Hay Quality Drops as Drought Hits Again

By Andi Anderson

Farmers are facing a familiar challenge this year as drought conditions return across many regions. In 2024, producers dealt with severe drought and limited forage supplies. In 2025, the path is different, but the result is similar.

An exceptionally wet spring and early summer created extremely poor hay quality, raising concerns about cattle nutrition heading into winter.

To understand the impact of the wet season, a forage testing eBarns project was launched by Extension staff and colleagues in partnership with the Department of Animal Sciences.

Hay samples were collected by county Extension offices through late July and analyzed using Near Infrared Spectrometry. While low values were expected, the widespread nutrient deficiencies surprised many.

A total of 180 hay and haylage samples were collected across 29 counties. Results showed that much of the first cutting hay does not meet the nutritional needs of spring-calving cows or lactating fall-calving cows. A dry mid-gestation beef cow needs around 49% Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN), and peak milk production requires closer to 60%. Many grass hay and haylage samples fell short of these values. Grass hay ranged from 25.3% to 59.0% TDN, while haylage ranged from 42.8% to 58.0% TDN.

Mixed hay and legume hay performed somewhat better, with TDN levels reaching as high as 69.6% and 61.9% respectively. Crude protein levels also varied widely, from a low of 5.83% in baled floodplain hay to a high of 21.7% in better-quality mixed hay.

Spring-calving cows require at least 7% crude protein in the fall and around 11% at peak lactation. Thin cows and cattle exposed to harsh winter conditions will need even more.

Although the situation is challenging, there are some positives. Corn remains a relatively inexpensive energy supplement, even more affordable than last year. Combined with strong cattle prices, shelled corn offers an efficient way to boost energy levels.

For protein supplementation, dry distillers’ grains, soybean meal, or brewers’ grains may be good options when available. Protein tubs may help when hay quality is poor, but they remain a costly long-term choice.

Producers are encouraged to continue forage testing to understand their winter needs. Extension teams plan to repeat the hay testing program in 2026. Farmers are also preparing for the upcoming Replacement Female Sale, which is expected to draw interest from across the region.

Photo  Credit: gettyimages-neenawat555