How long after cutting?

[Debbie]

It looks like I'll be getting some ultra fresh cut hay to store for Blossom for the winter. I know this has been covered before, but how long does the hay need to be stored before it can be fed?

I was thinking at the bare minimum a month. I know longer is better, but will the month be long enough? LOL, and I've all ready warned Eldon that she'll be begging for the fresh baled stuff, and to totally ignore anything Blossom says in regards to it. ;D

[harveydales]

Lucky you having some fresh cut hay to store! Yes, a month is the bare minimum assuming the hay was well made. Check for any heating ofcourse though I imagine in your climate the 4 weeks will be sufficient. Far safer to wait a bit longer if you can though - I try to wait 2 months where possible. Fresh cut hay will probably have a very high feed value so not ideal for our good-doers!

[harleydales]

I leave mine as long as possibly and always try to keep enough from the previous year to do me until December, which is nearer 4 months!!

Having said that, our hay is STILL lying in the fields getting a daily watering <<sigh>>, maybe it'll be flipping October before we get it baled LOL.

[Debbie]

Thanks for the replies Yes, I'll have to keep a very close eye for heating bales. Thanks for the reminder Pam! And also a wise idea to have more bales on hand Harleydales.

Yep, always a struggle to find bales of anything that our gooddoers don't plump up on.

[DalesLady]

we would say 6-8 weeks before using this seasons hay/haylage Debbie, but leave as long as possible

[Debbie]

Nooooo, I don't/won't do haylege here. Way too much danger of mold. So its all nice hay instead.

We found some lovely orchard grass hay, Blossom agrees. Its been several weeks in the drying, but its some of the nicest, driest hay I think I've ever seen. Not green at all.

We'll probably be putting up orchard grass and bermuda for the winter stocks.