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Opinions differ on when to make hayBy Jody G. Holthaus Meadowlark District Extension agent, livestock-natural resources We were in a "mixed" crowd over the holiday weekend (farmers and ranchers). While the ranchers were wishing for a few more dry days to get the hay up, the farmers were wishing for some rain. Just give us one more dry day. Hopefully, the hay will all be up and end the "discussion" of when to mow hay. Each year, there is a difference of opinion on putting up hay. One side of management argues that the nutritive value of the hay goes down each day; it's better to cut it and take the chance on rain than wait. Of course, the other manager thinks one little sprinkle will ruin the hay. As the plant goes from vegetative to reproductive, the feeding value declines. The greatest decline, from excellent to good, occurs during late May and early June. After the seed head forms, the decline slows. Yes, late May or early June is best for cool season grasses; yes, it's now July. So what about the nutritive value of hay that was cut and rained on? Once the crop is cut, the forage becomes more susceptible to leaching of nutrients and protein loss, due to leaf shatter. Vitamins, minerals and sugars are the first to leach from curing hay. Proteins remain with the hay as long as the leaves are attached. Legumes are more at risk to leaf loss and have greater losses of nutritive value, compared to grasses. Molds can increase when the hay has been rained on. Hay baled at greater than 15 percent will heat and lose moisture during storage. Heating comes from a rapid growth of fungi and bacteria, when they have favorable conditions. Hay with 15 to 20 percent moisture content will generally only heat to 90 to 120 degrees F with no more than a minor decrease in protein digestibility; this is normal curing. Bales over 20 percent moisture will have rapid fungi growth and can heat to 140 to 150 degrees F. They can have significant losses in protein, and are in danger of fire, smoldering and charring of hay. So the debate continues: mow it and get a shower, or wait and wait and wait for dry weather. 7/14/08 Date: 7/10/08 Advertisement
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