Wisconsin farmers in various parts of the state experienced severe alfalfa losses this past winter resulting in forage shortages in combination with already low inventories. Additionally, a cooler and wetter than normal 2019 spring season caused delayed plantings for many Wisconsin farmers. As a result there may be an interest in selling or buying agricultural commodities from areas with surplus feed inventories to areas of the state in need of forages according to Mike Ballweg, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Sheboygan County crops and soils agent.

For this reason the UW-Madison Extension developed the Farmer to Farmer Hay, Forage & Corn List  website that allows local farmers to get in touch with one another. The website is free of charge for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can search for farmers in just one Wisconsin county or in any number of counties at once.
The Farmer to Farmer Hay, Forage & Corn List website facilitates the marketing of feed commodities where livestock producers in need of high moisture corn, corn silage, hay, or straw can easily contact sellers that have feed commodities for sale.

“This site has been an excellent way for buyers and sellers to get in-touch locally. Neighbors often within short distances have been able to buy and sell as a result of the website”, says Ballweg. “All transactions and negotiations are handled directly between buyers and sellers.”

People who wish to use this service but do not have access to the Internet can get access and assistance at their county Extension office.