Company Profile: Budweth Agriculture
King Township, Ontario, Canada — Budweth Agriculture has been a cornerstone of the agricultural industry for over four decades. Established in 1978 by Alf Budweth Sr., this family-owned business specializes in equine hay production. Drug-free, hormone-free, and animal by-product-free livestock feed was Alf Sr.'s focus from the beginning.
In addition to their farming operations, Budweth Agriculture owns Nobleton Feed Mill, which specializes in producing and sourcing premium-quality feed. They promote their forage products through the mill, targeting the equine markets in Canada and the United States.
Today, Alf’s sons, Dave and Alf Jr., continue to build on their father's visionary foundation. As co-owners, they have adeptly expanded and adapted the business to meet the market's changing needs while committing to producing top quality hay. While they continue to uphold their father's traditions, they also embrace new opportunities, securing Budweth Agriculture's lead in the equine industry.
The Need: Precision Hay Moisture Meters
Weather in the upper Midwest often prevents hay from field-curing below 20% moisture. As a result, growers harvest at higher moisture levels to improve forage quality and reduce mechanical leaf shattering. In hay storage, moderate moisture levels (18-30%) can result in dry matter loss, toxic metabolites, and spontaneous combustion. Therefore, hay producers use organic acids to preserve large square bales or densely packed round bales with 17% moisture.
Continuous Moisture Monitoring in Hay
Hay production may vary between fields, with changes in crop density, yield, and population affecting moisture levels. It's recommended to use a moisture meter, preferably one integrated into a baler, for ongoing monitoring to ensure accurate measurements. Relying solely on occasional manual checks throughout the day can lead to errors. Additionally, exclusive use of handheld probes may yield inaccurate moisture readings depending on crop density, yield, and population. Factors such as ground speed during baling, bale density, and preservatives (organic acid) can further complicate accurate moisture measurement. High-density bales are more prone to mold and mildew if not properly monitored. Therefore, continuous moisture metering helps ensure the correct acid application without over- or under-application.
Preserving Hay Quality
Budweth Agriculture takes pride in delivering the freshest horse feed possible at their just-in-time feed mill. They sell their hay within 2 days, ensuring top quality and freshness. This fast turnover sets them apart from competitors and is a key component of their specialization. Their biggest challenge is ensuring that feed stays dry, especially in hot summer conditions. Regular moisture monitoring keeps feed quality and spoilage at bay as it helps to maintain optimal moisture levels.
Maximizing Efficiency, Minimizing Waste
Alf recalls a day he and his father baled hay under time pressure without a moisture meter. They baled 1,500 bales, without continuous moisture monitoring despite Alf's concerns about the hay's readiness. This resulted in a major financial loss as the entire batch had to be discarded. This emphasized the importance of moisture meters in maximizing operational efficiency during hay production.
The Solution: Delmhorst’ FX-2000 Hay Moisture Meter
In the 1980s, Alf's father began testing hay for moisture content using a moisture meter. He recalls the analog device, encased in brown with foam lining, which included a hay probe and a windrow probe. This early adoption of precise moisture measurement set the stage for Budweth Agriculture's commitment to quality and innovation.
Peace of mind: Alf Budweth considers Delmhorst's hay moisture meters as important as any other production equipment. The Delmhorst FX-2000 provides him with unmatched peace of mind, ensuring he can confidently make decisions about hay moisture levels. He always carries a spare meter with him and includes a moisture meter with the equipment he sells. Alf has never looked elsewhere for a hay moisture meter, citing Delmhorst's reliability and support as reasons for his loyalty.
"I've come to rely on Delmhorst moisture meters as much as any piece of equipment in my production line,” says Alf. “They provide me with the peace of mind that is essential in my business.”
Consistency and Precision: A large-scale operation such as Budweth Agriculture requires precision and consistency. Delmhorst's moisture meters validate assessments and decisions, eliminating costly mistakes that can arise from rushed judgments. The meters provide clear readings to decide when baling conditions are optimal, ensuring efficient hay production and maintaining high standards without unnecessary risk.
The Impact: Maximizing Margins
Budweth Agriculture relies on Delmhorst moisture meters to ensure top-quality hay and straw free from mold. This attention to detail has made them a recurring supplier to the Royal Winter Fair since 2018, showcasing the reliability of their products. They maximize profits by avoiding sub-standard hay, maintaining high standards, and satisfying horse owners' needs for high-quality feed. Their proactive approach includes carrying a spare meter and equipping each machine with the tools for accurate moisture measurement.
“Delmhorst meters help me optimize my economic efficiency, minimize product wastage, and ensure a superior quality feed for my customers,” notes Alf. “That's why I keep two of them on hand—one as a spare in my truck and another in each of my machines."
The Future: Embracing Innovation
The Budweth brothers prioritize innovation and sustainability. Their partnership with Delmhorst, known for modern moisture meters, has helped them improve hay production and reduce waste. By embracing technology and commitment to quality, the Budweth family has honored their father's legacy and set the stage for a sustainable future in equine feed production. Their story inspires farmers and industry professionals, showcasing the impact of innovation, dedication, and a pursuit of excellence.
Give Delmhorst a call today if you need to maximize your hay production with peace of mind!
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