As winter sets in, the role of hay in keeping our livestock well-fed and healthy becomes paramount. Hay, a staple and cost-effective feed, steps in to provide the necessary nutrients when pasture grass is not an option. This year, however, the hay supply is tight across the country, prompting us to think strategically about how to manage our resources without compromising the well-being of our animals.
The shortage is largely due to dry conditions and skyrocketing input costs like fertilizer. Here in Texas, for example, the hay crop took a hard hit, and many producers are scrambling to secure what they need. This scarcity doesn’t just drive up prices; it also makes it harder to find high-quality hay, adding to the stress of winter feeding.
For those in the thick of it, the situation may feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to manage the challenges. A little preparation can go a long way, from testing hay quality to avoiding potential problems like pests or toxicity. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical tips and insights to help you make the most of your hay and keep your animals thriving this winter.
Why Hay is Crucial During Winter
Hay is essential during winter because it’s a reliable source of nutrition when pastures are dormant and not growing. As the weather turns cold, grasses stop producing, and livestock need something to keep them healthy and strong. Hay provides the necessary fiber and nutrients to sustain animals when fresh forage is scarce, helping them maintain body condition and energy levels through the colder months.
Without enough hay, animals can suffer from poor nutrition, which leads to lower productivity, weaker immune systems, and, in some cases, even weight loss. This adverse reaction is especially critical for pregnant cows, calves, or livestock needing extra care during the winter. Hay ensures that animals have the fiber and roughage they need to maintain their digestive health and overall well-being.
However, the scarcity of hay can be a genuine concern for many producers. Droughts and high input costs have made it harder to grow or buy enough hay to last through the winter. As supplies shrink, prices rise, and finding good-quality hay becomes more challenging, forcing producers to look for alternatives or stretch their resources further. This shortage can create significant financial strain, making it even more important to manage the hay you have carefully.
Have the hay tested.
It’s crucial to understand that not all hay is created equal. Factors such as type, cutting time, and storage conditions can significantly impact its quality. This is where hay testing comes in. While some sellers may provide a quality estimate, it’s just that-an estimate. The relatively low cost of a hay analysis, typically around $ 20, can provide invaluable information about your feed.
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 feed cost 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. For instance, hay with lower protein content can lead to poor weight gain in cattle. 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.
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. Similarly, pests like fire ants or Alfalfa weevils can infest your farm if they are brought in with the hay.
An example would be what happened here in west central Texas 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 hay from California. Unknown to them, they also brought in distaff thistle along with that hay. 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 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.
Proper Storage of Hay to Maintain Quality
Proper hay storage is a key factor in maintaining its quality and preventing spoilage. Keeping hay off the ground to avoid moisture absorption, and storing it in a dry, well-ventilated area, whether a barn, shed, or covered space, is ideal. If a building is not available, using tarps to cover bales and keeping them elevated on pallets or racks can help keep the moisture at bay.
Ventilation is just as important as keeping hay dry. Hay can trap heat and moisture without airflow, leading to mold growth or even spontaneous combustion in extreme cases. If you’re stacking hay outdoors, make sure to leave space between bales for air to circulate and cover them with a tarp that allows for some ventilation. This helps the hay stay fresh and minimizes the risk of spoilage.
Finally, be mindful of how you handle hay to avoid contamination. Always keep the storage area clean and free from dirt, debris, and pests, which can compromise the quality of the hay. When moving bales, try not to puncture or damage them, as broken bales can expose the inner hay to moisture and contaminants. By storing hay properly, you’ll ensure that it stays nutritious and safe for your livestock throughout the winter.
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. In a previous post, “How to avoid nitrate toxicity following a drought,” I go into a little more detail about this.
Hay that contains many weeds can also be toxic to livestock. The baling process can result in them eating more since they cannot 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.
Hay’s storage method can also affect its toxicity. A rush in drying and curing the hay may have caused problems. If not dried correctly, it can grow mold. Cattle don’t need to eat mold for it to be toxic. Just breathing in the mold spores 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 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 only pay for it once you can inspect it visually.
How to Estimate Hay Needs for the Season
Estimating how much hay you’ll need for the winter starts with knowing how much your animals eat daily. On average, a mature cow will consume about 2-3% of its body weight in dry matter per day, so if you have a 1,200-pound cow, you can expect her to eat about 24-36 pounds of hay daily. Multiply that by the number of cows in your herd, and then factor in the number of days you’ll feed them—typically around 120-150 days for winter feeding. This estimate will give you a basic estimate of how many tons of hay you’ll need for the season.
It’s also important to consider the hay quality you’re feeding. Poorer-quality hay may require you to feed more to meet your cattle’s nutritional needs, so you’ll want to adjust your calculations if your hay isn’t top-notch. You can also plan to supplement your hay with other feed, like grains or silage, which can reduce the total hay you need. Remember that animals with higher nutritional needs, such as pregnant cows or lactating cows, may need more hay to maintain their condition during the winter.
Lastly, remember to account for waste. Cattle can be picky eaters, and sometimes hay gets spoiled or trampled, especially if it’s not stored correctly. As a general rule, add about 10-15% more hay to your calculations to account for waste. That way, you’ll have a little extra just in case, helping to avoid a shortage if things don’t go as planned. By doing the math upfront and factoring in all of these variables, you can ensure that you have enough hay to get your herd through the winter without running short.
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