Southwest Missouri cattle producers recently gathered in Anderson, Missouri to learn about the importance of forage testing and the nutritional needs of cattle at the recent McDonald County Beef Meeting.

The meeting began with John Hobbs, University of Missouri southwest region Extension agriculture and rural development specialist, reminding producers hay is the most abundant and economical source of stored feed for cattle.

Hobbs provided hay tips for producers to keep in mind for the upcoming hay crop which included; harvesting by recommended growth of plant, fertilizing to increase growth yield, soil testing, controlling weeds, using conditioners to allow for faster drying and controlling moisture levels when hay is put up. He also reminded producers quality of hay is determined when it is put up and quality decreases as plants mature.

According to Hobbs, producers need to look at their hay fields differently than pasture since hay fields need more nutrients.

Next, he explained what producers need to look for when buying or examining their own hay.

“Alfalfa is the best hay source, if you can afford it,” Hobbs said. “However, a producer has to look at the economics as well as the quality of hay. Sometimes low quality alfalfa tests betters than grass-hay.”

According to him, producers need to look at the number of seed heads in each bale, the color of the hay, if mold is present and the feel of the hay.

“Remember, the more leafy the hay the easier the hay is to digest for the animal,” he said.

When thinking about the upcoming hay season, Hobbs provided suggestions about when the optimum time to cut hay.

Tall fescue and warm season grass should be cut during the boot stage, which is when the seed head starts to emerge. Red clover needs to be cut during 1/4 to 1/2 bloom, orchard grass should be cut when full bloom emerges and alfalfa should be cut when 1/10 bloom is present.

“Producers will have higher quality fescue if it is cut before May 25, since the crude protein will decrease daily after May 25,” he said.

Hobbs concluded with the importance of hay testing.

“Hay testing is well worth the money when buying and growing hay since the producer will be able to know how to feed his cattle and how to supplement the cattle,” he said.

Dona Goede, University of Missouri southwest area livestock specialist, admitted to producers, “you know when feed is too cheap when producers won’t test their hay.”

Goede provided producers with a different way to manage purchased feed cost and how to properly care for the animal.