Choosing suitable forage crops for hay is a key decision for livestock farmers, dairy producers, and hay sellers. Hay plays a crucial role in animal nutrition during dry seasons or periods when pasture is unavailable. Not all forage crops are ideal for making hay, as the best candidates must produce sufficient biomass, cure well in the field, retain nutritional value, and store safely without mold. By understanding the most suitable forage crops for hay production, farmers can improve feed quality, reduce dependence on purchased feed, and make the most of available land resources.
Characteristics of Ideal Forage Crops for Hay
High Yield Potential
The chosen forage crop should produce high biomass per acre to maximize hay yield. Multiple cuts per season are also an advantage.
Good Drying Ability
Forage intended for hay must dry efficiently in the field. Crops with thick stems or high moisture content are less suitable unless weather conditions or equipment support fast drying.
Nutritional Content
High protein, energy, and digestibility are important for livestock health. Leaf retention after drying is also key, as leaves contain most of the plant’s nutrients.
Persistence and Adaptability
Forage crops that are adaptable to local climates and soils, and that persist over multiple years, are cost-effective and convenient.
Leguminous Forage Crops for Hay
1. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Alfalfa is one of the most popular and nutritionally rich hay crops. It is especially favored in dairy production because of its high protein content.
- Protein: 15-20%
- Cuttings: Up to 4-5 per season in good conditions
- Soil needs: Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline
2. Clover (Trifolium spp.)
Red and white clover are commonly used for hay. Though clover dries more slowly than grasses, it adds valuable protein and minerals.
- Types: Red, white, and crimson clover
- Best use: Mixed with grasses to improve hay balance
3. Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
This legume is ideal for less fertile soils and does not cause bloat in cattle, making it safer for pasture and hay feeding.
- Moisture tolerance: Better than alfalfa
- Persistence: Long-lived in challenging conditions
Grass Forage Crops for Hay
1. Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense)
Timothy is a cool-season perennial grass popular in horse hay. It produces soft, leafy hay with good palatability.
- Suitability: Ideal for light to medium soils
- Protein content: 8-11%
2. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)
Known for rapid regrowth and multiple harvests per season, orchardgrass is excellent for mixing with legumes like alfalfa or clover.
- Cuttings: 3-4 per season
- Shade tolerance: Moderate
3. Ryegrass (Lolium spp.)
Italian and perennial ryegrass are fast-growing and provide high-quality hay. However, they require good management to avoid lodging and over-maturity.
- Best for: High rainfall or irrigated areas
- Regrowth: Quick, allowing multiple cuts
4. Bromegrass (Bromus inermis)
Smooth bromegrass is a hardy option for northern climates and produces fine-stemmed, leafy hay. It is often used in hay mixes.
- Drought tolerance: Good
- Persistence: Long-lasting perennials
5. Fescue (Festuca spp.)
Tall fescue, especially endophyte-free varieties, is a good forage option for hay. It withstands heat and dry periods better than many cool-season grasses.
- Soil adaptability: Wide range, including poor soils
- Risk: Avoid infected varieties to prevent animal health issues
Warm-Season Forage Crops for Hay
1. Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)
In warmer climates, Bermuda grass is one of the best hay crops. It recovers quickly after cutting and produces consistent yields throughout summer.
- Growth season: Summer
- Cuttings: 4-6 per year in warm regions
2. Sudan Grass and Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrids
These are fast-growing annuals that produce large amounts of forage. They require careful management due to prussic acid risk if grazed or harvested improperly.
- Dry matter yield: Very high
- Uses: Ideal for emergency hay or summer rotation
3. Teff Grass (Eragrostis tef)
A relatively new option in some regions, teff is a warm-season annual with fine stems and soft hay ideal for horses and sheep.
- Cuttings: 2-3 per season
- Moisture need: Prefers well-drained soils
Best Forage Mixtures for Hay
Why Mix Forage Species?
Mixed-species hay combines the advantages of legumes and grasses. Grasses improve drying, structure, and yield, while legumes boost protein and mineral content.
Common Mixes:
- Alfalfa + Orchardgrass
- Clover + Timothy
- Bromegrass + Alfalfa
These combinations produce balanced hay with improved regrowth, palatability, and resilience to weather extremes.
Harvesting and Drying Considerations
Timing the Cut
The nutritional quality of hay is highest just before the plant begins flowering. Delayed cutting results in lower protein and more fibrous hay.
Weather Conditions
To avoid mold and nutrient loss, cut forage during a stretch of dry, sunny weather. Use tedders or rakes to speed drying and reduce leaf shatter in legumes.
Storage Tips
- Store bales in a dry, covered area or use bale wraps
- Keep hay off the ground to reduce moisture absorption
- Monitor for mold or heating in tightly stacked bales
Several forage crops are well suited for hay production, each offering specific advantages in terms of yield, nutrition, and adaptability. Legumes such as alfalfa and clover bring high protein content, while grasses like orchardgrass, timothy, and bermuda grass offer structure and easier curing. Warm-season options like teff and sudangrass provide excellent alternatives for summer hay. Mixing grasses and legumes often gives the best results in terms of both forage quality and environmental benefits. By choosing suitable forage crops and managing harvest carefully, farmers can produce high-quality hay to support livestock health and farm profitability year-round.