CAR Score

The Categorical Assessment Rating Score * (CAR ScoreSM) represents the quality rating of a hay forage which is derived from an assessment of the five categories described below that influence the overall quality of a forage.  The CAR Score is a proprietary scoring system developed by TruBid to make general quality comparisons easy.  When viewing details of a forage, you are able to see how the seller rated the forage in each category so you can better make a decision whether the forage is a good fit for your needs.

* The CAR ScoreSM is for reference only and is not intended to be used as an official measurement tool.

Categories Assessed

  • Moisture - As moisture levels surpass 16-17 percent, the quality of a forage gradually decreases and mold can begin to develop.  In high moisture cases, the forage may be considered a complete loss and pose a danger of spontaneous combustion.
     
  • Maturity - Maturity greatly affects the nutritional and digestibility of a forage and is the most significant factor in determining the relative feed value (RFV) of a forage.  TruBid uses the USDA Hay Quality Guidelines to help sellers grade the maturity of their hay.
     
  • Weather Impact - Rain, dew and length of time on the ground all affect the overall quality of a forage.
     
  • Purity - The amount of unintended grasses, weeds or legumes mixed in with a forage can affect overall quality.
     
  • Consistency - Consistency is often a factor that is overlooked in forages but can affect the overall feed value between bales.  (e.g. For example, a field that has a high alfalfa to grass ratio in one part of the field and the opposite ratio in other parts may contribute to bales varying greatly in feed value.)

How Categories are Assessed

When sellers post their forage, they are prompted to assess it by choosing a statement that best describes their forage for each of the above categories.  A numeric value (or weighting factor) is assigned to each category based on their choice.  These values are then applied to an algorithm to determine the CAR Score which is based on a scale from 1 to 25.  If a seller does not provide an assessment rating for each categories a CAR Score will not be calculated.