11194 - Hay Farming
When it comes to agricultural production, NAICS code 11194 stands out as a key classification for businesses involved in Hay Farming. Whether you’re an entrepreneur exploring opportunities in the agribusiness sector or a government contractor needing this classification, understanding what this code entails is essential. This blog provides a detailed overview of NAICS code 11194, highlighting its scope, sector, typical activities, size standards, and examples of businesses.
What is NAICS Code 11194?
NAICS code 11194 covers the specialized agricultural activity of Hay Farming. This includes cultivating, harvesting, and preparing hay crops such as alfalfa, clover, and various types of grass. The harvested hay primarily serves as animal feed, making this industry a crucial part of agriculture focused on livestock nutrition.
Key Activities under NAICS 11194:
- Growing hay crops like alfalfa, clover, and grass
- Cutting and mowing hay fields
- Drying and curing hay to preserve nutritional quality
- Baling hay for storage and transport
Sector: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Hay Farming falls under the broad Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting sector, which includes growing crops, raising animals, and harvesting products from forests and water bodies. NAICS 11194 contributes significantly to livestock farms and dairy operations by providing essential feed.
Typical Business Types & Activities
Businesses categorized under NAICS code 11194 often include:
- Alfalfa Hay Production — Cultivating and harvesting alfalfa to produce nutrient-rich forage.
- Grass Hay Farming — Growing various grass species such as timothy, Bermuda, or orchard grass.
- Clover Hay Cultivation — Specializing in clover hay, which is prized for its protein content.
These businesses may be standalone hay farms or integrated operations supporting larger agricultural enterprises.
Size Standards for NAICS 11194
To qualify as a small business under this NAICS code (for government contracting and SBA purposes), the typical size standard is:
- Annual receipts of $750,000 or less
This helps determine eligibility for small business programs and contracts.
NAICS Code 11194 Details
| NAICS Code | Title | Sector | Description | Size Standard | Typical Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11194 | Hay Farming | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | Growing and harvesting hay crops such as alfalfa, clover, and grass for use as animal feed. Includes cultivating, cutting, drying, and baling hay. | $750,000 annual receipts | Alfalfa hay production, Grass hay farming, Clover hay cultivation |
FAQs about NAICS Code 11194 – Hay Farming
Q1: What crops are included under hay farming?
A: Primarily alfalfa, clover, and various grasses grown for animal feed.
Q2: Can hay farming be part of a larger mixed farm operation?
A: Yes, many farms integrate hay production with livestock or crop farming.
Q3: Is hay farming eligible for small business government programs?
A: Yes, if annual receipts do not exceed $750,000.
Q4: What are the main stages of hay production?
A: Cultivating the crop, cutting/mowing, drying/curing, and baling.
Q5: How does hay farming impact livestock industries?
A: Hay provides essential nutrition as forage, supporting dairy, beef, and other livestock sectors.
Conclusion
NAICS code 11194 - Hay Farming is a vital classification for businesses involved in growing and harvesting hay crops used as animal feed. From alfalfa to clover hay producers, this segment plays an important role within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting sector. Understanding the scope and requirements of this code can help businesses target appropriate opportunities, especially in government contracting and agricultural markets.
By focusing on hay production activities like cultivating, cutting, drying, and baling, NAICS 11194 businesses support the livestock industry's foundation. Whether you’re entering this field or need to classify your business properly, the detailed insights in this post will guide you in leveraging the hay farming sector effectively.
Keywords: NAICS code 11194, hay farming, alfalfa hay, clover hay, grass hay, agriculture sector, hay crops, animal feed, hay production, small business size standard
