Hay 101 Understanding Hay

Good Grass Hay consists of a single variety of forage grass or a blend of several varieties of forage-grasses. Historically, many grass hays actually consist of "whatever" was growing on a field, and thus were of low nutritional value and cost. At our farm, we don't enjoy growing and harvesting "whatever" and trying to convince the buyer of its value.

Our grass hays are made from fields specifically planted with custom blends of modern forage grasses. Typically we feature one primary grass in a mixture, such as orchard ... READ MORE

Legumes are generally high nutrition forages. Most people are familiar with Alfalfa and Clovers, but don't necessarily understand them.

The single most important factor in legume hay quality is the maturity at which it was cut. Our target for Alfalfa is 30 - 40 days...but mother nature often modifies our plans with a little inclement weather.

Thus, we harvest at the maturity allowed by the weather...and price our hay based on the actual nutritional value that the testing shows is in the hay.

We plant several different varieties ... READ MORE

This question will separate the good from the others right away. Beware of answers that start off with "I think around... or About...". This would probably be followed by an exagerated year. The truth is, Grandpa probably planted it right after he got back from the war (probably WWII). Good growers have good records.

Alfalfa seedings have a useful life of around 5-7 years (assuming top quality seed was used)

Grasses will hang on a little longer, sometimes reaching 8-10 years.

Most importantly, as time goes by, "foreign" seeds enter ... READ MORE

This is a tricky question...and a prudent grower will answer it wisely.

First, it tells you if he really knows what he is growing (and selling to you). It demonstrates that he has goals, understands his soils, and has a level of commitment to delivering a good bale to you.

Listen closely. Did he plant brand name seeds? Or just the "stuff" from down at the local ag supplier. Planting hay is a 5 to 7 year commitment to his business...and to servicing your ... READ MORE

A prompt response is an honest response. Maturity when cut is 99% of the nutritional value of the hay. Over-mature hay only benefits the grower by producing more bales of low RFV hay for him to sell...at the expense of your wallet.

Alfalfa hay is Market Grade Prime (pre-bud) somewhere between 28 - 35 days since the last mowing; Market Grade 1 at 30-40 days. Nutritional value (RFV) declines rapidly with maturity - as does digestibility.

Grass hays follow the same general pattern. Different grasses mature at different rates...but ... READ MORE

This is another real simple question. And the grower's answer will be loud and clear. Lab testing does take time and effort.

If he doesn't have an existing test program and copies of results handy, then he has no idea of what he is actually selling you...and neither do you.

Back to your wallet: The hay we produce here at Beagle Hill Farms represents the complete diet of our cow-calf operation. The nutritional value (RFV) of our hay is high enough that our cows are fed a pure grass ... READ MORE

Growing hay - of any type - removes more nutrients from the soil than virtually any other crop grown. Potassium, phosphorous, calcium, and other trace minerals are vital nutrients to healthy hay...and that same hay ends up providing the useable nutritional building blocks for your animals.

A good grower will have a very detailed raw nutrient program. It is the most expensive segment of hay production. And it is the most important ingredient in quality hay. He will openly share current market prices for ... READ MORE

You will notice nearly every hay type we sell is a blend.

Blends are planted to gain a composite of strengths. We generally plant either an alfalfa-dominant blend supported by selected grasses, or a specific grass-dominated blend with a background legume.

This program is highly important to the balanced diet of your animals equally important to the health of our soils.

Furthermore, blends help to level out impacts that out-of-norm weather patterns can have on the final hay quality.

This is kind of a method ... READ MORE

You, as the hay buyer, are seeking the most cost effective way to provide the nutrition you animals need to keep them healthy and happy.

You have two choices:
1. Cheap hay plus costly grain and manufactured Mineral Supplements.
2. Quality hay.

The higher the RFV and trace mineral content of your hay, the less grain and supplements you will need to buy. And, because horses and cows are ruminants, they do much better on the digestible fiber, naturally sequestered minerals and nutrients, and plant-based proteins found in ... READ MORE

It is the goal of every farmer to get the best crop he can on every acre he plants.

Unfortuately, many confuse the "best crop" with the "largest crop". In seeking this goal, most growers will allow hay to over mature and make a bigger crop. More bales per acre.

Remember, as maturity and volume go up, nutrients and quality go down.

A gain in his wallet...directly from yours. ... READ MORE