Dairy producers were asked to indicate their first and second preference for bale type. Large rectangular bales were the most preferred bale type, followed by small rectangular bales.   

As expected, bale type preference differed among sizes of dairy producers. Smaller dairy producers, both in Oklahoma and Texas (Table 1) favored small rectangular bales more than large rectangular bales or other types. Medium size dairy producers in Oklahoma preferred large round bales followed by small rectangular bales. However, medium size dairy producers in Texas and large dairy producers in both states preferred large rectangular bales compared with other bale types. The preference trend toward larger bales as dairy producer size increased was more dramatic in Texas than in Oklahoma.   

Generally, as dairy producer size increased, the second most preferred bale type was the size just smaller than the most preferred bale type. Thus, if dairy producers cannot purchase alfalfa hay in large rectangular bales, they might next look for alfalfa harvested in midsize rectangular bales. Some small and midsize dairy producers in Oklahoma checked large round bales as either their first or second choice. This may be related to local availability. Texas dairy producers did not rank large round bales as high. This may be the result of several factors, including interstate trucking regulations on width as well as ease of handling and storage.   

There is a market for alfalfa harvested in all bale types and sizes. However, the size of the market varies, as well as prices paid. Growers must consider both market size and price differences for different bales sizes and types when deciding to replace baling equipment or when deciding to have alfalfa custom baled.