When it comes to raising cattle, the correct storage of hay isn’t just a beneficial practice—it’s an absolute necessity, especially during the winter months when pastures go dormant and natural forage is scarce. In 2023 alone, over 4.6 million acres of hay were harvested in Texas, underscoring the vital role of hay in maintaining smooth livestock operations. However, the challenge lies not just in growing or buying hay, but in storing it correctly. Failure to do so could mean a significant loss of your investment.
Adverse weather conditions, such as drought, can further complicate the situation. When the weather dries up and hay becomes harder (and more expensive) to come by, protecting your existing hay becomes even more crucial. This is where innovative storage strategies come into play. These strategies empower you to maintain both the quality and the nutritional value of your hay, ensuring your cattle get the feed they need when natural forage is insufficient.
The good news? You don’t need a fancy barn or a big budget to get it right. With just a few simple rules—like packing bales tightly, keeping them off the ground, and choosing a smart storage spot—you can stretch the life and value of every bale. This post’ll walk through five practical, no-fuss tips that make a big difference. Whether you’re a new producer or have been at it for years, these tips will help protect your hay—and your bottom line.
Summer pneumonia, sometimes referred to as pasture pneumonia, is a disease that is usually observed in calves on pasture late in summer. It can affect calves from one month old to even five months old who have yet to be weaned. The issue with this disease is that little is known about it, and it can pop up from nowhere.
