When it comes to hay production, timing is everything. The right conditions and methods can make a world of difference in the quality of your final product. One essential solution for making your hard-earned forage last is hay preservatives, which Dohrmann Enterprises now offers. But what exactly is it, and why should you consider using it?
Hay preservatives are specialized additives designed to enhance the preservation of hay directly before and during the baling process. Its primary purpose? To maintain the nutritional value and overall quality of forage for livestock feed. With the right application, farmers can enjoy numerous benefits like nutrient retention and reduced spoilage.
If you’re looking to boost your hay game’s efficiency while safeguarding those precious nutrients, understanding when and how to apply hay preservative is essential.
First Off—What Do Hay Preservatives Do?
Hay preservatives are formulated to enhance the quality and longevity of harvested forage. They consist of various ingredients that help maintain the nutritional value of hay during storage, and work by inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria, which as you know can severely degrade hay’s quality. This becomes particularly important when environmental conditions are less than ideal for drying.
Applying Hay Preservative—When & How
When deciding to apply hay preservative, several key factors come into play. First, consider the moisture content of the grass at harvesting time. Hay that’s too wet can spoil quickly, while drier conditions may not require a preservative. Next, think about your climate and local weather patterns. Rainy or humid seasons increase the likelihood of mold growth and spoilage. The type of hay being baled is also crucial. Different grasses have varying nutrient compositions and drying times; some may benefit more from preservatives than others. Lastly, have clear storage plans in place for your hay. If you’re storing it long-term without adequate ventilation or protection from elements, applying a preservative becomes even more critical to ensure quality retention over time.
In Terms of Weather
Rain, humidity, and temperatures can significantly affect the quality of your hay. If rain is forecasted or if you’re working in high humidity, applying a preservative becomes essential for reducing the risk of mold and spoilage. On the other hand, extremely dry weather may allow you to hold off on preservative application. But if temperatures soar and winds pick up dust, it might be wise to consider additives that help retain moisture without compromising quality.
Based On Your Type of Hay
Different forage species have varying moisture levels and nutrient profiles, which can affect their susceptibility to spoilage. For instance, alfalfa often has higher protein content but can also retain more moisture compared to grass hays. This makes it particularly important to apply preservatives promptly after cutting or during baling. That said, grass hays might be less prone to mold but can still benefit from preservation techniques, especially during wetter seasons.
Consider Your Storage Plans
How you plan to store your hay will contribute to your decision to use preservatives. If your bales are stored indoors with adequate airflow, you may be able to forego preservative. However, tight storage indoors, or outdoor storage where protection from the elements is not an option, means that preservatives will be your friend for preventing forage loss.
When to Apply
Knowing when to apply hay preservative can significantly impact your harvest’s success in maintaining optimal freshness. Here’s a good rule of thumb:
- Before Baling: This is often the wisest choice. Application of preservative before baling allows the product to penetrate and protect the crop before it is compacted into bales.
- During Baling: Still an excellent opportunity. As you’re working with fresh-cut hay, applying the preservative during the baling process ensures maximum coverage and effectiveness.
- After Baling: Not typically recommended. Applying hay preservative after baling is still an option if unexpected rain threatens your stored bales. While this can be a last-ditch effort to salvage quality, acting quickly is key.
Planning now for your hay preservative needs will save you in the long run! For any questions regarding the hay preservatives we offer here at Dohrmann Enterprises, or for our best recommendations for application times, get in touch. We’re happy to help.
Hay Preservative FAQs:
What is hay preservative used for?
Hay preservative is used to help protect baled hay quality when moisture, weather, or drying conditions create added storage risk. It must be used according to the specific product label.
Should I use hay preservative every time I bale?
Not necessarily. Some hay is dry enough and conditions are good enough that preservative may not be needed. Use depends on moisture, weather, crop value, storage plans, and the product label.
Can hay preservative let me bale wet hay?
Baled hay preservatives may be considered when crop moisture, weather, humidity, or drying conditions increase the risk of putting up hay at less-than-ideal conditions. Use should always be based on crop condition, measured moisture, storage plan, and the specific product label.
Why should I calibrate preservative applicators?
Hay preservative should not be used as a shortcut for hay that is too wet for the product label or storage plan. If hay is outside the approved use range, consider waiting or changing harvest plans. Hay preservative should not be used as a shortcut for hay that is too wet for the product label or storage plan. If hay is outside the approved use range, consider waiting or changing harvest plans.
How do I know what application rate to use?
Use the specific rate guidance on the product label and calibrate the applicator to match it. Do not copy rates from another product or rely on old settings without verifying.
Does hay preservative replace good storage?
No. Storage still matters. Protect bales from outside moisture, monitor bale condition when moisture was a concern, and use a storage plan that fits the hay being made.
Why does applicator calibration matter?
Calibration confirms that the applicator is delivering the intended amount of product. It helps catch plugged nozzles, worn parts, incorrect settings, and flow problems before a large amount of hay is baled.
Can Dohrmann Enterprises help me decide what to use?
Yes. Dohrmann Enterprises can help farmers, custom operators, dealers, and equipment managers match hay preservative products with applicator systems, baler type, crop conditions, and harvest goals.