GrassWorks Haybarn
Owners: Bobby Umberson and Linda Reed
Company History: GrassWorks Hay Barn, LLC is a Missouri-based company that did its first year of business in 2006. "We have a commercial hay operation in Rogers, Ark., handled by Bobby Umberson," Linda said. Linda, of Strafford, Mo., handles the marketing and logistics for GrassWorks HayBarn. GrassWorks HayBarn, LLC sends product to Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and all the way up to the east coast and down south.
Products and Services: Bobby and Linda have diversified their market by harvesting premium alfalfa for the sheep, goats, dairy and beef markets. “We were blessed this past year. Due to Linda’s marketing, we sold 80 percent of our hay behind the baler," Bobby said. Bobby and Linda use a preservative, Silo-King, when wrapping their product. Bobby and Linda have also broadened their careers as marketing and sales managers for a weed management system manufactured by GrassWorks Weed Wiper, LLC. GrassWorks HayBarn, LLC is also involved in the sales and marketing of Silo-King, a forage inoculation system they use as a production and marketing tool in their operation. "With the commercial hay operation, our bales are picked up behind the baler. We do dry hay and silage hay and we sell silage wrappers. We also do bermudagrass sprigging and we have a sprigger available for rent," Linda said.
How have you advanced your hay operation?
“Where everybody generally waits until the 15th of May or first of June to get their first cutting, we are usually getting our second cutting,” Bobby said. “Silo-King and wrapping our product opens up our harvest window dramatically and enhances the quality of our product,” he added. “It makes the hay more palatable for the animal,” Linda said.
By OFN Staff
