Marketing hay?

[Hay Dude]

I write to people with horses & cattle. That helps convey a more personal approach. Social media is good, but its’ reputation has been scared by all the scams.

 

[The Gaul]

I'm in Central OR, growing desirable orchard mix for horses. Local sales go through Craigslist or returning customers. Having your hay tested helps, esp if you end up <13% sugar levels. The crazy horse ladies all want this, even if they have younger horses, it's the new fad around here.
Another option is to go the semi truck sales route. Our hay sometimes gets shipped to CA or TX. This year there is strong demand from CA as a result of their flooding, which basically wiped out their first cut.

Making a profit ? Tough. There's easier jobs.

 

[ericm979]

I see a lot of hay being shipped down I-5. What's it cost to run a semi load to the bay area? Do you contract the truck yourself and have a buyer in CA, or sell to a local broker who handles it all?

 

[The Gaul]

No, brokers are middlemen who will try to take the profit away from you. Their value add is minimal and they are largely extra cost added to the supply chain.