Hay is dried forage, consisting of grasses, legumes, or a mixture of both, harvested and cured for long-term storage. While often viewed as animal feed, bales of dried plant material serve various purposes, including livestock bedding, garden mulch, and seasonal decoration. Understanding the specific purpose is the first step, as the term “hay” is often used interchangeably with products that are nutritionally distinct. Knowing this difference influences where you should purchase the material.
Identifying Your Hay Needs
The most important distinction is between hay and straw. Hay is grown specifically to provide nutrition to animals, containing the whole plant—stalks, leaves, and seed heads—and is rich in fiber, protein, and energy. Common feed types include legume hays, such as Alfalfa, which is high in protein and calcium for growing or lactating animals. Grass hays like Timothy or Orchard Grass are higher in fiber and suitable for adult maintenance diets.
Straw is the dry, hollow stalk left over after cereal grains like wheat or oats have been harvested. Since the nutritional content is concentrated in the grain, straw has minimal feed value and is primarily used for bedding due to its insulating and absorbent properties. A bale of straw is typically golden-yellow and brittle, while quality hay retains a soft texture and a muted green color with a fresh, sweet aroma. Matching the plant type to the animal’s dietary needs is important, as feeding the wrong hay can lead to digestive or metabolic issues.
Purchase Channels for Hay
The source chosen for hay purchase depends on the quantity and quality required. For large volume buyers, including commercial farms or equestrian centers, purchasing directly from the producer offers the best price and quality control. Local farms and agricultural cooperatives typically sell hay in bulk, dealing in large square or round bales that require heavy machinery for transport and unloading. State or regional agricultural websites often maintain “Hay Hotline” listings that connect buyers directly with local growers.
For those needing smaller quantities, such as hobby farmers or pet owners, local feed stores and tack shops are the primary option. These retail suppliers generally stock small square bales, which are easier to handle and store manually. They often carry specialized, high-quality grass hays like Timothy or Orchard Grass. Many reputable feed stores provide a hay analysis report detailing the nutritional content and mold spore count.
Online agricultural marketplaces and classified ad websites serve as a channel for locating specialty hay or bulk orders outside of the immediate area. These sites allow producers to list various cuts and bale types, sometimes offering semi-load delivery options for buyers willing to pay freight costs. Large farm supply chains and home improvement stores often carry compressed or bagged hay, along with straw. This option is convenient for small pets or decorative purposes but typically costs significantly more per pound.
Key Considerations Before Buying
Understanding the physical characteristics of the bale and the quality of the forage is necessary before buying. Hay bales come in two primary formats. Small square bales, weighing between 40 and 75 pounds, are suitable for manual feeding and smaller operations. For large commercial operations, large square bales (500–1,000 pounds) or large round bales (500–1,500 pounds) are more efficient, though they necessitate the use of tractors and bale spears.
Sensory inspection can reveal immediate quality issues. Hay should have a fresh, slightly sweet scent; a musty or moldy odor indicates spoilage, which is dangerous for livestock health. The color should be a muted green, as excessive browning suggests sun bleaching or a lack of nutrients. Gray patches are a visual sign of mold contamination. Checking for dust is also important, as excessive dust can lead to respiratory issues in horses.
The moisture content of the hay is a major factor in quality and safety, with the ideal range being between 12% and 18% for safe storage. Moisture levels above 20% significantly increase the risk of mold growth and, more dangerously, spontaneous combustion due to internal heat generation. Proper storage requires bales to be kept in a dry, covered area, preferably elevated off the ground on pallets to prevent moisture wicking and airflow restriction. Price fluctuates based on the hay type, the cut (first, second, or third), the time of year, and the quality.