An issue we currently face across most of the country is that the amount of hay available this winter will be low due to the dry conditions. The Texas AgriLife extension service says that the hay crop this year will be bleak due to the extremely dry conditions and the high costs of inputs like fertilizer. Though you may have to stretch your inventory, hay is still a better option, all things considered.
Under normal conditions, hay that is bought is brought in and fed without issue. Using hay is a normal cycle that many produce know well. It would be best if you also kept an eye on things. The “sticker price” of the hay is generally the 1st thing people look at when buying hay, but there are other costs to consider. Here are four potentially added costs that you need to keep in mind.
Have the hay tested.
The truth of the matter is that all hay is not created equal. Depending on different factors such as type, when it was cut, or even where it was cut can affect its quality. How it is stored can even play a factor. As hay has a potentially wide range, it makes sense to test it.
Some sellers may list the hay quality when advertising it, but be careful. The number given is just a guess without a test to support it. The sad part about how the world has become is also far from the truth. The cost of a hay analysis is pretty cheap, typically about $20, but the information is very valuable.
A hay test will eliminate the guesswork regarding the nutrients in your hay. Sure, you can guess, but with the high cost of feed these days, do you really want to leave it to chance? Even if your guess is a couple of percentage points, it could have serious results either way. It can mean the difference between healthy cows that breed back after calving or having open cows. Is that something that you really want to take a chance at?
Another benefit of doing the analysis is that comparing prices will give you a better idea. When you know what is being provided, you can compare all of your options on a cost per pound of protein or energy. When breaking down the prices, be sure also to include transportation, storage, and labor. Incorporating these will give you a look at the total cost for you.
Don’t bring uninvited guests.
When you buy the hay, although it may look of high quality, there may be something else lurking underneath. Your hay bale may contain unwanted stowaways that you want to avoid bringing home. Bringing in an unknown weed can suddenly turn a once-clean pasture into a nightmare of dealing with toxic weeds.
An example of this would be what happened here in west central Texas back in the 50s. We had been experiencing an extreme drought for a few years, and hay supplies were running low. So, to combat this, some producers bought and shipped in hay from California. Unknown to them, along with that hay, they were also bringing in distaff thistle. It did not take long for the thistle to start taking over pastures.
Trespassers in hay do not have to be planted either. There is no limitation to the origin of insects like Alfalfa weevils. Another pest can be fire ants. You may be thinking that since you live up north, they are not a problem, which is true. A mild winter and well-sheltered hay can make fire ants an issue for a few years.
The simple way to lessen this problem is just to ask questions. If you are buying from some distance away, ask what pests are a problem in that area. Be sure not just to take the seller’s word and ask the extension agent in that area to double-check. Check the hay thoroughly before dropping it off when it arrives. Feel free to refuse the hay if the quality is questionable. When you start feeding, it begins in a small area, so if there is a problem, it will be easier to deal with.
Is the hay toxic?
Extreme conditions such as drought can make some hay become toxic. As with prussic acid, most of the toxic compounds are locked up when forage is cut. The species of the plant does play a part. Certain grains, annual forages, and some weed species are more prone to this. Drought stress can cause the nitrate levels in these plants to rise. I go into a little more detail about this in a previous post, “How to avoid nitrate toxicity following a drought”.
Hay that contains many weeds can also be toxic to livestock. The baling process can result in them eating more since they lack the ability to be selective. Visually inspecting every bale can help with this. I say every bale because weeds often grow in patches, so they may not show up uniformly in a field.
A hay’s storage method can also affect how toxic the hay is. A rush in drying and curing the hay may have caused problems. It can grow mold if not dried correctly. Cattle don’t need to eat mold for it to be toxic. Just breathing in the spores from the mold can cause respiratory issues like mycotoxin. If ingested, it can lead to lower gain or even aborted calves.
Be sure to plan ahead.
When it comes to feeding hay during the winter, most producers have a good handle on how much they will need to make it. Knowing this, they hopefully have purchased the amount they will need. But what if things get terrible? What will you do then? We may not be able to plan for every possibility, but considering the most likely ones will help.
Planning on the “what-if” regarding quality and not just quantity is also a good idea. Let’s say things get really cold for an extended period, and the animal’s energy demand goes up. What then? You may need to investigate some options for supplement feeds.
During this growing season, the farm won’t have any more hay. Not having more hay means that what we have is what we must work with. As we go further, the demand for it will increase, and some people will take advantage of that and raise their prices. Being posted for sale does not necessarily mean it is guaranteed. Unfortunately, scams are all too common. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is likely because it is. Buy hay from either a verified source or someone you trust. Also, please do not pay for it until you have been able to inspect it visually.