I'm getting mixed responses from my local farmers I've been working with so I thought I'd put it to all of you as I'm a beginner and I'll take whatever advice I can gather.
I've got a small grass fed cattle herd (3 - cows, 3 -calves, 1 -bull). Due to all of our rains this year my baling efforts were not very good. I've got 135 small square bales many of which are going to mold because I couldn't get them dried out before baling. I'm going to have to buy additional hay/alfalfa to get through winter, which I've never had to do so I'm at a loss there too.
With the bales I have I've been told just to get rid of (sell or burn) the small square bales I have because the bales might cause abortions if/when they mold. I've also been told to keep the bales and put it out free choice with good hay and the cattle will sort through it so it won't be a waste. Thoughts?
I've got a small grass fed cattle herd (3 - cows, 3 -calves, 1 -bull). Due to all of our rains this year my baling efforts were not very good. I've got 135 small square bales many of which are going to mold because I couldn't get them dried out before baling. I'm going to have to buy additional hay/alfalfa to get through winter, which I've never had to do so I'm at a loss there too.
With the bales I have I've been told just to get rid of (sell or burn) the small square bales I have because the bales might cause abortions if/when they mold. I've also been told to keep the bales and put it out free choice with good hay and the cattle will sort through it so it won't be a waste. Thoughts?