THE SHRINKAGE OF MARKET HAY. 33 



(7) If hay is marketed in the proper condition, shrinkage does 

 not affect the profits of the producer until after the final curing 

 stage, known as fermenting or sweat stage, has been finished 

 in the stack or barn and the water content has become normal. 

 The shrinkage that actually affects the producer's profits is due 

 to a relatively small loss in weight caused by continued dry 

 weather which lowers the normal water content of marketable hay. 

 This loss is liable to be offset by the increase in water above normal, 

 which takes place during the damp weather when hay absorbs water 

 from the air. 



(8) Shrinkage causes an actual loss to the shipper or dealer when he 

 buys and stores hay containing more than the normal water content 

 for well-cured barn or stack-cured hay (a) when the hay has been 

 baled from the windrow or cock and is bought before it has gone 

 entirely through the "sweat," or (b) when a large mow or stack is 

 baled and sold immediately after having gone through the "sweat." 

 In the first instance practically every bale will shrink more or less, 

 while in the second instance only the hay from the interior of the 

 pile will lose in weight. 



(9) There is practically no loss of dry or nutrient matter during the 

 shrinkage of hay while in the barn or stack, provided the hay has been 

 properly cured before it is hauled from the field. Undercured hay, 

 containing an excessive amount of water, -is liable to become so hot 

 in the barn or stack that it will become discolored, charred, or, in 

 extreme cases, entirely burned up by spontaneous combustion. 



(10) Under certain conditions the producer can determine how 

 much shrinkage to expect in hay produced on his farm. These con- 

 ditions necessitate (a) an adequate, full sized, experienced haymaking 

 crew; (b) the use of a definite, efficient, and practically unchangeable 

 method of operation and curing; and (c) comparative freedom from 

 interference by unfavorable weather. Under these conditions the 

 average shrinkage can be determined by weighing a given quantity 

 or by a water analysis. The percentage of shrinkage found will be 

 applicable until tire conditions are changed. 



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