Hay price standing in the field

Paul from MI · Sep 8, 2015

I am considering planting one of my fields to alfalfa which will be sold to a neighbor standing in the field. I will have the cost of seed, planting, and annual fertilizing. He will pay for the hay on a per bale basis. These are small squares. I can arrive at an average selling price for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd cutting hay, but how much should I allow for his cost of cutting , raking, & baling? Just kind of wondered if anybody else sells hay this way and how it worked out? Thanks,

VicS · Sep 8, 2015

Just a WAG. But if you get a 1/3. So 6$ bale you get 2$ If you get 40 bales per acre times 3 equal 120 bales.you would get 240$. Not to bad. Will he spray it?

Paul from MI · Sep 9, 2015

I will spray it s needed.

showcrop · Sep 9, 2015

You need to have a discussion about what happens after five years when the alfalfa population has dwindled noticeably, so that you are on the same page about crop value.

Mike Kork · Sep 9, 2015

I sell standing hay by pound, too much variables in bale density to make it fair for all involved.

showcrop · Sep 9, 2015

(quoted from post at 05:00:23 09/09/15) I sell standing hay by pound, too much variables in bale density to make it fair for all involved.

Yeah, imagine working out a per bale deal thinking small squares, and the guy shows up with big round baler, LOL.

rockyridgefarm · Sep 9, 2015

I see guys do hay on halves a fair bit. You get half the crop for owning the land and seeding it, he gets half the crop for his equipment and labor. Then you came to a fair price for him buying your half. Keeps it fair no matter how good or poor the crop.

RodinNS · Sep 9, 2015

I think both your lives would be a lot easier if you just cash rent the land to him for x period of time with whatever maintenance stipulations you agree upon... and let him grow and deal with the hay.
That way you know up front what you're collecting, he's bearing the risk... and he knows where he stands.
Personally, after having dealt with some folks on the deal you're proposing... I would never go there, EVER again.

Rod

randallk · Sep 10, 2015

University of Wisconsin has a lot of data on selling "standing hay". It gets complicated with so many factors considered....yield, weather, moisture, fertility, markets. Google "standing hay" and see whatyou find. Absolutely keep it simple for everyone.

Hay price standing in the field

Paul from MI

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VicS

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Paul from MI

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showcrop

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Mike Kork

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showcrop

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rockyridgefarm

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RodinNS

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randallk

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