Summertime is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to start stockpiling hay for the winter months. The warm weather encourages the growth of different plants and grasses, which is essential for livestock owners to make use of. Did you know that the quality of hay you provide your animals with can affect their overall health and productivity? It’s high time to learn why summertime forage is crucial for your farm’s success.
Hay Production Is Cost-Effective
Summertime is the perfect time to start preparing for the winter months by producing hay. During these months, the growth rate of plants and grasses is high, allowing farmers to yield a good quantity that will last for months. The cost of buying hay in winter is high, making it a cost-effective measure to harvest the grasses available in summer. Proper hay production and storage can save you a lot of money in the long run.
High-Quality Forage Results In Better Animal Health
Providing animals with high-quality forage is essential to guarantee their overall health and productivity. This is why summertime forage is so important. During this period, the plants and grasses are nutrient-dense due to the conditions that promote their growth. Therefore, you can be sure that the hay you harvest will have all the necessary nutrients that your livestock needs to thrive.
Early Harvesting Of Hay Can Get You More
The earlier you harvest the hay in summer, the better it will be. This is because, at this point, the plants and grasses contain more nutrients and are at their perfect moisture level. Early harvesting also ensures that you have enough time to store the hay before the winter, giving you peace of mind when the colder months arrive.
Adequate Forage Ensures Reduced Pressure On Pastures
During the summer, pastures are busy growing, and your animals are too busy feeding. Allowing your animals to graze for long durations can lead to overgrazing. Overgrazing reduces the capacity of the pasture to cater to your animals’ nutritional needs. Providing adequate forage for your animals during this period reduces pressure on the pasture, promoting the pasture’s regrowth and ensuring better animal health.
The Best Time To Supplement Hay Stocks
Supplementing hay stocks at the right time is essential to ensure adequate feed for your livestock. Summer is the best time to supplement your hay stocks since this is the time of abundance. The growth rate during this period enables you to produce a lot of hay that can last you for several months.
Summertime is an excellent opportunity to stock up on high-quality forage for your livestock. The growth rate of plants and grasses is high during this season, making it an ideal period to harvest hay for winter feeding. High-quality forage results in better animal health, and proper storage practices guarantee cost-effectiveness and peace of mind. It is essential to prioritize early harvesting of hay to ensure maximum nutrients for your animals. Ensure that your animals have adequate hay during summertime to reduce pressure on pastures, promoting pasture regrowth and ensuring better animal health. Don’t wait any longer; start preparing your stockpiles today!
