Hay and Straw Auctions Set

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2009

The Northwestern Illinois Forage and Grassland Council will host their hay and straw auctions at the Orangeville Boco MiniMart parking lot, Route 26, on the 2^nd and 4^thSaturday's beginning at 11 am. The first auction is October 24.

Consignments should arrive by 10:30 am. It is preferred that hay lots have a certified scale ticket on the day of the auction. This will allow hay to be sold by the ton, rather than by the bale. Straw is typically not weighed and is sold by the bale.

Quality tested hay is encouraged, and a copy of the laboratory analysis indicating at least the crude protein and relative feed value (RFV) or relative forage quality (RFQ) be brought with the consignment. Hay analysis will not be provided on site. A list of forage testing laboratories is available at University of Illinois Extension offices.

B & M Hay Auctions will retain a 6% commission fee from the sale proceeds and 3% for no-sale lots. Non-members of the Northwestern Illinois Forage and Grassland Council (NWIFGC) will be charged a $10.00 consignment fee per lot that will be deducted from the payment check. Members of the NWIFGC will be charged no additional fees, other than the commission.

Sellers can outline their delivery terms as in the past. A skid loader will be available for reloading hay and straw at the sale site. Yearly dues ($30.00) to the organization for January through December 2010 can be paid at the auctions.

Questions about the auctions can be directed to Jim McNeil, B & M Hay Auctions (608-938-4822 or 608-293-9999), or Sherry Heidenreich (815-865-5561).