hay | Ag Proud

Forage Market Insights: Putting a partial wrap on 2024

Here’s Progressive Forage’s look at fourth-quarter factors impacting hay markets.

December 19, 2024

Larger harvests are impacting dry hay markets in many regions as 2024 comes to a close. On-farm hay inventories, new seeding estimates and production summaries for all forage crops will provide a clearer picture in early January.

Does teff live up to the hype as beef cattle feed?

A few years back, teff was receiving a lot of attention as the next great cattle forage. What do producers say now about the crop?

November 11, 2024

John O'Meara

Native to Ethiopia, teff grass holds up well under drought conditions. With drought common in many parts of the country, teff offers up an interesting option as cattle feed. But does it live up to the hype?

3 ways you can practice effective hay management for a healthier and happier herd

By using proper storing techniques, establishing a feeding schedule and investing in the right equipment, you can ensure every hay bale is used to its fullest potential.

November 4, 2024

Kaydence Michalsky

With increasing prices affecting every aspect of daily life, finding ways to save money without compromising quality is essential.

Addressing a beef cow herd’s needs during winter

Providing safe and comfortable accommodations and plentiful feed and water sources is critical to helping the herd maintain condition and performance over the winter.

October 24, 2024

J. Benton Glaze

The way in which beef producers manage the tasks of "housing" and watering and feeding their cattle during the winter will have a significant impact on the productivity and profitability of the herd.

Tips for reducing the impacts of winter weather

October 22, 2024

Jason Banta

There are several strategies that producers can use to help reduce the negative effects of winter weather on cattle and help ensure feed resources are used efficiently.

Southeast: The nutritional roller coaster

October 22, 2024

Katie Mason

I recently heard an interesting analogy: Not testing your hay can put your cows on a nutritional roller coaster. While some may enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster and the anticipation of the next flip or turn, for cattle nutrition and the rumen environment, slow and steady is the way to go.

Southeast: Indicators of hay quality

September 23, 2024

Katie Mason

You may be familiar with the phrase, “If you don’t test, it’s just a guess,” a phrase that applies directly to hay quality. The only way to know the exact nutrient concentration of hay is to take a representative sample and have it analyzed by a lab.

Hold the net wrap and twine

Cattle can consume net wrap or twine, which accumulates in the rumen, and buildup can cause an array of issues for the animal.

August 27, 2024

Erin M. Laborie

Oftentimes, to save time and labor, net wrap or twine is not removed prior to feeding hay to cattle. A South Dakota State University forage-binding survey reported that 54% of producers removed net wrap or twine when feeding bales whole, but only 11% of producers removed it when grinding bales.

South Central: Hay testing and NDF digestibility

August 22, 2024

Jason Banta

Hay quality cannot be judged based on looks or if it was fertilized or not. Often, some of the best-looking hay will test out to be some of the lowest quality.