Hay analysis results.

[True Grit Farms]

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What if anything do I need to add to the hay to make the TDN over 50%? This is the best hay I have, I'm happy with the protein level but the TDN level stinks. I just pulled the hay sample off the top of a bale in a feed trailer so the moisture levels are probably a little out of wack. The cows are getting by for now on the hay and 5lbs of corn - wcs every other day. But if we get a run of cold nasty wet weather it looks we could have some problems. I'd like to keep it on the cheap, but don't want it to cost any cows. Thanks

 

[M-5]

I would say you will be ok with what your doing. You know dam well that is not how you pull samples to get accurate results. I would think if it was done right your protein and tdn would be a little higher.

 

[sim.-ang.king]

If they're doing fine, then your doing ok. Might have too feed corn everyday if things get worse. Energy will be their main need in colder weather.

 

[True Grit Farms]

I would say you will be ok with what your doing. You know dam well that is not how you pull samples to get accurate results. I would think if it was done right your protein and tdn would be a little higher.

With the Christmas holidays it was better than 5 weeks to get the hay sample back. We knew something wasn't right so I just grabbed a bag full and sent it off. Then the worm and fluke deal happened about week or two later. Everything takes forever in the cow business, but stuff can really sneak up one you when you don't stay on top of it.

 

[kenny thomas]

Move north, grow fescue with 19% protein. Forget feeding hay.

 

[True Grit Farms]

Move north, grow fescue with 19% protein. Forget feeding hay.

I don't want to mow grass during the winter.

 

[kenny thomas]

Sprayed roundup tonight

 

[sstterry]

Move north, grow fescue with 19% protein. Forget feeding hay.

I assume it is Kentucky 31 you are growing and not some other type?

 

[kenny thomas]

Move north, grow fescue with 19% protein. Forget feeding hay.

I assume it is Kentucky 31 you are growing and not some other type?

Yes, it's easier to manage what grows wild than to change it so something else.

 

[True Grit Farms]

I figured y'all were hiding the hay behind the hills and just letting the cows in the green during the day to show out. When do you think you'll need to start feeding hay Kenny?

 

[kenny thomas]

I have 3-4 weeks of grass yet. But I fed part of November and 2 weeks of December.

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

I have 3-4 weeks of grass yet. But I fed part of November and 2 weeks of December.

I think I'll follow your model next year Kenny, right after I sell off 80-100 head.

 

[kenny thomas]

Save money on hay.

 

[kenny thomas]

Graze all the farm and add 80-100 head

 

[TennesseeTuxedo]

Getting all hay off the farm now. Pretty much at maximum capacity already.

 

[1982vett]

I would say you will be ok with what your doing. You know dam well that is not how you pull samples to get accurate results. I would think if it was done right your protein and tdn would be a little higher.

With the Christmas holidays it was better than 5 weeks to get the hay sample back. We knew something wasn't right so I just grabbed a bag full and sent it off. Then the worm and fluke deal happened about week or two later. Everything takes forever in the cow business, but stuff can really sneak up one you when you don't stay on top of it.

If you just pulled off the top tdn is probably better than indicated. :2cents:

 

[SDM]

Move north, grow fescue with 19% protein. Forget feeding hay.

I assume it is Kentucky 31 you are growing and not some other type?

Yes, it's easier to manage what grows wild than to change it so something else.

Don't tell Extension or NRCS that secret.

 

[kenny thomas]

I assume it is Kentucky 31 you are growing and not some other type?

Yes, it's easier to manage what grows wild than to change it so something else.

Don't tell Extension or NRCS that secret.

Oh after several thousand dollars of trying I decided that I can have more by not fighting what grows easy. I spray bushes, fertilize fescue and crabgrass and spend a little instead of a lot.

 

[snoopdog]

Man, I'm glad I didn't buy that load of hay from Georgia, probably why they lost the game.

 

[True Grit Farms]

Man, I'm glad I didn't buy that load of hay from Georgia, probably why they lost the game.

The hay was cut at 29 days and was excellent quality. But it took 8 days to get it baled after being rained on a few times. The stuff we ship to Oklahoma gets sprayed with green food coloring and the Okies think their getting top quality horse hay.