Hay has been a hot commodity over the past several years of widespread drought in many regions of the U.S. Lack of rainfall prompted lower yields and forage quality suffered. With their fingers crossed for ideal moisture and moderate temperatures, many cattlemen are looking to rebuild stockpiles this year with high-quality hay for their livestock, while custom hay producers are seeking opportunities to produce and sell a premium product.
Preserving hay quality will be of utmost importance this season to maximize tonnage, relative feed value (RFV) and storability. Developing ideal environments for storage and adopting new moisture-management practices can set hay producers ahead during a critical hay year.
Consider options to extend storability
Hay is a perishable commodity; therefore, storing it in an ideal environment can decrease storage loss due to mold and deterioration. Improper storage can lead to a 5%-20% loss in the first nine months of storage and upwards of 15%-50% when stored improperly for 12-18 months.
Store hay in a well-drained area, ideally under the cover of a tarp or structure. Effective hay sheds or barns can be simply built and open on four sides.
Use a moisture testing tool
Moisture content is the top factor influencing hay quality and safety for livestock. Ideally, dry hay should be baled at less than 15% moisture for optimal preservation. Hay that is too dry can lead to leaf loss or shattering and a reduced RFV. Finding the prime time to bale is tricky; however, using a moisture testing tool, either handheld or baler-mounted, helps hay producers eliminate the possibility of hay spoilage during storage.
Depending on the exact type, handheld moisture testing tools can test hay moisture content in the windrow before baling. Others read moisture levels from inside a bale of hay using a probe. Baler-mounted options provide a continuously updated moisture reading on a monitor inside the tractor cab during baling.
Extend the baling window with hay preservative
Hay baled at moisture levels higher than 16% runs the risk of discoloration, mold, spoilage or even combustion as the internal temperature of baled hay rises. Using a hay preservative, like New Holland’s CropSaver™, allows hay producers to bale hay at up to 30% moisture. The preservative’s formulation will prevent hay spoilage while preserving freshness, green color and storage potential.
Crop preservative use can also help extend hours spent in the field. On many operations, especially in humid climates, a morning dew can delay the start time by several hours while the hay producer is waiting for the moisture to burn off in the sunshine, or it may cause them to quit earlier in the evening as a dew sets in. An application of hay preservative allows the hay producer to bale dry hay safely, even with the presence of excess moisture from dew.
The preservative application, acting as an insurance policy for hay quality, makes hay more marketable. Hay treated with a hay preservative can see an increase in RFV and will yield more tonnage per bale.
Quality hay for livestock
Producing a quality hay crop is always critical but especially in times of drought. Implementing new practices to enhance quality, like an improved storage location, moisture testing or the use of hay preservatives, are simple changes to enhance the quality and quantity of product for livestock next winter.
