WHICH HAY IS BEST?

SELECTING GOOD QUALITY HAY

Interested in investing in a livestock farmland for sale in Ford County Illinois? When raising animals for profit, a major area of focus will be on feeding them. The way you feed your livestock can impact your level of success. As farmland real estate brokers, we understand how vital it is to feed livestock properly. So, which hay is best?

High-quality forage is best and vital for sustaining your livestock. Hay fits into different categories which include legumes, grass, and cereal grain. Legumes have more protein, calcium, and calories than grass, but grass has more fiber. Legumes and grass are commonly mixed for easier digestion or to increase protein intake. Hay selection is about the right combination of protein, minerals, vitamins, and energy. Your selection depends on the nutritional requirements of each breed.

BUYING HAY

Buy quality hay for your livestock when you purchase Ford County Illinois farmland for sale. Quality isn’t always about cost, rather, what is right for each animal. Search for hay by category, county, and size by using the hay and straw directory search tool on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website.

HAY TYPES

Many types of hay can be found all over the United States. We’ll share several that can be found in Illinois.

• Alfalfa has a high yield, high quality, grows well in the summer, and is drought tolerant
• Red Clover is a short-lived perennial that tolerates wet soil and shade
• White Clover is high quality and tolerates low soil pH
• Timothy is grass hay that grows better in cool and moist environments
• Orchardgrass is a perennial grass with high-yield, doesn’t tolerate drought well, and grows better in moist soil.

FEEDING YOUR LIVESTOCK

All livestock isn’t fed the same. Factors including age, maturity, activeness, and pregnancy should be taken into consideration when choosing feed. Grass hay works well for horses, sheep, and goats, but legumes are used to add protein. Dusty or moldy hay is not safe for horses, sheep, or goats. However, although it can cause abortion, cattle can tolerate a little dusty or moldy hay. Fine alfalfa or oat straw best is best for cattle. Avoid coarse hay for young calves, sheep, and goats. Give dairy producing cows nutrient-rich hay to aid production.

TO SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERT LAND BROKERS ABOUT FORD COUNTY ILLINOIS FARMS FOR SALE, PLEASE CALL US TODAY AT 815.718.2244, OR SUBMIT OUR CONSULTATION REQUEST FORM.