The Basics of Haying Season
Common Hay Crops Grown in Montana
Montana's vast agricultural landscapes enable farmers and ranchers to grow a diversity of hay crops to support our livestock industry. The climate, soil, and topography of Montana makes it an ideal area for growing various types of hay. Let's touch on a few common hay crops grown across the state:
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is the leading hay crop in Montana and is a vital component of the agricultural industry. Known for its exceptional quality, alfalfa is a widely grown forage crop that thrives in Montana's favorable growing conditions. The nutrient-rich soil, ample sunlight, and cool summers provide an ideal environment for alfalfa to flourish. Alfalfa can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can be grown in dryland or in irrigated sites. Farmers and ranchers value alfalfa hay for its high protein content and impressive yields. Whether used for feeding livestock, such as cattle and horses, or as a cash crop, alfalfa hay plays a crucial role in supporting both the state's livestock and dairy industries. Its versatility, nutritional value, and abundant availability make Montana-grown alfalfa hay highly sought after both within the state and beyond.
Orchardgrass
Orchardgrass is a perennial cool-season grass commonly grown in Montana. It is highly adapted to various soil types and exhibits good drought tolerance, which allows it to tolerate in the diverse landscapes of Montana. Its deep root system enables it to withstand harsh winters, while its ability to regrow quickly allows for multiple cuttings throughout the growing season. Orchardgrass hay is known for its high yields and high nutritional content, which helps to provide a balanced diet for livestock. Montana's cattle ranchers particularly appreciate orchardgrass hay for its palatability and digestibility, ensuring optimal livestock performance. This hay crop is a popular choice for both livestock and hay export markets.
Grain Hay
Growing peas, oats, and barley together improves the quality of the feed and increases the tonnage per acre. Peas are a versatile crop, offering both high protein content and nitrogen fixation benefits to the soil. Farmers often rotate peas with other crops to improve soil health and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Cattle naturally gravitate towards eating peas due to its palatability. Oats are a reliable and resilient grain that thrives in a cooler climate. They are commonly used as a feed source for livestock, providing essential nutrients and energy. Additionally, oats help to control weeds and erosion. Finally, barley hay, with its high fiber content, is a staple in livestock diets. It provides crucial roughage and promotes healthy digestion.
Farmers and ranchers can also grow this crop mixture without the oats for another great feed option for their livestock!
Sainfoin
Sainfoin hay has become increasingly popular in Montana. Also known as “holy clover,” it is a perennial cool-season grass. This nutritious forage crop offers many benefits for livestock. With its deep root system, sainfoin is well-adapted to Montana's climate, which makes it ideal for dryland farming. It has a high protein content and excellent digestibility, which means that it is a great feed option for cattle. Additionally, sainfoin hay has been found to reduce the risk of bloat, a common concern in livestock grazing on legumes such as alfalfa. Sainfoin has shown potential in enhancing soil fertility and in suppressing weed growth, which makes it an environmentally-friendly option for farmers and ranchers. Sainfoin hay is emerging as a valuable and versatile alternative to traditional forage crops.
The Importance of First Cutting in Hay Season
Hay season and first cutting has been underway throughout Montana, which you’ve likely seen on our local ranches. First cutting holds immense significance in the haying season, as it lays the foundation for successful forage production and impacts the overall productivity for farmers and ranchers. So, let’s talk more about why first cutting is so important.
Quality Forage Production: The primary objective of haying season is to produce high-quality forage for livestock consumption. The first cutting is crucial in achieving this goal. Harvesting at the correct stage of maturity ensures optimal nutritional value for cattle and other livestock. The tender and leafy growth during first cutting leads to the production of nutrient-rich hay, boasting higher protein content and digestibility.
Crop Preservation: Weather conditions during first cutting significantly influences the preservation of forage crops. Montana’s weather (and its fickleness) poses a considerable challenge to haying season, making it essential to take the opportunity to hay when the conditions are favorable. A timely and efficient start to haying season allows farmers and ranchers to capitalize on a window of good weather, which prevents crop damage and spoilage. Properly curing and baling the hay during first cutting sets the stage for successful storage and feed availability throughout the winter months.
Reduced Dependency and Costs: An abundant and high-quality first cutting of hay means a reduced reliance on external sources. By producing sufficient forage, farmers and ranchers can avoid the uncertain and escalating costs associated with purchasing hay. This self-sufficiency allows farmers and ranchers to focus on the well-being of their livestock, maintain control over their feed supply, and eliminate the stress of market fluctuations.
Environmental Stewardship: First cutting in haying season plays an integral role in promoting environmental stewardship. Cutting hay at the correct stage of growth reduces the likelihood of the spread and growth of weeds. Moreover, timely harvest practices minimize field degradation, which helps to ensure the longevity and sustainability of agricultural lands.
