Coastal Bermuda

SouthernFarmall · Jul 21, 2011

I cut a little bit of hay this morning (about 3 acres). There was a 0%-10% chance of rain, depending on who you ask. Of course, it poured about 1-2 hours after cutting. I know that rain is bad for hay, and have heard that it leaches 1/3 of the nutrients each time it rains. I am wondering how much damage was done to this hay from the rain? I was thinking that maybe, since the hay was freshly cut, there wouldn't be as much harm done. We have been selling our hay for $4.75 a bale out of the field. Can you offer me an estimate as to what this rained-on hay will be worth? Please give me your opinions on this situation.

SF

Nancy Howell · Jul 21, 2011

Rain on hay that was cut only a few hours before won"t hurt it at all.

When the hay is dry and ready to bale and it gets rained on, then the rain will leach nutrients or worse, ruin it all together.

Super Steve · Jul 21, 2011

i was always told, "green hay is green hay, it cant get any wetter."

No difference from cutting it first thing in the morning with a dew on it or right after it rains(or while its raining).

Paul from MI · Jul 21, 2011

Probably didn't do any damage to it at all, since it hadn't dried at all in that short time. If it was a hard, beating rain you may need to ted it or otherwise lift and fluff it to allow good air circulation to dry it well. It's best to do this before it dries much to avoid leaf loss, unless it's grass hay.

Super Steve · Jul 21, 2011

double post

Down under farmer · Jul 22, 2011

I wouldnt worry to much if it was freash cut and you can get on it as soon as popssible to ted or rake it to fluff it up again. I have been knowin to cut hay day before rain if the weather window is looking short and worried by the time its dry enough to cut the chance of rain when ready to bales is going to be a concern. Ground drys faster when sun and wind can get to it with out standing crop. Never seen much diffrence in quality but if hay was dry then it will do damage.

SouthernFarmall · Jul 22, 2011

Thanks for y'alls advice! I am probably going to sell it for regular price, if the hay looks nice and is not bleached. I cut a field one time that got rained on 7 consecutive days. I had to tedder after each time, and then bale just to get the hay out of the field. We got about 700 bales off a 7 acre field after all that tedding, but of course, the hay wasn't worth anything. I'm glad to know this hay may be alright!

SF

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