Hay Management Tips

This lesson provides an in-depth guide to selecting, purchasing, and storing hay for optimal goat health and farm efficiency. Learn how to ensure your hay supply meets your goats’ nutritional needs while managing costs and reducing waste.

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding Hay Types and Cuts
  • Avoid First Cut Hay: Often too stemmy and leads to significant waste.
  • Preferred Cuts: Third cut is ideal for low stems and high leaf content; fourth cut can be excellent but unreliable due to weather risks.
  • Assessing Quality: Look for green, properly dried hay with intact leaves to ensure nutrition and minimize waste.
• Determining Hay Needs
  • Calculate hay requirements by tonnage, not bales.
  • Consider storage capacity to buy a year’s supply if possible.
• Selecting and Evaluating Hay
  • Inspect hay for moisture content, greenness, and compactness before purchase.
  • Test hay for protein content and calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, especially for wethers and does.
• Purchasing and Cost Efficiency
  • Negotiate hay prices by the ton to ensure accurate and fair pricing.
  • Smaller bales (40-60 lbs) are easier to handle, though less common.
• Hay Storage Tips
  • Hand-stack bales tightly for safety and efficiency.
  • Use tarps to protect hay, ensuring proper airflow and minimizing mold risk.
  • Create a “roof” structure with bales to divert water when using tarps.
• Additional Tips for Goat Health and Budget Management
  • Mix grass hay with other natural forages like clover and plantain for wethers.
  • Aim for grass hay with a protein content of 12-14% for optimal goat nutrition.

This lesson ensures you’re equipped to provide your goats with high-quality hay while keeping costs and waste low.