Ask for the forage test

The nutrient content of the hay should be the No. 1 consideration when purchasing hay.

“Ask for forage test results prior to purchasing hay,” says Rogers. “Then you can compare one hay to another based on price per pound of crude protein (CP) and energy content reported as total digestible nutrients (TDN).”

This year, due to good spring moisture, hay harvest was often delayed, increasing plant maturity and lowering nutrient content.

Reviewing the results from several hay forage tests submitted from the 2024 crop, Rogers sees that a portion of the 2024 hay crop has CP levels that dipped down into the 5%-6% level and TDN level below 55%. Hay of this type requires supplementation of both CP and TDN, which is a cost that should be added back to the cost of the hay.

On the other hand, forage test results also reveal there is plenty of hay from the 2024 crop that is high in nutrient content and therefore requires no supplementation depending on the class of livestock it will be fed to. There is no other way to know this without having it tested.

Consider storage

The final consideration is storage and feeding waste. If hay is purchased now, what condition will it be in six months to a year from now when it is fed? Round bale DM loss increases linearly with spoilage depth. A round bale that is 6 feet (ft.) in diameter with a 2-inch (in.) spoilage loss around the bale has lost 10% DM. At 4 in., this increases to 20% and at 6 in., 30%.

Loss due to spoilage is often unaccounted for. If a 1,500-lb. bale priced at $0.027 per lb. loses 20%, or 300 lb., the financial loss is $8.10 a bale. Round bales wick moisture from the ground, leading to DM loss when stored outside. This is simply unavoidable.

The longer outside storage goes on, the higher the loss, which can reach 50% levels at a year or longer. For long-term storage considerations, bales should have a good round shape and are dense with a good wrapping. Storage areas should be well-drained with minimal ground contact if possible. The ultimate long-term storage would be in a barn. If bales are maintained in good condition during storage, little change in nutrient content will occur.

Is it a good idea to purchase hay during a down hay market? Rogers says it very well can be if the following is true:

• A comparison can be made between on-farm cost of hay production and purchase hay cost.
• The bale weights and DM are known and can be purchased by the ton rather than by the bale.
• It has a forage test so that it can be purchased based on cost per pound of CP and energy content.
• The forage test shows no anti-quality issues such as nitrates or heat-bound protein.
• It can be stored long-term to minimize storage loss. It is always a good idea to have a surplus on hand, as long as it is taken care of during storage.
• Feeding losses can be minimized.

Editor’s note: Dominic Erickson is an ag communications specialist at North Dakota State University. [Lead photo by NDSU.]

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 16, No. 12-B