Cows love green grass, but fresh, green grass is not available all year long so we have to provide other sources of food. Hay is a vital food source that allows us to keep our cows happy and healthy all year long! Hay is normally harvested in the spring and summer months.
While year-round grazing would be the most nutritious diet for cows, that is simply not an option in our region. The late Fall, Winter and early Spring months get cold and cause the grass in our pastures to go dormant. Once the majority of grass has been grazed over and growth slows, we will begin feeding hay on a regular schedule. Hay has numerous nutritional benefits for cows. Hay provides energy and protein that is vital to growth for all cows, provides prenatal support for pregnant cows and supports lactation for cows with calfs.
Hay is just like any other crop and must be cared for to ensure a quality product. We monitor soil conditions throughout the year and apply nutrients as needed such as lime and fertilizer. Typically, the Spring cuttings are the best and grass will be at its peak. Summer cuttings do not yield the most, but they are very important to clean up fields to encourage future growth.
Making hay is 3 or 4 step process depending on the conditions.
Step 1 – Cut the Hay, then give it time to dry
Step 2 (optional) – Ted the Hay, depending on the moisture content sometimes tedding is required to fluff the grass allowing it to dry
Step 3 – Rake the Hay, this pulls the grass into nice rows and ready to bale
Step 4 – Bale the Hay, using a round baler we turn pretty, green grass into a healthy food source to use all year long
