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How much is a bale of grass hay?
The Price of Hay Bales By Weight Hay Quality Bale Type Average Price Prime Large Square $216 Large Round $195 Grade 1 Small Square $229 Large Square $177.
Is grass hay expensive?
Keep in mind that grass hay bales are usually lighter than alfalfa bales. The Internet Hay Exchange lists average prices of $121 a ton for grass hay and $165 for alfalfa. Save money by buying in bulk, as in a semi-truckload, or buying bales still in the field.
What kind of hay is used for grass?
Legume/Grass Blended Hay There are several excellent combinations to plant. Some of the more popular combinations are orchardgrass/alfalfa and tall fescue/alfalfa. These mixed hays are readily eaten and healthy for all types of livestock.
What is the difference between grass hay and straw?
Hay is a crop that is grown and harvested as a feed crop for cattle, horses and other farm animals. Straw on the other hand is a byproduct of a grain crop; in our area it’s usually usually wheat straw that we see. Straw on the other hand, is much better for use as a garden mulch.
Can any grass be hay?
The most common mixture of hay can include grasses like Bermuda, timothy, orchard grass, brome, fescue and other grasses endemic within a particular region. In some other instances, oat, wheat and barley are cut when they’re still green so that they can be made into hay.
How is hay sold?
The vast majority of hay is actually sold within 50 miles of the production site. Classified newspaper ads, magazine ads and bulletin boards also work. As you can see, marketing your hay does not have to be difficult. There are many methods you can try to find the one that works best for you.
Why is hay so expensive?
Drought currently looms heavy or already exists in many U.S. regions. This situation could improve or get worse and will ultimately have a big impact on the direction of hay prices. Historically high commodity prices also provide reason for stronger hay prices in 2021.
How long does a bale of hay last?
In general, a standard 40 lb. square bale of hay lasts one horse for about 3.5 days. But many factors such as age, workload, type of hay, and access to pasture grass affect how much they eat. I find most horses eat between 10-15 pounds of hay each day.
How much is a bale of hay for cows?
Feeding hay to cattle is expensive. Recent analyses show that hay costs between $0.02 and $0.07 per pound of dry matter; usually more than double the cost for the same amount of nutrients from pasture.
How much is a bale of straw?
Small square bales averaged $4.60 a bale (range of $2.00 to $6.00). Large square bale straw averaged $64.00 per bale (a range of $40.00 to $90.00). Large round bale straw averaged $58.00 per bale (a range of $40.00 – $85.00). In Nebraska, hay sold steady, demand is light in 2020.
How big is a bale of hay?
Rectangle Bales Size Dimension(L x H x W) Weight 2 stringed bale 36 inches x 19 inches x 16 inches 40 to 75 lbs. 3 stringed bale 44 inches x 22 inches x 15 inches 100 to 140 lbs. Half ton 6 ft x 4 ft x 3 ft 1000 lbs. 1 Ton 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft 2000 lbs.
How do you turn grass into hay?
A perfect day for making hay is when it’s sunny and calm. Spread the grass clippings in a thin layer on the ground, preferably on the concrete. Turn it and mix it around a few times during the day. It shouldn’t take more than half a day or so until it’s completely dry.
Is hay necessary to grow grass?
Grass seed needs to stay consistently moist to germinate, and spreading hay over the area helps hold in moisture without letting the ground get too wet, which could make the seeds moldy. The hay helps hold the newly turned soil in place, preventing erosion so the seeds stay contact with the soil.
What kind of grass makes the best hay?
Alfalfa- It is probably the best high quality feed for livestock and as a cash crop but it requires deep, well drained soils and high fertility for high yields. While it can be used for grazing, it is best adapted for hay or silage.
What is better for growing grass hay or straw?
A straw mulch is preferred over hay because of its lower seed content. A straw mulch helps slow evaporation of water from the soil and keeps it moist while the grass seeds germinate. Leave the straw on top of the new grass seeds until they’ve germinated and grown tall enough for the first mowing .
Is straw cheaper than hay?
Straw is far less expensive than hay in our area, selling for under $4/square bale. Since hay is more nutritious but more expensive, we buy hay solely for the horses to eat. Since straw is cheaper, dried and therefore less likely to mold or attract moisture, we buy straw for the backyard chicken coop and nesting boxes.
Why do farmers leave hay bales in the field?
If they are scattered around the field the farmer is just waiting for a convenient time to pick them up and move them. If lined up along the edge of the field they are being stored there. Big round bales can handle being left outside, and even if the outside looks weathered the inside will be good for a year or longer.
