Better Hay Management Cuts Feed Costs for Farmers

By Blake Jackson

Hay quality plays a crucial role in livestock performance and feeding expenses, yet much of its value is often lost before it is even fed, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Rudra Baral.

According to Baral, many of these losses stem from management choices that producers can control. “Small changes in harvest timing, handling and storage can pay off in better animal performance and lower supplement costs,” Baral said.

One of the most important factors affecting hay quality is the timing of harvest. As forage plants mature, fiber content rises while digestibility and protein levels decline. “Delaying harvest may increase tonnage, but it almost always lowers feeding value per bale,” Baral said.

For optimal results, cool-season grasses should be cut between the boot stage and early heading, while legumes are best harvested from late bud to early bloom.

In Missouri, aiming for a first cut by May often improves forage quality, though growers should monitor plant maturity rather than rely strictly on dates.

Moisture management is equally important. Proper moisture levels during baling help prevent mold, heating and nutrient loss. Hay that is too wet can spoil or even pose a fire hazard, while overly dry hay becomes brittle and loses valuable leaves.

Since leaves contain the highest concentration of nutrients, especially in crops like alfalfa, careful handling is essential.

Baral recommends raking forage at around 40% moisture and minimizing field passes to preserve leaf content.

Storage practices also have a major impact. Uncovered round bales stored on bare ground can lose up to 30% of nutrients within six months and even more over time.

Proper storage methods, such as covering bales and keeping them off the ground, can significantly reduce these losses.

Baral emphasizes that visual inspection alone cannot determine hay quality. Forage testing is key to matching feed to livestock needs and avoiding unnecessary supplement costs.

“Good hay doesn’t happen by accident,” says Baral. Proper management throughout the process protects both feed value and farm profitability.

FAQs

• Why is harvest timing important for hay quality?

It affects protein and digestibility, with early harvest producing higher-quality feed.

• What happens if hay is baled too wet?

It can mold, lose nutrients, or even catch fire during storage.

• Why are leaves important in hay?

Leaves contain more protein and nutrients than stems.

• How can storage affect hay quality?

Poor storage can lead to significant nutrient losses over time.

• Which animals need the best-quality hay?

Lactating cows, growing calves, and young heifers require higher-quality hay.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig-e