Faq

How does our auction function? We are situated on a 9 acres gravel parking lot. We line up the hay and straw. We sell all the straw first, then all the small squares, then all the rounds and 3×3’s. The hay and straw is sold by the ton to the top bidder.

How long does the auction last? The auction usually lasts about one hour. Large auctions in the winter can last as long as two hours.

Are the auctions held during bad weather? Yes, auctions are conducted regardless of the weather. We have hay arriving every day of the week, so we sell whatever hay arrives.

Is trucking available? Yes, We can assist you in covering your trucking needs. We work with a lot of trucking companies and brokers nationwide. Delivery is not a problem. Our numbers are on the contact us page. We will be happy to help you any way we can.

What are our weighing policies? We encourage sellers to come with punched in weight tickets from accredited scales however the loads do not have to be weighed prior to the auction. We sell all loads subject to being reweighed. The buyer has the right to reweigh any load or loads which they buy. If the buyer requests a reweigh, the buyers’ obligation is to pay the cost of weighing, pay mileage over 10 miles, and we will use the second weight whether more or less. The sellers’ obligation includes weighing the load both empty & loaded and bringing the scale ticket to the hay office. If the buyer wants the load reweighed, they must notify the clerk immediately following the sale of that load. We will use a scale that is most convenient for the seller.

Is there lunch at the auction? Not currently. We hope to set something up but for now we will have coffee and snacks in the shack.

Is there a hotel nearby? Yes, the GrandStay Hotel and Suites 2679 Rockridge Drive  Rock Valley, IA Tel: 712.476.9200 & Heartland Hotel and Suites 2111 10th St.  Rock Valley, IA Tel: 712.476.9388  For more info go to our Location page.

What are the ‘terms’ at the auction? All hay and straw must be paid for the day of the sale. Cash, good checks, or ACH payments are all acceptable.

Can I have the hay delivered? Yes, the Loads are sold delivered up to 10 miles from Rock Valley. If the load is delivered farther than 10 miles the buyer is charged the extra mileage. The rate depends on the size of the load. See the mileage rate chart for specific rates. If the seller/trucker does not want to use those rates they may post their own rate. If that is the case, the auctioneer will announce the rate for that particular load prior to auctioning the load. The unwritten delivery rule is if the delivery location is more than 50 miles, we ask that the potential buyer ask prior to selling the load to confirm that the delivery distance would be acceptable to the trucker. Any extra mileage collected will be passed directly to the trucker/seller without being subject to commission or any other charges. If the trucker does not want to deliver that far, ask us, we may be able to assist in delivery.

Is the hay tested? About half of the better alfalfa is tested. We do not test the hay here. We use the tests that the seller provides on the honor system. We sell a lot of feedlot (grinding) hay and grass hay. But, about 1/2 of the dairy quality comes with a test.

Can I have hay or straw bought on order? Yes, you may. Please contact the office for more information.

Do we sell hay and straw on private treaty basis? Yes, we sell hay and straw every day. Contact us for more details.

Is trucking available? Yes, We can locate trucks for you as we work with many drivers and trucking companies. If you are interested in having us help you find trucks please call Logan @ 712-451-8617

When are checks issued? Checks are issued the day of the auction by 4 PM. If the checks are not picked up by closing time, the checks are mailed that evening.

Can checks be deferred? Yes, we will defer your checks until you want them.

Can we unload trucks at your yard? Yes, we keep two loaders on our yard. An unloading/loading fee will be charged at $150 and will be deducted from the sellers check . Starting February 19, 2024, we will start charging for no sales. A seller may set a no sale price if they wish. There is not a no sale charge for the first two attempts. A no sale charge will be deducted from the sellers proceeds at the third attempt and every subsequent attempt. Please look at the chart for the current no sale charges. We also ask that the seller let us know ahead of the auction if they would like to set a no sale price.

What is the obligation of unloading? The sellers obligation of unloading with regards to small squares is to throw the bales off the truck to the buyer or onto a bale elevator.

Does the hay need to be delivered after it is sold? Yes, the selling price includes the first 10 miles delivery. After 10 miles, the trucker is reimbursed. We have set mileage rates @ $5.50 per mile. If the trucker disagrees with the rate, they may use their own rate. We will announce the new rate prior to selling that load, so it is necessary that we are notified prior to selling their load.

What DOT permits are needed in Iowa? It really depends on your situation. The Iowa DOT permit center’s # is 515-237-3224. They usually are helpful in answering questions.

Do I need to consign the hay or straw in advance?
No, we don’t need to know in advance. However, we will get the word out better if you let us know, especially if you are coming with an unusual product.