Do you know where these hay bales come from?

If you make your own bales, hopefully you will take note of harvest times and any potential problems with the hay. Think about when your animals need the best quality feed and prepare the best feed package to be able to meet those needs. It is not uncommon to see quality differences from one field to another and between harvest times.

If you struggle with weeds, you can expect to waste more hay due to lower intake, and you should be prepared to scout the feeding area in subsequent seasons as the hay may contain weed seeds. Another problem is herbicide residue. Some herbicides may remain in hay when stored and these hay should not be removed from the applicator's farm. Note any fields and resulting bales that may have associated herbicide activity and avoid placing these bales in sensitive areas of the pasture. These limits will be described on the herbicide label and should be reviewed prior to application.

Hay without history is a mystery. Grazing with purchased hay bales can cause unforeseen problems in future seasons. Gather information before purchasing hay to determine if it is worth the expense to purchase and transport it. If you have questions about hay, test it before purchasing to make sure it is adequate for your livestock's needs and do not use it for bale grazing. Many noxious weeds are spread through juvenile hay sales.