Canadian hay marketers are continuing to see a surge in demand, but unfortunately, this combined with a shortage of forage due to drought appears to be bringing out some less-than-ethical operators.

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) has been advised of several situations whereby large deposits had been paid, but the hay was not delivered, and a couple of situations where the delivered hay was not of the agreed quality. We urge buyers and sellers to take steps to ensure that the buying and selling is done in a fair and equitable manner benefiting both parties.

If you are considering purchasing or selling hay there are a number of factors that you should take into consideration including:

• Have you purchased from or sold hay to this person before? If not, are you able to obtain at least two independent references?
• Has the hay been analyzed and is the analysis information available? Is the hay free of mould and do you know the moisture content? Do you have some way to visually inspect the hay?
• Are you purchasing from a member of the CFGA who has agreed to the Code of Ethics of the CFGA? A list of our members is available on our website.

If you have concerns regarding the purchasing or selling of Canadian hay products please contact us through our website www.canadianfga.ca/forage-marketing/.