Hay?

[kaneranch]

This year is the first year that I am going to keep out hay free choice. Before I just fed hay when there was a snow storm and the cows wouldn't be able to get grass, but a combination of hay abundance and grass shortage has made me think about keeping it out free choice. So with that being said here's my question. About when do you guys quit feeding hay. I live in northeast oklahoma which has average to cold winters. Any info would be apprieciated. Thanks KR

 

[dun]

Midto late March in "normal" years. Sometimes a little eralier and a few times till mid April

 

[kaneranch]

That was my rough estimate but I wasn't sure.

 

[stocky]

I am 40 miles north of the Arkansas line in Sw Missouri and I keep hay out free choice in the winter. I plan on April 10 on the ridge ground and April 1 in the creek and river bottoms. Last year was different, I fed very little hay after March 1 and had 300 large round bales left over when it looked like I might not have enough. Everyone in my area kept hay that would have brought 75-100 dollars per bale and now they cant get 20 dollars for the year old hay. But, no one had any idea we would have such a great March

 

[hillrancher]

Always plan on April 15. that will most likely will be the latest. Most years in March.

 

[somn]

I live in northeast oklahoma which has average to cold winters.

Is that when comparing it to South Florida winters?

 

[Jim62]

My cows will stop messing with hay as soon as they are able to get enough new grass. Hay comsumption just dwindles down until they pretty much just leave it alone. Really have never paid any attention to when that is........

 

[bigbull338]

where you are id feed hay till april 1st.if you have enough to feed to then.when the cows can get enough grass they will quit eating hay.

 

[Jogeephus]

One thing you might also want to consider is confining them to the hay a little later to allow the grass to get ahead of them. Turning them on grass too soon can sometimes make it difficult for the new grass to get off to a good start. This may not be that important in a normal year but does seem to make a difference in a drought year. (I hope that makes sense)

 

[kaneranch]

Yes it does. Thanks

 

[flaboy]

I feed up till May of last year. A few frosts got the green stuff and then we didn't get any rain till May.

 

[Limomike]

Since I live in the same parts as you.. I can tell you that I quit haying usually in mid March. Just depends on the weather and how the fescue starts up. I like to shut off my "hay" pastures around April 1st each year to get them growing.