Spring rains have not only delayed hay baling on many southeast Kansas farms and ranches but have also affected the quality of the hay.
One inch of rain typically leaches 10 percent of the nutrients out of hay.
High quality hay has higher losses than low quality because it contains more soluble nutrients.
Rain also causes leaf shatter. This may be as low as 5 percent of the yield, but hay turned after being rained on may lose up to 15 percent from leaf shatter.
According to Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska Forage Specialist, there are many strategies to minimize rain damage; all involve reducing field exposure time.
Encouraging rapid drydown is one method. Practices like spreading out windrows as wide as possible, conditioning, and timely raking help reduce field exposure anywhere from one-half to two days.
Another effective strategy is to harvest at high moisture levels. Wrapping bales to make haylage can get the hay baling process completed up to two days quicker than average.
Rain damage is expensive and frustrating. Identify and use strategies like these to minimize your risks.
Once your hay is baled, be sure to store it properly to maximize its nutritional value.
For more information contact your local extension office or e-mail me, Christopher Petty, Southwind Extension District Extension Agent for Livestock Production and Forage Management at [email protected].
