in the market place has stressed producers. The stress has built to the point that families are often at a loss to know what to say to each other, to their bankers and suppliers. At that point, it’s hard to know where to turn.

Continue reading “July Webinars Will Help Producers Deal With Financial Stress Issues”

Weekly Hay Auction Report

Rock Valley Hay Auction for Monday, Apr 30, 2018

 ***Note, this was the final Monday hay auction until Nov 2018***

Receipts:  26 loads    Last Week:  34 loads    Year Ago:  No Sale

Alfalfa: Good: Large Rounds, 2 loads 165.00-175.00.  Fair: Large Squares, 2 loads 150.00-155.00; Large Rounds, 2 loads 140.00-145.00.  Utility: Large Rounds, 2 loads 112.50-125.00.

Grass:  Premium:  Large Rounds, 1 load 170.00.  Good:  Large Squares, 1 load 150.00; Large Rounds, 1 load 140.00.  Fair:  Large Rounds, 2 loads 120.00-130.00.

Alfalfa/Grass Mix: Fair: Large Rounds, 1 load 137.50.

Oat Hay: Large Rounds, 1 load 85.00.

Straw: Large Rounds, 1 load 77.50.

Corn Stalks: Large Rounds, 10 loads 37.50-52.50.