Hay production and harvest entails a multi-step process: cutting, drying or "curing," baling, storing, and processing.
Mechanical equipment cuts tall grass and legumes at the correct stage of maturity which is allowed to dry by the sun before being gathered into windrows. The cured hay is then baled either in 3-tie, 3x4 or 4x4 big bales depending on available equipment.
Hay must be completely dried before baling and stacked in dry storage. If the hay is baled while moisture levels are >12% or it gets damp at some point in storage, there is an increased threat of spontaneous combustion. The bales are transported either to a haystack and tarped or a storage facility to protect from future moisture and spoilage. Stored hay should be stacked in such a way to lessen moisture contact.
Samples are obtained from each stack. Buyers may view the individual stacks, request samples, view inspection reports, and judge quality factors including color, texture, contamination, as well as other factors. Export hay is normally further processed to improve suitability for containerization. Containerization is the process in which 40’ intermodal containers are loaded and sealed for transportation via ocean vessels, rail, or semi-trailer trucks. Processing or compressing of hay refers to various forage products being pressed into tightly bound, high density, low moisture units. Additional packaging options are available and include strapping or stretch wrap. Additionally, exports destined for Japan must go through a process called fumigation. The process takes 7 days at 68 degrees with the application of hydrogen phosphide after unit loading and prior to port transportation.
Containers are individually scaled to confirm we adhere to container and highway weight restrictions of up to 56,000 pounds or 28 metric tons. During scale operations an electronic photo with time and date stamp is recorded as part of continued quality control. A dispatcher then coordinates transportation to the closest Pacific coast port: Long Beach, Tacoma, or Seattle.