As the mercury climbs, so does the intensity of haying season. The scorching heat waves present unique challenges, but with careful planning and a few cooling tricks, we manage to keep both our family and our hay crops thriving. Here’s a closer look at how we navigate the season, ensuring our balers roll out the highest protein-packed bales for our cattle while keeping our sights firmly on the future health of our fields.

Staying Cool Amidst the Heat

First things first, the wellbeing of our family is paramount. Long days under the unforgiving sun require smart strategies to stay cool. We prioritize starting our days in the early, cooler hours, keeping ourselves hydrated with plenty of water, and taking frequent shade breaks. Plus, lightweight, breathable clothing and hats are non-negotiables. While these may seem like simple measures, they’re the backbone of our operation in these peak summer months.

Timing is Everything During Haying Season

When it comes to securing high-protein hay, timing is everything.

In the summer, as we navigate the complexities of haying season, understanding the perfect timing for cutting hay becomes paramount. Amidst fluctuating temperatures and the pressing heat wave, the art of harvesting alfalfa/grass hay demands our full attention.

Alfalfa 

Alfalfa, a vital component of our high-protein hay, signals its readiness for harvest in subtle ways. The key? Its blossoms. We patiently wait for the alfalfa to flower, or as we also say “mature”, as this is a sign that it’s approaching the nutritional peak. However, the balance is delicate; too many blooms can compromise the quality. We watch for that optimal moment when the fields are speckled with just the right amount of flowering, signaling it’s time to cut.

Dry Crops

This year, the persistent dry weather is hastening our timelines, so started to cut the first fields a little earlier than usual. Since we can’t cut all our hay at once, it is better to start early on some fields so that the fields we cut towards the end of haying season are not too mature. It allows us to seize the moment before the summer’s intensity diminishes our fields’ lushness.  

Sugar Levels

Sugar levels in the hay can play a critical role, especially when we consider the diverse needs of the animals it will feed. For our cattle, large volumes of hay mean the exact sugar content isn’t our primary concern. However, the scenario shifts dramatically when we talk about hay for horses. Certain horses require low-sugar diets, making the monitoring of sugar levels in hay of utmost importance. 

In the cycle of plant metabolism, the sun plays a pivotal role, especially in the growth of alfalfa and grass forage crops. During daylight hours, plants photosynthesize, converting sunlight into energy. This process naturally increases the sugar content in the plants as the day progresses, peaking in the late afternoon. When night falls, the plants use this stored energy for growth, gradually depleting the sugar until morning. This fascinating daily cycle leads to a fluctuation in sugar content, which can direct influence when to choose to cut the hay.

Ideal Timing to Cut for Cattle

Ideally, cutting hay for cattle should occur when the plants have reached their peak nutritional value, which often aligns with the early blooming stage for alfalfa. This stage typically provides a balance between fiber, protein, and energy content, making it highly suitable for cattle. Taking into account the daily sugar cycle of plants, the optimal time of day to cut hay to capture a desirable sugar level would be in the late afternoon to early evening. During this time, photosynthesis has increased the plant’s sugar content throughout the day, which not only can contribute to the overall energy value of the hay but also helps in the curing process, potentially enhancing palatability and digestibility for cattle.

However, it’s also vital to consider the weather conditions leading up to and following the cut. Adequate sun and warmth are necessary post-cutting to ensure the hay dries correctly, reducing the risk of mold to preserve its nutritional quality.

Baling Perfection

After cutting, the moisture content of the hay becomes our next focus. The cut hay lies under the sun, a ticking clock counting down to the ideal baling time. Baling too soon is a risk we cannot afford, as baling too soon could lead to smoldering hay or even spontaneous combustion within the bales. Therefore, we carefully check, measuring moisture levels in bales if needed to pinpoint the moment when the hay is ready to be baled.

Experience is Key

This season, our adaptability, honed through years of experience, guides us. Our actions are a blend of tradition, intuition, and science, a testament to our commitment to producing the best possible feed for our livestock and ensuring the health of our land for future seasons. At Ogilvie Stock Ranch, every step we take is a step towards sustainability, stewardship, and the well-being of the animals we are proud to care for.

Navigating haying season during a heat wave is no small feat. It takes a village—of knowledgeable family members, resilient crops, and forward-thinking strategies. We’re committed to doing the work, learning and adapting as we go, to ensure our ranch not only survives but thrives, regardless of the challenges Mother Nature throws our way. Here’s to a successful haying season, and to the health and productivity of our lands and livestock for seasons to come.