With the summer starting to wind down, it has defiantly been hard on the grass. Not only was the heat hard this summer, but the drought did not help us at all. Many people I have talked to say they are lucky to even get a fall cutting this year.
With the winter months ahead of us, many of us are wondering how will we have enough hay to get us through the winter without selling all the cattle. While soil samples are great for getting a general idea of soil health, it is also important to take hay samples as well.
How will hay samples help me? Hay samples help to ensure your livestock are getting the nutrients that are needed. If animals are lacking vital nutrients, your production will suffer which will affect your bottom line. An example of this would be cattle not putting weight on like they should, dull-looking hair, etc.. With the costs of feed and hay on the increase, it is important to be cost-effective. You do not want to be giving your livestock nutrients that are not needed, you want to ensure they are maximizing production with the actually needed nutrients.I would be happy to come out and help you collect your hay samples. After you have collected your hay samples put them in a plastic bag and label the plastic bag with permanent ink with your name, the date the samples were taken and a sample ID that you are sure to remember. Make sure to squeeze all excess air out of the bag. You may FedEx or UPS them to Forage Testing NCDA&CS, 4000 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh NC 27607. Make sure to include a check or money order made out to the NCDA&CS for the appropriate amount ($10/bag submitted).
Or contact your feed supplier, most feed companies will assist in sampling your hay as a service to the customer.
If you are in need of hay or want to sell hay the NC Department of Ag Hay Alert website may be beneficial for you.
Producers can also call the Hay Alert Line at (866) 506-6222
Also, be sure to let me know as I get calls from people looking to purchase hay.
