Horse Sense Hay at Home

Horse Sense Hay at Home

By Samantha Johnson

While it eliminates worries over sourcing and pricing, growing your own hay introduces an entirely new set of considerations and concerns. Is it feasible? Is it worth it?

Let’ s discuss whether growing your own hay is truly worth the time, effort and investment it requires.

Pastures, Plots and Possibilities

Making hay requires hay fields, and this means either using land you own or working out an arrangement to use someone else ' s. Sometimes neighboring farmers will be glad to have you harvest their hayfields by doing an exchange or partial exchange of work and hay.

The exact amount of land required will depend on several factors, including the number of bales you hope to produce and the condition and quality of the fields. Soil fertility and the weather will also play a part, and yields can vary widely from year to year. You ' ll also need to determine whether you have enough available land to graze your animals as well as make hay.

Tractors, Balers and the Cost of Steel

Growing your own hay involves many pieces of farm machinery including but not limited to a tractor, hay baler, hay tedder, hay rake, hay wagons and more. Depending on whether you purchase used or new equipment, this can add up to a sizable investment.

Used equipment can offer cost savings but often comes without warranties or protections against failure due to age. While borrowing or renting equipment from neighboring farms is an option, limited haymaking windows and shared timing needs can lead to competing demands for the same machinery.

Long Days in the Field

The haymaking process can be far more time-consuming than many expect, with the workload varying based on how much you harvest and whether you are producing round or square bales.

Each cutting typically requires a two- to four-day commitment— and the timing rarely aligns neatly with weekends or days off. This often means juggling work, family and other responsibilities to carve out the hours needed to bring in your crop.

Beyond the hours spent in the tractor, you’ ll need to account for unloading and stacking( especially with square bales), as well as equipment maintenance, field care and the many other tasks that keep the process running smoothly.

Forecasting From the Fenceline

Weather is the foundation of everything when it comes to growing hay. The old saying“ make hay while the sun shines” exists for good reason— sunshine is essential.

Finding those rain-free stretches can be challenging, especially in certain regions. During hay season, you may find yourself obsessively checking weather apps, hoping for that perfect three-day window of full sun, no rain, low humidity and warm— but not scorching— temperatures.

Successful haymaking demands flexibility, the ability to pivot plans at a moment’ s notice and a newfound appreciation for the gift of good weather.

The Cost of“ Free” Hay

While it sounds appealing to make your own hay and no longer have to pay a supplier( what a savings!), the truth is making your own hay isn ' t free. Land, equipment, fuel, supplies, labor— it all plays a part in the process and the costs can add up more quickly than you might expect.

A Crew Makes the Harvest Happen

Speaking of labor, making hay usually requires more than one set of hands. While it’ s possible to handle round bales alone with the right equipment, the process is far easier with help— and square bales almost always require a team. If you can rally friends and family, the work can turn into a hot, dusty, but memorable experience.

Hiring help is another option, though it does add to your overall costs. Reliable, hardworking labor isn’ t always easy to find, but with the right crew— especially one with a strong work ethic and a knack for stacking bales— haymaking can become not only efficient but genuinely rewarding.

Healthy Fields Means Healthier Horses

The hayfields themselves will require maintenance in between harvests— reseeding and fertilizing— to ensure that the yield stays strong and weeds don ' t creep in. You ' ll need to make decisions about whether you want reseed with straight grass hay or mix in a legume such as alfalfa for added nutritional value.

Making hay can be a demanding endeavor, requiring time, effort and careful attention.

Yet, beyond the challenges, it also brings a unique sense of accomplishment. In addition to the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where your hay originates, there’ s a unique satisfaction in producing it yourself. You’ ll have complete control over the process— knowing which fields it came from, ensuring it was dried properly and avoiding rain at all the crucial times.

Providing your own hay means your animals’ health reflects the success of your hard work.

About the Author:

Samantha Johnson is a writer, farm girl, and the author of more than a dozen books on rural living. She lives on a farm in northern Wisconsin with a colorful herd of Welsh Mountain Ponies. You can find her online at https:// www. authory. com / SamanthaJohnson

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