There are several steps involved in converting hay or straw from a field in the United States to ranches and farms overseas. Each step adds value to the product and creates employment opportunities.

The export forage process is heavily dependent upon the processor, often a member of the National Hay Association’s U.S. Forage Export Council (USFEC). At each step the processor inspects the product to ensure it is safe and of high quality.

1 – Pre-Harvest

The USFEC processor contracts with farms to supply hay for season. In some cases, the USFEC member farms his own fields. During the growing season the fields are monitored by USFEC staff or hired professionals, with records kept regarding field location, the previous crop grown in that field, any chemical applications, the time of harvest. Licensed applicators ensure that only necessary chemicals are used.

2 – Harvest

When the field is harvested, the forage is baled then stacked. USFEC members or their contractors will inspect the stacks for any signs of contaminants and check for quality. Using scientific sampling methods USFEC will send samples to labs certified by the National Forage Testing Association. Based on these inspections and tests, the forage is either purchased or rejected for export.

3 – Delivery & Storage

Purchased forage is held in storage either at the processor’s facility or an off-site location. The processor maintains records that distinguish the product based on several quality characteristics (such as protein level, leaf size, color, etc.). Exporters know what their customers want, and will hold product until it’s ready for processing.

4 – Processing

Export processing involves the compression of hay for shipment; USFEC members have permanent facilities to ensure quality, not mobile units. Product selected for shipment is once again inspected by USFEC personnel before processing. Containers utilized for shipment are inspected and cleaned before loading.

5 – Loading

After processing the product is inspected one last time. Some bales are wrapped or covered in sleeves, and then loaded into containers. The containers are closed and sealed, ready for export.

6 – Transport

Containers are trucked to the port and loaded onto vessels.

7 – Receipt Overseas

After Customs inspection at the port, the customer takes delivery of the cargo. Depending on the distribution system, the product might go to one or more warehouses and perhaps divided for deliveries to multiple end-users. Finally, the forage arrives at the ranch or farm, and fed to waiting livestock.