I enjoy Top 10 lists, and the round hay baler, in my opinion, should be near the top of the list when it comes to agriculture inventions. Although the idea of a roundbale machine was conceived as early as 1910, it wasn't until 1972 that it hit the field big time, bringing significant changes to forage-livestock production and associated industries.

Although a number of my old college buddies attest to the fact that round hay balers put them and their summer hay hauling crews out of business, this machine is a great study in regards to trickle-down economics.

Speed was the initial selling point since a round baler could outpace the standard square bale machine with time remaining for the families to devote to other tasks or even to attend community and social functions.

Storage was a second point as round bales were soon found dotting fence rows rather than the inside of a barn and the term 'hay yard' came into being.

Feeding was an obvious third point since one man could haul a week's supply of hay in a single trip rather than a load of square bales every morning. This machine also put many producers into the commercial hay business, which served to supplement their farm income. Hay customers soon realized they had no need to even own hay equipment, which eased their farm expenses to a degree.

Entrepreneurs had a "hay day" as numerous pieces of equipment and associated devices and products were invented that made the round bale system and the feeding of its product that much more efficient. Sales of hay-twine and net-wrap soared, which was chicken feed compared to the new, larger tractors that were introduced in order to provide the horsepower required to run these fast, large balers.

Unfortunately, everything has a downside as hay quality and loss of volume during harvest, hauling, storage and feeding became common topics. Research efforts began, and continue to be entwined with the round bale system in the endless search for solutions.

Loss of hay quality is possibly associated with the improved efficiency of the round bale system as producers, with time on their hands, began baling acreage never before considered to be prime hay ground.

The old adage, "trash-in, trash out" easily fits the description of many round bales that can be seen dotting the countryside. That calls to mind another old adage, "Let the buyer beware!"

Robert L. Seay is a county extension agent with the University of Arkansas' Cooperative Extension Services.

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