By Tom Stanley, Extension Agent
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news.
Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
When Hay is Limited
Last week, this column covered the lingering effects of drought and the reality that many Rockbridge farmers are short on hay. The points covered last week were: 1.) If a round bale cost $50 per bale but the livestock stomp-on and soil 30% of it, it means the hay actually cost $70 per bale; 2.) If a round bale costs around $70 it is likely purchased grain or grain-byproduct is a less expensive alternative to feeding hay alone; and 3.) Grazing livestock have a fiber requirement and that fiber requirement can be met if they are presented daily with an amount of fiber equivalent to a little less than 1% of bodyweight (12 pounds for a 1,200pound cow).
