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Welcome to the National Hay Association
The National Hay Association, the national trade association for the U.S. hay industry, works daily within the industry, federal agencies, and the Congress itself to create an environment that benefits hay merchants and the people who depend on hay and straw in their commerce. A non-profit organization, NHA's activities are funded entirely through membership dues. NHA proudly represents hay producers, brokers, dealers and consumers of forage products, as well as disciplines and activities of businesses that provide products and services to the hay industry.
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Make plans now to stop by the NHA Booth on February 11-14 in Louisville, Kentucky! Need our W-9? Click here | Congratulations Bob Humpal 2025 NHA Haymaker of the Year
L-R: Joan and Bob Humpal and EJ Croll The Haymaker is awarded to a member who exhibits outstanding service, dedicated leadership, generous contribution, exceptional performance or inspiring commitments to the NHA and the hay industry. EJ Croll presented this award by beginning with a story of hard work and dedication from one individual. As the story began to take shape, a wonderful moment occurred when Bob Humpal realized he was the very auctioneer this story was describing. The honor of the award could be felt by anyone who could see Bob’s face at this moment. The magnitude of the award could be seen when Bob humbly accepted the Haymaker Award. Bob Humpal grew up on a farm and loved going to auctions with his father. He enjoyed listening to the auctioneer’s voice and was impressed by the speed at which he sold items. Bob attended a two-week auctioneering course in Mason City. You could hear Bob fine-tuning his chant as he would practice while out in the field. Later, Bob and his brother ran an auctioneering business. In the mid-1980’s, Bob added a hay auction and began auctioneering full time. Our Haymaker saw a need for an auction where farmers could buy and sell hay and straw. He remained persistent even with no profit in 4 years. A drought in the late 1980’s led to a substantial increase in hay going through the auction and prices were high! After several moves, the business ended up in the Fort Atkinson Lumberyard building. The auction grew and the business expanded into buying and selling hay for customers. Hard work, honesty, having the ability to get along with people and knowing the price of the item being sold are the qualities that make a good auctioneer, he has said. For an auctioneer, the voice is an important tool of the trade. Bob Humpal describes an auctioneer's chant as singing but with numbers instead of words. He has been auctioneering for over 60 years! Thank you, Bob, for your contributions to the hay industry! |
