How to make more profit from lucerne hay

A new book for lucerne haymakers on how to increase their profitability will be launched on August 14 at the Riverina Outlook Conference at Wagga Wagga.

Producing Quality Lucerne Hay is intended to help haymakers increase their productivity and productivity when working with this remarkably adaptable, productive and resilient forage crop.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Yanco district agronomist and author of the book, Mary-Anne Lattimore, said the potential for lucerne as a hay crop was often not achieved and the book was intended to help growers realise their full potential.

“There are various publications available on hay and others on lucerne, but this is the first one specifically on lucerne hay,” she said.

“It was written for hay producers, contractors, advisers and others in the Australian lucerne hay industry.

“It provides a tool to help improve the production and efficiency of individual lucerne hay businesses and ultimately to lift the profitability and sustainability of the industry.”

Ms Lattimore said the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and NSW Department of Primary Industries had provided financial support for the Producing Quality Lucerne Hay book project.

“The project involved collecting knowledge and best management practices from lucerne hay producers in Australia and the USA achieving high levels of production and efficiency through good management and the use of new technology,” she said.

“This was backed up with my extensive agronomic experience and input from the Australian Fodder Industry Association.

“The resulting book combines current scientific and technical knowledge with the experience of successful lucerne hay growers in a single, comprehensive resource.

“It also includes information on the industry in Australia, lucerne hay’s benefits to livestock, the importance of feed quality and marketing.

“Widespread adoption of practices outlined in this book should lead to better lucerne hay yields, quality, efficiency, profitability and a more stable industry.

“A better supply of high quality lucerne hay for both domestic and export markets will help enhance export market access.”

Producing Quality Lucerne Hay is available for purchase from www.rirdc.gov.au