Rains County Leader (Emory, Tex.), Vol. 121, No. 20, Ed. 1 Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Page: 6 of 20
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County Agent’s Notes
by Stephen Gowin
County Extension Agent-Agriculture
Denita Young
Rains County Extension Agent
Family & Consumer Sciences
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Bale Weight: How Important is It?
By: Dr. Jason Banta, Assistant Professor and Beef Specialist. Overton
Our Beef Cattle Specialist, Dr. Jason Banta, recently sent this
article that he wrote and I found it quite interesting. This is great
information for both hay buyers and sellers.
] Most beef cattle producers in the state of Texas buy and sell hay
by the bale. Although this has been the traditional way hay was
traded, we should ask ourselves if there is a better way to trade hay.
jlf you purchase hay that costs $50 per round bale, shouldn’t it matter
how much the bale weighs and what the nutrient content of the hay
js? It should, but unfortunately those are things that are not routinely
considered when hay is traded, which is a disservice to both the
buyer and seller.
Factors that should be considered when trading hay include: bale
weight, nutrient content (i.e. percent crude protein, percent TDN,
etc.), forage condition (i.e. free of mold, foreign objects, weeds,
etc.), bale shape and density as they affect transportation and stor-
ige, forage species, the potential presence of toxic compounds (i.e.
titrates, etc.), and palatability.
In this article we will focus on bale size and density as they impact
rale weight and thus feeding and transportation costs. Although the
ength of this article doesn’t allow for an indepth discussion of all
actors that should be considered when trading hay, that doesn’t
nean they are not important and that producers can afford to ignore
hem.
Bale size for round bales is generally described by bale width x
rale diameter (also referred to as bale height). For example, a 5' x 6'
rale would be 5 feet wide and 6 feet in diameter and a 5' x 4' bale
would be 5 feet wide and 4 feet in diameter.
About now you may be asking yourself why bale size is so impor-
tant. A 5' X 5' bale that, weighs 1,100 LJrs. has a density of 11.21
pounds per cubic foot. Assuming that density for all sizes, we can
evaluate the effect bale size has on bale weight. Table 1 shows that
weights of varying sizes of bales range from 563 lb. to 1,584 lb.
If you are going to pay $50 per bale, which bale would you rather
iruy?
Table 1. Effect of bale size on bale weight and value
The last column in Table 1 further illustrates the importance of
buying hay based on weight by comparing the price per ton of hay
if the same price was paid for all bales regardless of weight. In this
example, 1,100 lb. bales purchased for $50 would cost $90.91/ton
($50 -r 1,100 lbs. = $0.04545/lb; 2,000 lbs. x $0.04545 = $90.91/
ton). In comparison, if you pay $50 for bales that only weigh 563 lbs.
then the price for those bales would be $ 177.56/ton.
So far in our discussion we have only looked at the impact of bale
size on bale weight while assuming equal density of all bales. How-
ever, as we know in reality, some bales are tighter<(i.e. more dense)
than other bales. Table 2 shows us how bale density can affect bale
weight when comparing bales of equal size. Would you rather buy
the 5' x 5' bale that weighs 935 lbs. or the 5' x 5' bale that weighs
1,210 lbs.?
"Bible 2. Effect of bale density on bale weight
Bale width, ft.
Bale diameter, ft.
Bale density,
lbs. /ft. 3
Bale weight, lbs.
5
5
9.53
935
5
5
10.09
990
5
5
10.65
1,045
5
5
11.21
1,100
5
5
11.77
1,155
5
5
12.33
1,210
Seasons of Taste Recipes
Our first Seasons of Taste Traveling Cooking School was a
great success. It was held in Canton for approximately 65 partici-
pants. The County Extension Agents presented a wealth of informa-
tion on their respective holiday recipes, table d6cor, and other tips.
While all the recipes sampled were great, I’ll share a couple I
thought you might enjoy. They are both wonderful appetizers that
I absolutely fell in love with! These recipes were demonstrated by
Dee Lee Smith - CEA-FCS Van Zandt County. Please try them; you
won’t be disappointed.
Tortellini Tapas with Spicy Ranch Dip
1 9-oz. package of refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
1 16-oz. bottle ranch-style dressing with peppercorns, divided*
2 large eggs
2 cups fine, dry breadcrumbs
34 cup mild chunky salsa
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups oil
Directions:
1) Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain and cool.
2) Whisk together 1 cup dressing and eggs in a large bowl until
blended.
3) Add tortellini; let stand 10 minutes. Drain and dredge jn bread-
crumbs.
Place on baking sheet; cover and chill at least 1 hour.
For dip, stir together remaining dressing, salsa, and chopped
cilantro; cover and chill.
Pour oil into Dutch oven; heat to 375 degrees. Fry tortellini, in
batches, until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
Serve with dip.
4)
5)
6)
7)
Bale
width.
ft.
Bale
diameter.
ft.
Bale
volume,
feet3
Estimated
weight,
lbs.
Bale size,
% of a 5'x
5' bale
Bale
value in
relation
to a 5 x5'
bale**
Price per
ton***
4
4
50
563
51
$25.60
$177.56
4
5
880
80
$40.00
$113.64
4
6
113
1,267
115
$57.60
$78.91
5
4
63
704
64
$32.00
$142.05
5
5
98
1,100
100
$50.00
$90.91
—L-l
6
141
1,584
144
$72.00
$63.13
Our discussion to this point clearly demonstrates the importance
of bale weight when you purchase or sell hay, but what about when
you raise the hay yourself? If this is your situation, then think about
the number of trips and the amount of time it takes you to move hay
from your field to your hay lot. Table 3 illustrates that if you pro-
duce 11,000 lbs. of forage per acre over a hay season and your bales
weigh 563 pounds, then you would produce 19.5 bales per acre.
This may sound good compared with only producing 10 bales per
acre that weigh 1,100 lbs. each, but hold on a minute. The question
you should ask yourself at this point is how many trips it will take
you to move the bales from your hay field to your hay lot. If you can
only move two bales at a time, then it is going to take twice as long
and cost twice as much to move the bales that only weigh 563 lbs.
compared with the bales that weigh 1,100 lbs..
Bible 3. Effect of bale weight on the number of trips required to
move hay from the field to a hay lot
Cream Cheese-Stuffed Olive Bites
***' Ass times aii hales are the same density as a 5' X'3' bale that weighs l ,100 lbs.
Assumes all factors are equal except bale size and weight.
** Price per ton assuming all bales cost $50 each (the same as a 5' x 5' bale).
In addition to bale weight, Table 1 illustrates the relative size of
[various bale configurations compared with a 5' x 5' bale. A 4' x 4'
pale would only be 51% the size of a 5' x 5' bale whereas a 5' x 6'
pale would be 44% larger than a 5' x 5' bale. We can also compare
Ihe relative value of various bale sizes. If a 5' x 5' bale is worth $50,
jlhcn a 4’ x 4' bale would only be worth $25.60, whereas a 5’ x 6' bale
voutd be worth $72.
Bale
width,ft.
Bale
diameter,
ft.
Bale
weight,
lbs.*
Forage
production
per acre,
lbs.
Bales
produced
per acre
Number of trips required
to move two bales at a
time from one acre of
production**
4
4
563
11,000
19.5
10
4
5
880
11,000
12.5
y
4
6
1,267
11,000
8.7
5
5
4
704
11,000
15.6
8
5
5
1,100
11,000
10.0
5
5
6
1,584
11,000
6.9
4
1 4.5-oz. jar green olives with pimentos, drained
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup toasted pecans or almonds, finely chopped
Directions:
1) Place olives in colander and rinse. Pat dry.
2) Form a rounded teaspoon of cream cheese into a small ball and
transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remain-
ing cream cheese, making 24 balls. Chill for 30 minutes or until
firm.
3) Make indention in each ball. Place olive into the indention and
mold the cheese around the olive. Roll into the shape of a ball
with the olive completely encased in the cheese.
4) Place toasted pecans or almonds in a small bowl. Roll olive
balls to coat.
5) Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve cold.
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Bird Nail & Whig Clipping 4
* Assumes all bales are the same density as a 5' x 5' bale that weighs 1,100 lbs..
** Assumes that you transport two full-sized bales every trip, except the last trip. In
reality this will not always be possible.
In addition to considering the impact of bale weight on bale value
and transportation costs, consider how bale weight affects how long
it takes you to feed and how frequently you have to feed hay during
the winter. Table 4 illustrates how many bales you would have to
feed per week to 30 cows that consume 33 lbs. of hay per day. Would
you rather feed 6.3 or 12.3 bales per week?
Table 4. Effect of bale weight on the number of bales needed to
feed 30 cows for one week
Bale
width, ft
Bale
diameter, ft
Bale
weight, lbs.*
Hay consumed
per cow per day**
Bales needed per
week for 30 cows
4
4
563
33.0
12.3
4
5
880
33.0
79
4
6
1,267
33.0
5.5
5
4
704
33.0
9.8
5
5
1,100
33.0
6.3
5
6
1,584
33.0
4.4
* Assumes all bales are the same density as a 5' x 5' bale that weighs 1,1 00 lbs..
“The amount of hay required per cow per day will vary depending on hay quality,
nutrient requirements of the cow. and hay feeding losses.
Although we have only focused on round bales in our discussion
today, these same concepts hold true for both small and large square
bales. Hopefully, these examples have illustrated the importance of
knowing how much a bale of hay weighs and how that weight is
impacted by both bale size and density.
Sulphur Springs
Livestock
Commission Auction
The following is the report
of the Sulphur Springs Livestock
Commission’s auction held on
Monday, October 6:
Estimated receipts on 1,337
head, compared with 1,629 head
last sale.
STEERS
Under 300 lbs......$70-137.50
300-400 lbs.......$70-117.50
400-500 lbs.........$68-109
Over 500 lbs..........$68-98
HEIFERS
Under 300 lbs........$70-125
300-400 lbs.......$70-107.50
400-500 lbs..........$68-98
Over 500 lbs..........$65-98
SLAUGHTER
Packer cows.......$44-62.50
Packer bulls........$52-66.50
OTHERS
Stocker cows......$430-1130
Cow/calf pairs.....$460-1060
Calves..............$3-375
OPTICAL
OUTLET
2 PAIR
FUMES
I&1ERSI
$119.95
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Thla Incredible low prtoO can apply to
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1 Mr MUM
2 Fair Pinnrtii
$159.95 $179.95
NEW EXTENDED
HOURS:
MON. • FRI. 9 - 6
SAT. 10 - 2
MARTINS
Mis in the air at...
Three Oaks Farm
Owners:
Linda Chester
(903)348-1900 &
Trade Dannheini
(903) 348-1288
It's time for fall planting!
Come see us for ideas and unique
garden decor.
• Fall color for the garden
• Herbs
• Perennials
• Shrubs
• Trees (including fruit trees)
• Iron
• Decorative concrete
• Fountains
• Pottery
One stop shopping for ALL of
your fall decorating needs!
October Hours:
Mon-Sat:
9am-6pm
Sun:
12pm-6pm
O
Directions:
Hwy. 19 North
11 miles. Left on
FM 1567. Go 1
mile. Right on FM
3389. Go 1 mile.
On right
• Mums ......
• Pumpkins i
• Gourds
• Ornamental corn
• Bales of straw
• Scarecrows
• Fall plant stakes
• Living wreaths
• Jack-O-Lamp Hangers
• Pumpkin carving/
Seed roasting kits m
Join Usfor^-^
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A trip to the pumpkin
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G® GGANS TIRE SERVICE
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3306 Wesley Highway 69 S. Highway 80
903454-0232 903-569-2165 903-8964796
BULL CREEK COWBOY CHURCH
Highway 69 in Lori Oik, Tmi
Sundays at 8:30 a.m.
indays a
and 10
:30 a.m.
Pastor: Mike Moss
903-662-9577
“Living for the One
Who Branded Vs...Jesus!”
www. bullcreekcowboychurch. com
Sundays 6:00 p.m. Young Adults Ministry Service
6:00 p.m. Wed. - Pastor Mike’s Round Pen Bible Study
6:00 p.m. Wed. - Jr. High Youth Gathering
7:00 p.m. Wed. - Sr. High Youth Gathering
7:00 p.m. Friday - Celebrate Recovery Meeting
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Hill, Earl Clyde, Jr. Rains County Leader (Emory, Tex.), Vol. 121, No. 20, Ed. 1 Tuesday, October 21, 2008, newspaper, October 21, 2008; Emory, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth767992/m1/6/: accessed July 3, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Rains County Library.