Standardized testing
(Continued from Page DIO)
ferences in test results may in
some cases be reflected in the
original sample quality.”
The need for accurate hay
testing, according to Gates, has
become critical. With more and
more hay moving to different parts
of the country, and with feed value
such a major part of ration
development, accuracy is im
portant.
“This is a tool to educate buyers
on how they can be assured of
getting quality hay,” adds Marble.
Hay sales based on lab reports
which outline hay composition and
description will benefit both the
buyer and seller. Both parties then
will have a common base of
knowledge from which to begin
sale negotiations.
Some ag economists predict the
new hay testing system will
eventually allow buyer and seller
to assign dollar values to the dif
ferent nutritional components of
the hay. Farmers will be able to
pay for alfalfa hay based on such
things as protein and energy levels
- depending on whether they’re
feeding dairy or beef cattle.
They’ll be able to enter hay feed
values into their computer along
with other input information and
determine an acceptable price.
“Dairymen need high quality
hay and they’re willing to pay for
it,” Marble points out. “They also
need accurate test results or they
foul up their ration balance. ’ ’
Marble believes, “Growers
should be compensated for
producing quality alfalfa hay, but
until now many had no idea of their
true quality. They couldn’t set a
proper price.
“Now producers are in the
driver’s seat if they have good
quality alfalfa hay,” he adds.
That’s good news for alfalfa
producers like Buford Wicklund of
Prairie du Sac, Wis. Wicklund
raises 60 acres of DEKALB Brand
120 and DEKALB-PFIZER
GENETICS Advantage alfalfa. His
hay is sold out of the field.
“A few years ago, hay was hay.
Not anymore,” Wicklund says.
“Farmers are looking for high
quality and high crude protein
(CP) levels. The more protein in
the hay, the less they have to buy.
They realize now they can raise
their protein rather than buy it.”
“Alfalfa hay testing standards
are needed,” he says. “People
buying hay are looking forward to
it.”
With accurate, consistent alfalfa
testing procedures, Wicklund is
confident his DEKALB-PFIZER
varieties will play a major role in
the dairy feed rations of producers
buying his hay. Both alfalfa
varieties have tested high in crude
protein (up to 24 percent) in both
independent and university tests.
Top managers will cut their
alfalfa at prime maturity stages
(pre-bloom) when ADF and NDF
are at optimum levels. Delayed
harvest could lower the hay’s feed
value and thus lower its economic
value.
“Once fanners see the quality,
then hay price is not a factor,” he
points out. “And, with DEKALB
Brand 120 also producing 8 to 10
percent better yields, it doesn’t
take them long before they realize
its value.”
Gene Heilman, regional sales
manager for Dekalb-Pfizer at
Madison, Wis., says, “We need a
uniform system so the far
mer/buyer can compare alfalfa
quality from seller to seller.
“But the end concern is with the
cow,” he adds. “Higher quality
alfalfa will mean high cow
production.. There will be less
supplement cost. Farmers will
save money and increase milk
MF cites
DES MOINES, la. - A front-end
loader that attaches with ease and
convenience can speed farm
material handling chores.
Massey-Ferguson has in
troduced the MF 232 Quick Attach
Loader an economical loader
designed for fast mounting and
removal utilizing tractor
hydraulics. A locking pin
arrangement secures the loader to
the tractor mount for operation.
The MF 232 features high
strength 3/16-inch X-1050 material
in the lift arms and one-inch
diameter pivot pins for durability
and long life.
A standard hydraulic reservoir
in the loader upright allows use of
rear PTO or front pumps for added
hydraulic capacity.
A pair of 2-inch bucket control
cyclinders are standard with a
choice of 2 or 2 1/2-inch lift
cylinders, depending on the
capacity of the hyraulic system.
The loader features a lift
capacity of 1,800 pounds to 9 feet,
and a breakout force of 2,600
pounds.
The MF 232 bucket features a
longer, higher and more enclosed
back for reduced spillage. The 1/2
production over the same acres.
“In the past, farmers have
known there were differences in
the crude protein levels of different
alfalfas. Now farmers that can
show consistent quality will sell
more at better prices,” Heilman
adds.
No longer will buyer and seller
be forced to depend on appearance
and good looks, coupled with
varying laboratory analysis, to
determine hay value. Future
buyers will be able to base their
decisions on accurate test results.
Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, July 14,1984—D1l
quick attach loader
Massey-Ferguson introduces the MF 232 Quick Attach
Loader, an economical loader designed for fast mounting and
removal utilizing tractor hydraulics.
x 4-inch cutting edge is welded on sides. Hole? are provided for
and features wrap-around corners bolting on 1-1/8 xlO inch square
for added protection of the bucket teeth and side cutting edges.
LYNB names ag lender
LEBANON Michael Firestine,
Senior Agricultural Lending Of
ficer of Lebanon Valley National
Bank, announced the appointment
of Robert R. Donaldson as the
banks new Agri Lending Officer.
Donaldson joined the bank in
1983 as a Commercial Credit
Analyst. He was previously em
ployed as a Farm Consultant for
Agway in the Lebanon - Ephrata
area.
An active participant in the Agri
Community, Donaldson is
chairman of the Lebanon County 4-
H Auction, is a member of the
Lebanon County Farm City
Committee, the Berks County
Farm City Committee, and the
Lebanon County 4-H Finance
Committee.
Formerly of Hackettstown, N.J.,
he is a graduate of Morris College.
Donaldson currently resides in
Bethel.