Frequently Asked Questions
Is your hay baled dry?
Yes. We try to bale all our hay at an average moisture content of 10-14%. Any lower and you risk unnecessary leaf loss. Any higher and you risk the hay not curing properly and potentially causing mould. To assist, we use tedders and hay rakes to maximise sun and wind exposure which improves dry time and consistency.
Is your hay rained on after being cut?
No. If any hay is rained on or the quality is compromised in any way, we will round bale it for beef cattle as they have a higher tolerance for lower quality hay. Unless otherwise stated in the product description, you can be confident that all hay from our farm is baled without rain.
Do you use preservative on your hay?
Yes. We try to avoid using hay preservative as much as possible because it is an extra cost. However, baling conditions are far from consistent and it is sometimes necessary to apply a preservative which helps maintain quality by preventing mould from occurring. The applicators on our balers adjust the preservative rate based on the hay moisture which means that it’s only applied when and how much is needed such as in a low or shady spot in the field. While we can’t guarantee your hay won’t have any preservative, it likely will be limited to certain bales and only applied in small quantities.
Is hay preservative safe for my animal?
Yes. We use a product called Juice from Nuhn Forage which is considered safe for all livestock species, including horses. The Juice is made from organic acids and is approved safe by CFIA in Canada and the EPA in the USA. Propionic Acid is found naturally in the stomach of many animals and is familiar to livestock. Propionic and Citric Acid are commonly used in the baking and food processing industries and in many of the human foods we consume. Think of using vinegar to preserve foods. It works well and it’s safe, but it’s possible your animal(s) may just not like the taste.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes. We will deliver ourselves or can contract trucking for certain quantities and distances. Please contact us for a quote.
How should I store my hay?
Storage is critically important to maintain quality hay. For best results, store hay in dark, dry, and well-ventilated areas. Light, even indirect, will bleach hay which reduces the nutritional value. Avoid storing hay in damp areas including on bare or uninsulated concrete which will transfer moisture to the hay and cause mould. Pallets, wood floors, or thick straw bedding are all great options. Hay will cure for a while after being baled and proper air flow will help to facilitate this process while also preventing heating or, in extreme cases, fires.
What happens if my hay is mouldy or overly dusty?
We do everything we reasonably can to produce quality hay and prevent any issues, but making hay is never a sure thing. We don’t have a firm policy on dealing with quality issues, but customer satisfaction is very important to us so please contact us and we will do what we can to find a fair solution based on your unique situation.