Horse proprietors in Kentucky warned to prepare promptly, secure supplies early due to weather straining hay stock
In Kentucky, the weather conditions have caused an uneven distribution of rain, resulting in a highly variable hay crop across the state. Some areas have received plenty of rain, nurturing lush, nutrient-rich hay fields, while others have remained extremely dry, leading to sparse and lower quality crops.
This variability in the hay supply is not just about availability but also about quality. Horse owners must be vigilant, closely inspecting hay before purchase to avoid issues with weeds like foxtail, which can cause irritation and mouth sores in horses. Foxtail has been showing up in more hay fields this year, making it a problem that horse owners need to be aware of.
Knowing both the quality and weight of the hay is crucial for horse owners. A 50-pound bale contains 5,000 pounds of hay, compared to 4,000 pounds in a 40-pound bale. Controlled feeding practices are recommended, such as measuring out the required daily amount of hay for horses to reduce waste and make the supply last longer.
The hay crop's maturity level also varies, with hay cut later due to wet conditions often being free of dust and mold but more mature and less nutrient-rich. Horse owners should be realistic about the quality of the hay they are buying and understand its nutrient profile may differ from previous years.
For those who cannot secure enough hay, alternatives such as processed forage products like alfalfa cubes, alfalfa-grass cubes, or commercial hay pellets are available. The University of Kentucky's equine extension associate professor, Bob Coleman, warns that this year's hay supply in Kentucky is highly variable, emphasizing the importance of getting hay tested to avoid guesswork regarding nutrition.
Local Cooperative Extension Service offices can provide tools and advice for collecting a hay sample and interpreting the results from a horse's perspective. Horse owners are encouraged to contact their local county extension office for more information about hay testing and feeding strategies.
Inventories of hay are smaller in some areas, with some sellers keeping hay back to sell later or having less to begin with. The hay crop will look different depending on the location of purchase due to these weather variations. Horse owners are advised to act early and secure their hay supply, possibly working with more than one seller to ensure they have enough for the winter months.
Despite the challenges, with careful planning, inspection, and testing, horse owners can navigate the variability in Kentucky's hay crop and secure a suitable supply for their horses this winter.
