MARKETING HAY THROUGH TERMINAL MARKETS. 45 



sons interested in the marketing of hay should strive to use clear, 

 distinct terms, that can not be misinterpreted and that cover the 

 transaction thoroughly. 



KINDS OF HAY RECEIVED AT PRINCIPAL MARKETS. 



The kinds of hay received at the various markets and the size of 

 bales preferred are shown in the tables, pages 46 to 49, inclusive. 



Generally speaking, timothy is the principal hay handled in the 

 markets east of the Mississippi. Clover and clover mixed are also 

 handled, with some alfalfa. In the markets in the Southeastern 

 States other hays, such as peanut hay, Bermuda, Johnson grass, and 

 lespedeza, are handled to a small extent. West of the Mississippi 

 alfalfa and prairie are the principal hays. On the west coast the 

 division seems to be about equal between alfalfa and grain hay. 



Eastern markets pay a premium for the large box-press bale. 

 Central western markets prefer the 16 by 18 inch or 17 by 22 inch 

 bale. In the southwestern markets, where considerable hay is baled 

 from the windrow, a small two-wire bale not larger than 16 by 18 

 inches, weighing about 70 pounds, is given preference. 



The preferences of the different markets for certain sizes of bales 

 have never been explained, but from a survey recently made by the 

 Federal Bureau of Markets it seems that precedent is the most 

 important factor. Dealers who prefer the large bales assert that the 

 hay comes out of the bale in better condition and does not have the 

 " life " pressed out of it. From the meager data available, however, 

 recompressed hay seems to be as nourishing as ligthly pressed hay. 

 In this light it would seem that the appearance of the hay is the 

 important factor since hay taken from a box-press bale appears 

 better than that taken from bales from other kinds of presses. In 

 southern markets where the hay is sold to retailers and consumers 

 the smaller bales are prefererd because they are lighter to handle. 

 Where hay is baled from the windrow, as is the case in the Southwest, 

 the smaller bale is preferred because it-is not so likely to spoil as a 

 larger, more tightly pressed bale. 



Considerable expense would be eliminated in baling if a standard 

 size of bale could be adopted because only one size of press and one 

 length of wire would then be necessary. Some of the difficulty of 

 loading minimum weight into cars would also be overcome. 



WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS IN CONSUMING TERRITORIES. 



Many of the important factors which should be considered in a 

 discussion of the marketing of hay in consuming territories have 

 already been described in detail in the discussions of marketing by 

 the country shipper and at the termial markets. Since purchases by 



