Hay export, that is, the export of U.S.-grown forage and roughage products, began primarily in 1970′s and 1980′s with alfalfa cubes destined for Japan. Within a few short years, the hay export market demanded long-fiber product, not just cubes. The 1990′s saw the expansion of dairy industries in South Korea and Tawan. It wasn’t until the late 2000′s that we saw the burgeoning demand for Western U.S. alfalfa in China and the UAE.

Most hay exported to Asian markets is used for the dairy sector but is also used for beef cows and horses. Hay exported to the Middle East is primarily used to feed these same animals as well as camels and goats.

Typically, forage products are acquired by ACX and processed for export according to proprietary methods. The processed hay is loaded into ocean-going containers and delivered to the U.S. port for export to the customer. A container typically holds 22.5 to 26 metric tons of product depending on both the hay’s origin and destination in accordance with state, federal, and foreign highway laws.

ACX is a leading exporter of forage and roughage products.