Can someone explain to me how hay obtains high toxin levels (or direct me to a link)? I'm new to the hay business (just obtained a 30 acre hay field to lease) and wanting to make sure that I don't over do the fertilizers to create bad hay. I've only been raising cattle for three - four years and now have an opportunity to start making hay but want to make sure I do all things correct.
Hay with High Toxins
- Thread starter kilroy60
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M-5
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Pull a soil sample , take the results to your co op where you buy fertilizer. Your pocket book will keep you from over doing it.
M-5":y1dxczkl said:
OK - now that I've done this, it still doesn't answer my question. Are you saying that over fertilizing causes the high toxins in hay? My concern is that last year, a lot of farmers had hay with high toxins, at least around this area. My understanding is that it had a lot to do with the drought and the application of fertilizer without getting enough rain. I'm just trying to understand the ins and outs of this new chore that I'm taking on and wanting to do the right thing.
BC
Well-known member
What are you calling toxins? To me it is molds. It sounds to me like you are describing nitrate poisoning or prussic acid poisoning. Either can be triggered by drought.
Here is a link that explains nitrate and prussic acid poisoning.
https://www.agrilifebookstore.org/v/vsp ... s/E543.pdf
Here is a link that explains nitrate and prussic acid poisoning.
https://www.agrilifebookstore.org/v/vsp ... s/E543.pdf
callmefence
Keyboard cowboy
Nitrates can be caused by a perfect storm of high nitrogen and high stress on the plants. Blame the drought not the fertilizer.
Purrasic acid is of no concern in hay.
Purrasic acid is of no concern in hay.
Red Bull Breeder
Well-known member
Rapid growth creates high nitrates. If you have a dry spell and it gets a rain and you have rapid growth need to watch for nitrates.
Workinonit Farm
Well-known member
If you have Johnson Grass/sorghum, that may/can cause issues.
