5 questions to ask before buying hay

Winter is coming and hay stocks are low. Given the current situation, finding hay to buy can be a relief. No matter which hay source you are considering, before purchasing, ask the following questions and consider the following points:

1. Before you agree to purchase, request a feed analysis report for your hay and consider the moisture, protein, energy and relative feed value of the hay you purchase. If you purchase sorghum hay, also consider the nitrate content.

2. Buy by the ton, not by the bundle. Some low density bales, depending on baler settings. To get what you pay for your base purchase of tonnage. All hay bales are not the same weight or mass.

3. Ask how hay is stored. In the barn = less spoilage, better stacked in rows on pallets than on the ground.

4. Ask what type of packaging is on the bale. Mesh wraps spoil less than twine wraps.

5. Ask when the hay will be baled. Bags harvested one or two years ago are more susceptible to spoilage.