Hay Handling & Storage

The quality of hay can also be affected by how the hay is harvested, handled, and stored. To preserve nutrients after cutting, hay should cure as quickly as possible. We harvest our fields with a mower conditioner to decrease drying time and exposure to the damaging effects of sunlight. In addition, we use a tedder to "fluff" the hay for maximum air circulation. The baling tractor is equipped with an in-cab moisture meter to ensure hay free of mold and dust. Another tractor, equipped with a 12-bale grapple hook, follows the baler and swiftly picks up bales for quick storage into one of our barns. This hands-off approach gives the added benefit of reducing leaf damage and allows us to harvest hay efficiently while maintaining control of the quality and timing of the harvest. Furthermore, the facilities at both ranches give us the ability to protect and store the hay efficiently, and our customers benefit from having a year-round supply of quality hay at an affordable price.