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Download full report (3meg) HINT: right click and save the file to your hard disk before opening)
Summary of the report
Producing Quality Lucerne Hay
by Mary-Anne Lattimore
A guide for lucerne hay
producers, across Australia.
This book provides practical
management information to produce high quality and profi table lucerne
hay.
June 2008
Publication No. 08/101 Project No. DAN-202A
Producing quality lucerne hay, a result of RIRDC Project 202-A, provides guidelines for improving the production, effi ciency and profi tability of lucerne hay. It combines scientifi c knowledge, new technology and valuable farmer expertise in a single resource. It provides information on the lucerne hay industry in Australia, feed quality and utilisation of lucerne hay, best management practices (BMP) for growing and haymaking, value-adding, new technology and innovative marketing, all important in moving the industry forward.
Who is this book targeted
at?
In the past lucerne haymaking
has been regarded as an art rather than a science, and it often takes years
of experience to develop appropriate skills. Many of the traditional practices
and principles of lucerne haymaking are still relevant but are not necessarily
available to new growers.
In addition, many Australian growers do not have the knowledge and management skills needed to achieve the full level of yield and quality that is possible from lucerne. Currently, many growers only achieve half of the potential yields, while hay quality is often not considered and varies considerably.
Producing quality lucerne hay was written for growers, contractors, agronomists, advisers and others involved with the production, marketing and utilisation of lucerne hay.
Background
Lucerne hay provides high
quality feed for Australia’s livestock industries. Animals fed on lucerne
hay achieve excellent liveweight gains and milk production, while successful
lucerne hay producers can achieve high returns from premium quality hay.
Australia produces about 1 million tonnes of lucerne hay each year with a conservative value of at least $300 million. Most of this is consumed domestically, mainly by the dairy and horse industries, with only a small quantity (10,000 tonnes per year) exported.
The export potential to Asia and the Middle East is considerable but the Australian industry cannot currently meet the quantity and quality required.
A large, reliable, consistent supply of high quality hay could off er Australian producers better access to these markets.
Despite the value of lucerne hay, the Australian lucerne hay industry does not have a highly organised domestic or export marketing system.
High quality hay is important for export markets and often commands a premium on the domestic market. However, price is not always linked to quality and there is limited value-adding and strategic marketing of lucerne hay products.
In addition, Australian lucerne hay producers are constrained by widely fl uctuating domestic market prices, driven by supply and demand. During drought periods the domestic price can far exceed that of export hay, while in favourable seasons it may be diffi cult to recover production costs.
Adequate storage and good marketing skills are needed to smooth out these fl uctuations.
Th e industry also currently faces increased production costs, reduced availability of inputs such as water, and a host of environmental and other legislative requirements so there is a need for producers to be more effi cient and to follow the best practices available. Th ere is also a greater requirement for quality assurance and traceability of hay products.
Research and development in haymaking and irrigation technology have made hay production easier and less labour intensive. A previous RIRDC project (DAN-88A) Haymaker-extension technology for lucerne management showed that improved lucerne management could substantially improve the water use effi ciency and profi tability of lucerne hay production. Information on new technology and farming practices needs to be readily available to producers and hay contractors to facilitate change in production practices on a large scale.
Australian lucerne hay producers need to adopt best management practices in production, storage and marketing in order to become more effi cient and productive, and to employ quality assurance in their business to remain profi table. Th ey need to be able to produce, store, describe, value-add and market their product well, to stabilise their income and guarantee a reliable supply for export.
Objectives
This project aimed to turn
the art of lucerne haymaking into a science. Its objectives were to capture
the experience and best management practices of successful lucerne hay
producers and combine them with current scientifi c and technical knowledge,
to develop a best practice lucerne hay management guide for Australian
producers.
Methods
The lucerne hay industries
in both Australia and the USA were examined, and past and current literature
was reviewed, to determine best management strategies and new technologies
that could be adopted to improve the profi tability and sustainability
of the industry.
A study tour of lucerne hay production in the USA focussed on lucerne growing and hay production, irrigation and processing technology. Th e project also involved focus groups and case studies with successful hay producers in key locations around Australia. This involved close liaison with lucerne hay producers, research and extension personnel and other industry participants, through the Australian Fodder Industry Association Inc. and the various state Departments of Primary Industries and Agriculture.
Key findings
USA studies. Th e secret
of successful lucerne growers and processors in the USA is their attitude
and commitment to their product. Th ey address every aspect of the production
system to achieve the best quality they can, because each percentage increase
in the feed value of the hay means more dollars in their pocket.
Australian studies. Australian lucerne hay producers generally have diff erent drivers for lucerne hay production than their American counterparts.
Quality is foregone to achieve high yields, since the price premium for quality is not as distinct as in the USA.
However, high quality lucerne hay in Australia can be worth twice as much as “feed grade” hay and even more with value adding. Better management of lucerne growing and haymaking can improve hay yield and quality, and hence the returns to the producer.
The focus groups captured the experience of successful long-term lucerne growers who consider haymaking an art and uncovered a wealth of information about common practices used across the country, as well as regional diff erences.
Bringing it together. Th e output of the project is a comprehensive book on lucerne hay production for both irrigated and dryland producers. Producing quality lucerne hay incorporates the latest scientifi c and technical knowledge with the experience of successful lucerne hay producers.
The book provides an overview of the Australian lucerne hay industry, as well as the best management practices needed by producers to grow, make and market lucerne hay successfully. It includes detailed information on the best management practices for lucerne growing, haymaking and processing, feed quality and utilisation, marketing, checklists for haymakers and a detailed reference and industry contacts list. It highlights strategies for lucerne hay producers to improve their business, and ultimately to lift the profi tability and sustainability of the industry.
Recommendations
Producing Quality Lucerne
Hay is the fi rst step in improving the production and profi tability of
the Australia’s lucerne hay industry. This best management practices guide
will be a valuable reference for producers, contractors, agronomists, students
and anyone associated with the production, marketing or utilisation of
lucerne hay.
Widespread adoption of practices outlined in Producing quality lucerne hay will lead to better yields, quality and profi tability for producers; a better supply of high quality hay for both the domestic and export markets; enhanced export market access; and a more profi table and stable lucerne hay industry. Even small changes in practice as a result of this project will have an impact at the farm level.
 
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