GFI Hay Processing began operations in 2003, when Ward Deaton leased a building in Buena and began building a hay press. That press was soon in operation, compacting bales of alfalfa and timothy hay so they could be loaded into shipping containers and exported to customers in Japan and Korea. Since then, the company has continued to expand, adding additional presses and equipment, processing more hay, moving more containers, adding new products, and broadening its customer base. The company is now run by Ward’s three sons, who carry on the family principles of high-quality work and conscientious customer service.