This is not an April Fool’s Day joke. Andrew Fuda, CEO of WMPG, paid the eye-watering sum at a charity gala to raise money for western Australian farmers affected by a devastating bushfire that tore through Yarloop, Harvey and Waroona in January.
Guinness World Records said the fee paid by Fuda has not been confirmed as an official record-breaker, but WMPG harbor hopes that it is the most expensive hay bale of all time.
Commenting on the purchase of the hay bale, Fuda said the unique smoke-infused hay will be feed to steers destined for the Japanese market.
“We believe the beef from those animals to be fed the world record priced hay will be highly sought after by very discerning Japanese consumers who may even be able detect the smokey flavours infused from ancient WA [Western Australia] jarrah, red gum and peppermint trees,” said Fuda.
“The Japanese are passionate about high quality, grain-fed Australian beef and Japan takes about half of the grain fed beef produced in Australia. Western Meat Packers is not only happy to financially support the fire [that] affected south west farmers, some of whom have supplied cattle to us for many years, but we’re also delighted to be able to shine a light on flavour enhanced WA export beef.”
