Fall Hay and Forage Management
Oct 14, 2024
As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, ensuring your livestock have access to high-quality feed during the winter months becomes a top priority for many operations across the state. Proper hay and forage management during the fall can make all the difference in maintaining the health of your herd when pasture growth slows or stops altogether.
Consider these tips as you prepare and store hay for the colder months ahead.
Harvest Hay at the Right Time
While this may seem like a basic first step, it’s important to remember that the quality of hay starts with the harvest. The ideal time to cut hay is when it is in its pre-bloom or early bloom stage. At this point, your forage crop is rich in nutrients, and the balance between protein, fiber, and energy is optimal.
Once hay is harvested, it’s important to allow adequate drying time. Moisture levels should be around 15 to 20% before baling. Hay that’s too wet can lead to mold and spoilage, while overly dry hay may become brittle and lose its leaves — both of which will reduce the quality of the feed.
Store Hay Correctly
Where and how you store your hay can have a big impact on its quality as winter rolls around. Here are a few tips to keep your hay in top condition:
Manage Your Supply
It’s essential to calculate how much hay your livestock will need throughout the winter to avoid shortages. A general rule of thumb is to provide 2 to 3% of an animal’s body weight in hay each day, but this will vary based on species, breed, and age. In addition to hay, supplement with high-quality feed and mineral to prevent complications such as weight loss, health issues, or reduced milk production in dairy animals. Speak to the livestock specialist at your local Co-op to develop a nutritional program to keep your livestock healthy during the winter months.
Protect Feed From Pests
Rodents and other pests can wreak havoc on your hay storage, especially as they seek shelter during the winter. They not only consume feed but can also contaminate it with droppings. Consider using pest control methods like traps or natural deterrents to help protect your winter feed supply.
Test Hay for Nutritional Quality
To ensure your livestock are getting the best possible nutrition from your hay, consider testing it for nutrient content. Your local Co-op offers hay testing services to measure the protein levels, energy content, and fiber composition. Knowing the nutritional value of your hay allows you to adjust your feeding program accordingly and provide necessary supplements.
Proper hay and forage management in the fall is key to ensuring your livestock have access to nutritious, high-quality feed throughout the winter. By following these best practices, you are setting yourself up to protect your investment and maintain the health of your herd. Your local Co-op is your trusted partner in livestock and crop management, and we’re happy to offer expert advice and quality products as you prepare for the season ahead.
Find your nearest Co-op location here. For more content like this, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator.
Consider these tips as you prepare and store hay for the colder months ahead.
Harvest Hay at the Right Time
While this may seem like a basic first step, it’s important to remember that the quality of hay starts with the harvest. The ideal time to cut hay is when it is in its pre-bloom or early bloom stage. At this point, your forage crop is rich in nutrients, and the balance between protein, fiber, and energy is optimal.
Once hay is harvested, it’s important to allow adequate drying time. Moisture levels should be around 15 to 20% before baling. Hay that’s too wet can lead to mold and spoilage, while overly dry hay may become brittle and lose its leaves — both of which will reduce the quality of the feed.
Store Hay Correctly
Where and how you store your hay can have a big impact on its quality as winter rolls around. Here are a few tips to keep your hay in top condition:
- Choose the Right Location: Store hay in a dry, well-ventilated area, ideally off the ground to prevent moisture absorption from the soil. A covered shed or barn is ideal, but if outdoor storage is your only option, place bales on pallets or tires to allow air circulation underneath and cover them with a weather-resistant tarp.
- Stack Hay: Proper stacking can reduce the risk of spoilage. Stack bales tightly to minimize airflow, but not so compact that it causes excessive heat buildup. Always leave a little space between the walls of your storage area and the hay for ventilation.
- Monitor for Moisture and Mold: Check your stored hay periodically for signs of mold or excess moisture. Bales that feel warm to the touch or show discoloration may be starting to spoil. Remove any moldy hay immediately to prevent it from spreading.
Manage Your Supply
It’s essential to calculate how much hay your livestock will need throughout the winter to avoid shortages. A general rule of thumb is to provide 2 to 3% of an animal’s body weight in hay each day, but this will vary based on species, breed, and age. In addition to hay, supplement with high-quality feed and mineral to prevent complications such as weight loss, health issues, or reduced milk production in dairy animals. Speak to the livestock specialist at your local Co-op to develop a nutritional program to keep your livestock healthy during the winter months.
Protect Feed From Pests
Rodents and other pests can wreak havoc on your hay storage, especially as they seek shelter during the winter. They not only consume feed but can also contaminate it with droppings. Consider using pest control methods like traps or natural deterrents to help protect your winter feed supply.
Test Hay for Nutritional Quality
To ensure your livestock are getting the best possible nutrition from your hay, consider testing it for nutrient content. Your local Co-op offers hay testing services to measure the protein levels, energy content, and fiber composition. Knowing the nutritional value of your hay allows you to adjust your feeding program accordingly and provide necessary supplements.
Proper hay and forage management in the fall is key to ensuring your livestock have access to nutritious, high-quality feed throughout the winter. By following these best practices, you are setting yourself up to protect your investment and maintain the health of your herd. Your local Co-op is your trusted partner in livestock and crop management, and we’re happy to offer expert advice and quality products as you prepare for the season ahead.
Find your nearest Co-op location here. For more content like this, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator.