Though the weather may not feel like it, temps are still in the 100s with no end in sight here, the fall season is almost upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a further need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
During this time of year, many producers are hauling hay to their storage lots to use for winter. On top of this, they are also pricing and buying any additional hay that they may need. It seems everyone has it figured out though they may not be aware of problems lying just below the surface.
A significant problem for producers is that there is an extensive range in hay quality depending on many conditions. Things like the level of maturity, fertilization, growing conditions, harvest conditions, and storage methods all play a part. Accurately sampling and testing hay is the only way to get an accurate understanding of the nutritional value of your hay.
The nutritional value is not really something you want to guess at. Using values from previous years or a “book value” can be costly since a producer may incorrectly develop a ration using values that aren’t even present. Here are some tips to follow in order to get an accurate hay sampling.
Looking out onto a field of perfectly rolled hay bales is a beautiful sight to see. It is even more impactful if you are the one that baled them. You can feel yourself filled with pride in a job well done.
Hay is a very common sight in every cattle producer’s operation throughout the country. It is used during the winter to provide supplemental nutrition when forages are lacking. However, with the extremely dry conditions we have been having lately, getting hay bales is becoming harder and harder. With this difficulty, producers are looking for ways to make their current supplies last longer.
Hay is a very common sight in every cattle producer’s operation throughout the country. It is used during the winter to provide supplemental nutrition when forages are lacking. However, with the extremely dry conditions, we have been having lately getting hay bales is becoming harder and harder. With this difficulty producers are looking for ways to make their current supplies last longer.
Hay bale season is in full swing now. It is during this time of year that everyone is out cutting and baling hay for winter. In truth pretty much everyone is more than likely on their second cutting. While everyone is focused on the making the bale part not many are planning for how they will store them.
