Export hay is hay that is produced for export markets. In Australia, hay needs to meet a number of quality standards before it can be exported. Because hay in standard round and large square bales is not dense enough to be economically exported to overseas markets, export hay is normally processed to increase the density of the product and improve its suitability for containerization. This form of processing was pioneered by ACX Pacific Northwest, and is often referred to as double compression. This process allows forage and roughage exporters to inspect and package the hay prior to shipping.
In Australia, Oaten hay is the most common type of export hay. Alfalfa (also known as lucerne in Australia) is also grown for export hay, often under irrigation, and is the most common type of export hay in the U.S.
Modern Export Markets Expand With Internet Communication
Hay export markets are also experiencing the expanding influence provided by technology driven markets. A large influence has developed from internet resources such as private and government websites, blogs and even news website. These channels are often designed to specifically help hay buyers and sellers connect through social and business media. Making communication easily available gives greater leverage and transparency to the hay export markets and provides technology tools such as hay for sale classifieds listings where hay buyers, brokers, ranchers, dairies and various industries can readily connect with hay producing farms. These modern export technologies are ever expanding as new media develops. Some of these media also develop software tracking tools for modern hay export assistance.