ALFALFA BUYER SURVEY:
PREFERENCES FOR STORAGE TYPE 

Dairy producers were asked to indicate their most acceptable types of storage conditions for the alfalfa hay they purchased. A closed-sided barn was the most acceptable type of storage to the largest number of respondents (Table 1). An open-sided barn was the second most accepted storage type. As expected, no protection (uncovered outside) was among the least preferred.  

The preferred order, closed-sided barn followed by open-sided barn, for all respondents was also the preferred order for all sizes and locations of dairy producers except one. Large dairy producers in Texas indicated both types of storage, closed-sided barn and open-sided barn, were equally acceptable. Buyers prefer alfalfa hay which has been protected from the elements, preferably in a closed-sided barn.  

Buyer preferences need to be considered when deciding the type of storage to build or use. However, to date there is no research evidence that buyers pay a price premium for alfalfa stored in the preferred storage type. Buyers may purchase alfalfa from preferred types of storage first, then look for alfalfa stored under less preferred conditions.