By Blake Jackson
With hay harvest season nearing, livestock producers are encouraged to focus on practices that enhance hay quality to reduce the need for cattle supplementation. Patrick Davis, a livestock field specialist with University of Missouri Extension, offers key recommendations to ensure a successful hay harvest.
“Hay harvest is approaching, and producing high-quality hay reduces cattle supplementation,” says Davis. Davis emphasizes the importance of proper timing and harvest height in maintaining both hay quality and stand persistence.
“Timing of hay harvest is crucial for producing high-quality hay,” Davis explains. Harvesting should occur at or before the boot stage to preserve forage quality. “Harvest delay will reduce hay quality, causing additional supplementation during feeding.”
Davis also highlights the impact of cutting height on plant regrowth. “Harvest height is critical to plant persistence and hay quality,” Davis notes. Legumes, which store energy below ground, tolerate lower cutting heights without harming the stand.
However, grasses store energy reserves above ground, making them more vulnerable to damage when cut too low. This can lead to weakened root systems and reduced moisture and nutrient uptake.
To maintain forage quality and stand health, Davis recommends a minimum harvest height of 2 inches for legumes, 4 inches for grass-legume mixes, and 8-10 inches for native warm-season grasses.
For additional assistance, Davis advises contacting your local MU Extension agronomy or livestock specialist.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Hay & Forage