Forage fundamentals: Managing hay cuttings, part two

Feeding livestock hay is an important part of a balanced feed ration for a herd, particularly during times when forages are dormant. To keep hay during those dormant months and maintain its forage quality, proper storage is essential. Large round bales are the most common type of hay bales because they require minimal labor and can be easily fed to herds of any size. However, the size of a round bale can leave a significant amount of hay exposed to the elements, which can lead to weathering and a decline in the quality of the hay. 

A factsheet written by University of Illinois Extension beef cattle educator Travis Meteer offers several recommendations and tips for storing bales both indoors and outdoors. For storing hay bales indoors, proper ventilation, bale temperature, and moisture are key considerations. When moist bales are packed tightly into a shed with insufficient ventilation, the risk of bales combusting and catching fire increases. This could result not only in losing bales but also in losing the shed they are stored in. Investing in a bale temperature and moisture probe is a wise choice to avoid the risk of bales catching fire. Meteer notes that bales should be monitored for up to 30 days after they are baled and should only be stored when the internal temperature is 120°F. When stacking bales in a shed, it is important to leave space between the walls and roof to allow for sufficient airflow. Meteer recommends leaving at least two feet of space between bales and the walls and rafters in the shed. 

While storing bales inside can help preserve forage quality, many producers may not have a shed or any other storage facilities for their bales. Storing bales outside is not as simple as stacking them in a row and calling it good; there are things to consider when leaving them outside. Storing bales outside can lead to shrinkage and poorer-quality forage when feeding bales to a herd. This can increase hay feeding costs because more bales are necessary to meet the nutritional value of the herd. Meteer offers several suggestions when considering storing bales outside. The first is to choose an area that has good drainage and keeping bales off the ground. Placing bales in areas with poor drainage can further degrade their quality. Using things such as pallets, railroad ties, or rock under the bales can keep them from soaking up moisture from the ground underneath. Like when storing bales in a shed, leaving some space between the rows is also important. Bales should be firmly butted together facing north to south to allow for maximum sunlight exposure. 

Producing hay, like any other crop, can take vast amounts of nutrients out of the soil. This is compounded because of multiple cuttings every season. Nutrient uptake can vary across different types of forages as well. But how can we evaluate nutrient uptake and develop a plan to replace those nutrients? Soil testing is one effective way to tell the nutrient uptake of a forage in a given season and can help diagnose any nutrient deficiencies. But soil tests alone are not enough to determine a fertilizer plan. To help detect deficiencies that may not show up on a soil test, tissue sampling is an effective method. These two tools combined can help create a fertilizer recommendation that addresses the needs of the plants. 

Before considering nutrient applications, soil pH must also be considered as it can impact a plant’s ability to take in key nutrients. Not only does the regular soil pH need to be considered, but buffer pH needs to be analyzed to determine if a lime application is needed. According to a factsheet from the Ohio State University Extension, a lime application is warranted when the soil pH is 0.2 to 0.3 units below the desired level. But what is the desirable pH level for forage crops? The same Ohio State University Extension factsheet states the desired pH range for alfalfa is 6.5 to 6.8, 6.0 to 6.5 for other legume forages, and 6.0 to 6.5 for grass forages. 

Once soil pH is determined, then a specific nutrient recommendation for a field can be made. Nitrogen is an important macronutrient for any crop, especially for forages. Alfalfa and other legumes such as clover are able to take in nitrogen through the atmosphere through nitrogen fixation. However, if the soil pH is below 6.0, the plant’s ability to take in nitrogen is impacted. While nitrogen is essential for forage growth, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are also removed in large quantities. According to a blog post from Iowa State University Extension, every dry ton of alfalfa can take 15 to 20 pounds of P and 50 to 60 pounds of K. For grasses, the removal rate is 50 pounds of K per ton and 15 pounds of P per ton. Since grasses cannot fixate nitrogen from the atmosphere, the blog authors recommend an application of 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre at the start of Spring and then after every cutting. 

As we wrap up this two-part series on forage management, it’s clear that success starts well before the first bale hits the ground—and continues long after. Part one, explored the importance of timing the first cutting to balance yield and quality, and how weather, plant maturity, and cutting techniques all play a role. This second part focused on what happens next: replacing nutrients removed during harvest and storing bales properly to preserve their value. Together, these practices form the foundation of a productive, profitable forage system. Whether you're managing pure alfalfa stands or diverse grass-legume mixes, paying attention to the details—both in the field and in storage—can make a measurable difference in livestock performance and long-term stand health.

For additional reading, visit the following links:

• Forage Fertilization Considerations (Iowa State University Extension)
• Hay Storage (University of Illinois Extension)
• Nutrient Management of Forage Crops Intended for Hay (Ohio State University Extension)