FEED CENTRAL Pty. Ltd. taking the hassle out of HAY... AUSTRALIA WIDE - www. feedcentral.com.au
Quality Controlled Hay - Straw - Stock Feed
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Quality Control
 

We understand that in today's business environment feed quality can make or break an end-users business.

For example a dairy farmer needs to be sure that Feed Central will deliver product that will put milk in the bucket, 1st time, every time and a beef feedlot needs to know that the feed supplied will bring the cattle to the bunks and make them want to eat.

It is for this reason that Feed Central has developed an extensive quality management system. The most important part of this system is Inspections, Grading, Quality Statements Feed Tests and Vendor Declarations.

QUALITY CONTROL UPDATE Dec 09 PDF 972kb

Hay and Straw: Feed Central has pioneered and staked our reputation on developing quality control procedures for hay and straw. The following documentation outlines our Hay Quality Control Procedures.

Grain and Other Feeds: In regards to other products, such as grain and meals we use industry standard classifications and quality control procedures. The following documentation relates to our Hay Quality Control Procedures only.

Inspections:

All hay and straw sold by Feed Central is inspected by a Feed Central staff member, regardless of its location. Each staff member receives extensive and ongoing training in hay and hay inspections.

Feed Central is constantly upgrading hay inspection procedures in line with changing customer requirements.

Grading System:

Feed Central has developed a Hay Grading System to minimise the guesswork when it comes to buying hay and straw.

The Feed Central Grading System comprises 6 generic grades. All fodder that Feed Central sells is graded into one of these 6 grades. The grade is dependant on the colour of the hay, leaf retention, stem thickness, grass / weed content, heating or spoiling in the bale, stage at which the crop is cut, and the way the product has been stored.

Feed Central's grading system is being reviewed regularly in order to continually improve the process and to make it as easy as possible for everyone to understand.

Grading

Recommended Use And Pricing
FCAAA Top racehorse quality – expect exceptional feed analysis result and strong market premium.
FCAA Above average grade – suitable for dairy, chaffing. Expect strong feed analysis and premium price.

FCA

 Base for quality and price comparison. Some quality and feed analysis variation. Large variety of uses.
FCB Below standard – feedlots, dry cows, roughage etc. Can get very good feed analysis results.
FCC Lower quality – priced accordingly, budget grade. Refer to feed test for suitability of use.
FCD Well below stockfeed quality. Mulch and erosion control. Feed when extreme shortages only.

Click here to view and print the
"Feed Central Grading Sheets"
Feed Central Grading Sheet 133Kb
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  • Hay Quality Statement:
  • While the Feed Central grading system provides an exceptional guide to the quality of the hay, we have gone one step further issue a separate Quality Statement on each lot of hay line of product on offer.
  • The Quality Statement gives a Visual Assessment of the hay and The Feed Test (protein, energy etc) the product on offer and allows buyers to get a true comparison between each line of product on offer.
Click here to view and print
"Feed Test Information "
Feed Test Information 365Kb
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  • Example quality statement
    Example of a Feed Central Quality Statement
  • Photos:

    It is our aim to have photos of every line for sale on line. Please be advised that we make no adjustments to the photos that we present on line.

    Vendor Declarations:

    A vendor declaration is available for all produce sold through Feed Central.

    This declaration covers:
  • Production Details including chemical applied to this crop and neighbouring crops
  • Testing Status, including sampling process, ARGT, pesticide residue, organochlorine.
  • Feed Central will endeavour to provide additional information / declarations on buyers request.

    Please note that the accuracy of the vendor declaration is determined by the accuracy of the information provided to us by the grower.

    Example vendor declaration
    Example of a vendor declaration
  • Guarantee:
  • We are so confident in our hay quality systems that we are prepared to put our money where our mouth is.

    Put simply: All hay and straw that you buy from Feed Central is guaranteed to be of at least the standard described. If the truck shows up and you are not satisfied that the hay meets the description given, do not unload the truck and we will take it away - No Hassles!

    We take our guarantee very seriously and, to support our guarantee, words similar to the following make up a significant part of the Sale Contract that we complete with our customers / end users:
Feed Central Quality Guarantee: By selling hay to the customer, Feed Central agrees to the following in relation to quality:

1. Hay Quality As Described: Hay delivered will be as described on Feed Central's Hay Quality Statement (HQS) and / or Feed Central's Contract at the time of delivery.

2. Hay Replacement: If the hay delivered is different to the product described on the HQS or contract, Feed Central is committed to taking that hay away and replacing it with hay of at least the same quality as described, for no additional cost.

3. Demurrage (Truck / Transport Hold Up): Feed Central will cover costs associated with holding the truck up / truck downtime, while the problem is sorted out, for a reasonable period of time.

4. Interim Product: Feed Central will not be responsible for the customer purchasing interim product, to fill a feed gap, from another source.

5. Guarantee Limitation: It is the customer's responsibility to inspect hay on arrival. Feed Central does not in any way guarantee the product after it has been accepted and unloaded by the customer.

6. After Hours Contact Number: Feed Central provides 24 hour phone contact and answering service. The number to call is 1300 669 429.


By purchasing hay from Feed Central The Customer agrees to the following, in relation to quality:

1. Customer Inspection Of The Hay: The customer or their representative (eg employee) is responsible to inspect the hay to ensure that is as described on the HQS and/or Contract, PRIOR TO UNLOADING.

2. Suspect Hay or Quality Uncertainty: If uncertain about the quality of the hay, prior to unloading, the customer is permitted to unload up to 10 bales, selected at random. If necessary the customer may open any 2 bales, selected at random to double check quality.

3. Problem Procedure / Notification: In the event of a problem the customer or their representative should contact a representative from Feed Central PRIOR TO UNLOADING more than 10 bales.

4. Reloading:All bales that are unloaded are to be reloaded by the customer, prior to the truck leaving. Any bale that is not reloaded (apart from 2 bales that may be opened for quality inspection) will need to be paid for at the full price of the hay.

5. Hay Acceptance: Unloading more than 10 bales without reporting a problem, is communication to Feed Central that the customer is happy with the hay and is accepted.

Failure to follow these procedures will result in expenses associated with any quality complaint, including but not limited to travelling, dispute mediation, handling and transportation being account the purchaser.