The major nutrient losses in haymaking come from several sources. Harvesting at the incorrect stage will result in poorer quality hay. Alfalfa like many legumes is very susceptible to leaf loss rough handling can result in many leaves being left in the field. Weather is another important problem as rain is quite damaging. Very dry hay will loose nutrients to rain water leaching and you run the risk of hay getting mouldy. Mouldy hay is less palatable, requires more drying time and usually another raking. Mouldy hay may be toxic.
Every year there are many cases around the country of farmers who were rushed and decided to store hay that was not sufficiently dry. A consequence of this is the heating of the hay due to fermentation. In many cases, this heat will result in the browning of the hay. In some cases, however the hay is sufficiently hot to cause spontaneous combustion and a barn fire. Whenever hay in storage is hotter than 140 F or 60 C, it should be checked regularly. If it continues to climb in temperature, it should be checked hourly. Hay at 180 F can ignite.
Quality hay is a combination of many factors. The plants that make up the hay, the correct harvesting stage, proper drying and correct storage. Buying hay can be a challenge as it comes in many versions and various qualities. If you are planning to buy hay this year decide what your needs are and try to select the best hay for the price you want. Remember, buying hay is not something best left until you need it. Buying now will allow you to select the best and in many cases, it is cheaper to buy right out of the field.
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