One significant shift on the hay export scene has come in volume percentages by destination. In 2007, Japan and Korea represented 91 percent of all forage exports. By 2013, the market shifted, with those two countries representing just 51 percent of exports. Exports are expected to further decline as these governments encourage greater consumption of domestic forage through subsidy programs. As Japan and Korea have drawn down import demands, China and Middle Eastern countries have become bigger players, requiring different marketing and negotiating tools from U.S. exporters.

This video is a look at how hay is compressed and processed in preparation for export at the Port of Long Beach.  FG

We appreciate the cooperation of Aldahra ACX Global, Los Angeles Harbor Grain Terminal and Anderson Hay & Grain Co. Inc. for providing tours of their facilities in preparation for this video.

Read a related article on hay exports: “Hay export’s changing dynamics.”