BL_GR310
Billings, MT    Fri  May 16, 2008    USDA Market News

Weekly Montana Hay Report
 
   Compared to last week:  No reported sales of alfalfa/grass hay this week,
sales of Timothy hay remain steady.  Cowmen are busy turning their stock out
to grass this week across many areas of the state, demand still remains good
for hay however the tough part is finding hay.  No reported new crop contracts
for alfalfa hay, growers report there is plenty of interest to contract but 
growers aren't sure where to price their hay at yet.  All sales FOB the stack
and per ton basis in large rounds or large square bales, unless otherwise
stated.
 
   Alfalfa:  No reported sales.

   Grass:  No reported sales.
 
   Timothy:  Premium pure Timothy small squares 120.00-150.00.
 
   Straw:  No reported sales.

Alfalfa hay test guidelines, used with visual appearance and intent of
sale.  Quantitative factors are approximate and many factors can 
affect feeding value.
 
            ADF     NDF      RFV    TDN-100%    TDN-90%     CP-100%
Supreme     <27     <34     >185      >62       >55.9       >22
Premium    27-29   34-36   170-185   60.5-62   54.5-55.9   20-22
Good       29-32   36-40   150-170    58-60    52.5-54.5   18-20
Fair       32-35   40-44   130-150    56-58    50.5-52.5   16-18
Utility     >35     >44     <130      <56       <50.5       <16
   RFV calculated using the Wis/Minn formula.  TDN calculated using the 
western formula.  Values based on 100% dry matter, TDN both 90% & 100%.
 
Grass Hay guidelines
Quality		Crude Protein Percent
Premium		Over 13
Good 		      9-13
Fair		      5- 9
Utility		Under 5
Quantitative factors are approximate, and many factors can affect 
feeding value.  Values based on 100% dry matter.  End usage may 
influence hay price or value more than testing results.
 
Source: USDA Market News Service, Billings Mt  
        Justin Lumpkin, 406-657-6285
        24 hour price information 406-657-6400
        www.ams.usda.gov/LSMarketNews
 
0800m   jll





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