Producing high-quality hay is both an art and a science. The goal is to harvest the crop at its optimum stage of maturity to preserve its maximum nutritional value, while reducing the moisture content to around 20% for safe storage and long-term use.
1. Choose the Right Forage Species
The foundation of quality hay begins with selecting the right grass or legume species.
Two of the most popular and reliable hay crops are:
-
Lucerne (Alfalfa): A legume known for its high protein content, rich vitamin and mineral levels, and excellent digestibility.
-
Boma Rhodes Grass: A hardy and drought-resistant grass that produces nutritive hay with good yields and palatability.
Combining legumes and grasses can further balance nutritional value and improve soil fertility.
2. Proper Field Management
Healthy fields produce healthy hay. For best results:
-
Use certified seeds to ensure vigorous growth and uniform stands.
-
Apply fertilizers in correct proportions based on soil test recommendations.
-
Control pests and diseases early to avoid loss of leaf material, which contains most of the nutrients.
3. Harvest at the Right Stage
Timing is crucial. Hay harvested too late, after seeds have formed, loses much of its protein, minerals, and vitamins.
Instead, aim to cut during the early bloom stage, when the plant has maximum digestibility and nutrient density.
4. Pay Attention to Leaf Retention and Color
A high proportion of leaves is a clear sign of premium-quality hay, as leaves contain most of the protein and minerals.
Likewise, color matters; bright green hay indicates minimal bleaching or leaching losses, meaning it still retains carotene and other essential nutrients that boost palatability for livestock.
5. Proper Drying and Storage
After cutting, dry the hay until its moisture level drops to about 20%.
Proper drying prevents mold growth and nutrient loss. Store the hay in a well-ventilated, covered area to protect it from rain and sunlight.
Conclusion
Producing high-quality hay is about attention to detail, from selecting good species and managing your field properly to harvesting at the right stage and storing the hay correctly. When done right, you’ll have nutritious, palatable hay that supports better livestock performance and fetches a higher market price.
Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteAm interested in growing hay, how does one plant hay?
Thank you for leaving a comment. I hope you got the help you needed with growing hay.
Delete