We certainly have been experiencing some chilly mornings, chilly enough to see your breath on the walk to the barn. It’s the chilly mornings we had in August and now in September that makes us question if we have enough hay stored in the lofts. Not to mention, the recent drought that has certainly stunted the pastures and some of us are finding we need to start feeding hay a couple months earlier than anticipated.

Unfortunately, this drought has put a damper on the second cutting hay growth, as well. For those of you that “usually stock the pantry” with second cutting hay, you might just find yourself either paying an outrageous price or settling for first cutting hay. Let’s look at the difference between first and second cutting hay.

First Cutting Hay
Harvest – Usually late spring to early summer, however our wet spring and early summer might have postponed harvest this year causing a longer growth period.
Nutrition – First cutting has higher fiber content, lower protein content and is less digestible and lower intake.
Appearance – Coarse, thicker stems are common with first cutting as well as a lower leaf to stem ratio.
Best for – The thicker stems are just perfect for winter feeding when the chewing action generates body heat and since it has a lower protein content it is perfect for easy keepers that are prone to weight gain.

Second Cutting Hay
Harvest – Again, “usually” mid to late summer but looking like it’s going to be a fall harvest for most of us, this year. Thank goodness for the shorter growth period.
Nutrition – Second cutting hay is more nutrient dense with a higher protein content and is more palatable and digestible.
Appearance – Definitely not the scratchy, sticky stems of first but instead soft and leafy making for much finer stems.
Best for – Animals that are difficult to keep weight on, pregnant or nursing mothers, as well as the ever growing young benefit from second cutting hay.

Please keep in mind, cutting order alone doesn’t determine hay quality. Nutritional value depends on maturity, growth conditions and forage species. A hay analysis is the only way to know if it meets your animal’s needs.