2024 ONTARIO AGRI-BUSINESS DIRECTORY Ag & Country 2024 52 Ontario’s Rural Business Directory Hay is an essential part of any farm, providing livestock with a nutritious and filling food source. Growing, harvesting, and baling hay can be a complex process, but it is also a rewarding one. By following these tips, you can produce high-quality hay that will keep your animals healthy and happy. Growing Hay: The first step to growing hay is to choose the right type of grass or legume for your climate and soil conditions. Some popular choices in Ontario include alfalfa, timothy grass, and orchardgrass. Once you have chosen your crop, you need to prepare the soil by testing it and adding any necessary amendments. Hay should be sown in the spring, when the soil temperature has reached at least 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Plant the seed at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and water it regularly. Hay crops typically take about 60 to 90 days to mature. Harvesting Hay: The best time to harvest hay is when the plants are in bloom. This is when the hay is at its highest nutritional value. To harvest hay, you will need a mower and a baler. Mow the hay on a dry day and allow it to dry in the sun for 24 to 48 hours. Once the hay is dry, rake it into rows and bale it. Tips for Growing High-Quality Hay: Here are a few tips for growing high-quality hay: • Test your soil and add any necessary amendments. • Choose the right type of grass for your climate and soil conditions – Ontario has lots of variety in terms of both weather and soil. • Sow the seed in the spring at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. • Water the hay regularly. • Mow the hay when it is in bloom. • Allow the hay to dry in the sun for 24 to 48 hours before baling it. • Store the hay in a dry place. By following these tips, you can produce high-quality hay that will keep your animals healthy and happy. HARVEST, HAYING & FORAGE HOW TO GROW AND HARVEST HAY Essential Tips for Farmers A&C Petr - stock.adobe.com
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