Better dairy prices and new equipment developments dominated conversation at this year’s show.

Attendance was sparse at the HayExpo this year, but the equipment manufacturers that were exhibiting say their prospects for improving haying equipment sales are better than they have been for some time.

Many attributed the weak attendance to the cool, wet spring that held up farming operations for several weeks. Reportedly, many growers were two to three weeks behind in cutting their first hay of the season, pushing them into early June, at the same time HayExpo was scheduled, which was June 8-9, in Cannon Falls, Minn.

Nonetheless, with dairy prices heading toward $19-20/cwt — the highest dairymen have seen in years and a far cry from the dark days of $9/cwt in early 2009 — dairy producers are far more upbeat than they were a year ago. While many of the exhibitors that Farm Equipment spoke with say customers remain somewhat cautious, they’re expecting to see equipment sales trending up during the next year.

A downside was noted by one exhibitor who said he’s seeing the replacement of some hay acres with higher profit corn and soybeans. Firm evidence of that trend has not been established, but some industry sources say that should come as no surprise. Corn is up 98% from a year ago, and pricing for soybeans and wheat are both 39% higher compared to the same time in 2010.

This could have the effect of pushing hay prices up, as well. According to the USDA, prices for top-end alfalfa increased by as much as $10 per ton in several states in May. These prices are approaching the peaks seen in 2008.

Equipment Rollouts

As market conditions for the hay and forage sector improve, several equipment manufacturers are introducing new products to their hay and forage lines.

Midsota Manufacturing of Avon, Minn., is introducing the Hydra-Shredder round bale processor. According to Joe Bauer, the unit can be attached to a skid steer, telehandler or tractor.

“Instead of beating up your TMR to produce livestock bedding, in on-farm tests, this unit has consistently cut three-bale bedding applications down to two bales.”

It’s hydraulically driven and features a large bale hopper, side and rear spillage protection and replaceable shredding knives. Bauer says it produces more even bedding, better feed value and can be operated from the seat of a skid steer.

The newest offering from Kuhn North America is its line of variable chamber round balers and BalePack series. Chuck Walker reports that the integral rotor of the VB round balers comes with or without a crop cutting device and provides for the baler with even feeding regardless of crop conditions.

He says with its Progressive Density bale forming system, each bale is made based on the grower’s need: either rock hard all the way through or with a soft core, even in small diameter. Bales are bound by either twine or netting.

Valmetal had its newest forage blower on display. The V59 runs at 540 rpm, while the V59 HV model operates at 1,000 rpm. Greg Lueth says the equipment comes in either pull-type or stationary models and features a 14 inch diameter auger for positive and even feed to the blower fan. A 16 inch feed auger is also optional.

Lueth reports that Valmetal’s business levels are excellent with delivery of vertical mixers backed up for eight weeks. He says 24 forage blowers shipped to their facility in Tomah, Wis., earlier this year, sold out quickly.

Besides its unique new look, Vermeer’s TM850 trailed mower is designed to work with lower horsepower requirements than other comparable mowers, says Ed Lapthorn.

The new look comes from the high-density polyethylene hood that’s designed to minimize debris buildup. It lifts up out of the way for great accessibility to the cutterbar. Only 60 horsepower is required to cut a 10 foot, 5 inch swath. It also features a patent-pending self-aligning driveline system that can mow in all tongue positions to maneuver around obstacles.

It also features Vermeer’s nitrogen charged hydraulic suspension system that allows the cutterbar to closely follow ground contours and pivot up and over obstacles.

Germany’s Fella is rolling out a new line of mowers, tedders and rakes, including the TH 1800 Hydro, which, at 17.5 meters (57 feet), is the largest hay rake available worldwide, according to Heiner Bellstedt. The new tedders feature a sophisticated drive concept that produces a highly stable machine despite its low weight (approximately 4,500 pounds).

The new tedders also provide for infinite adjustment of work height and optimum ground contour following. There’s no drift with these machines because of their low center of gravity, according to Bellstedt. 

Many attributed the weak attendance to the cool, wet spring that held up farming operations for several weeks. Reportedly, many growers were two to three weeks behind in cutting their first hay of the season, pushing them into early June, at the same time HayExpo was scheduled, which was June 8-9, in Cannon Falls, Minn.

Nonetheless, with dairy prices heading toward $19-20/cwt — the highest dairymen have seen in years and a far cry from the dark days of $9/cwt in early 2009 — dairy producers are far more upbeat than they were a year ago. While many of the exhibitors that Farm Equipment spoke with say customers remain somewhat cautious, they’re expecting to see equipment sales trending up during the next year.

A downside was noted by one exhibitor who said he’s seeing the replacement of some hay acres with higher profit corn and soybeans. Firm evidence of that trend has not been established, but some industry sources say that should come as no surprise. Corn is up 98% from a year ago, and pricing for soybeans and wheat are both 39% higher compared to the same time in 2010.

This could have the effect of pushing hay prices up, as well. According to the USDA, prices for top-end alfalfa increased by as much as $10 per ton in several states in May. These prices are approaching the peaks seen in 2008.