[Calculator] How to Calculate Your Cattle’s Hay Needs and Cut Costs This Winter

As the fall season approaches, every cow-calf operation faces the critical task of determining whether they have enough hay stored up to sustain their herd through the long winter months.

This calculation is essential to ensure your cattle have the necessary feed to stay healthy and productive until spring arrives.

In this article, we'll get into the details of how to accurately estimate the hay requirements for your herd, taking into account factors such as cow size, feeding duration, and hay quality and wastage.

Download this spreadsheet to input your own calculations

Size and Weights of Hay Bales

What does a bale of hay weigh and how large do they get? Here is a chart that helps to roughly determine the size and weight that different size bales can come in.

Understanding Cow Hay Consumption

The first step in calculating your hay needs is to understand the average daily hay consumption of your beef cows.

As a general rule, pregnant beef cows will consume approximately 2% of their body weight in high-quality grass hay per day.

For example, a 1,200-pound cow would consume around 24 pounds of hay per day on a dry matter basis.

However, it's important to note that this calculation is based on the dry matter content of the hay. In reality, the hay you feed your cows will have a certain moisture content, typically ranging from 7% to 15%.

Using an average of 8% moisture, that same 1,200-pound cow would require approximately 26 pounds of as-fed hay per day to meet her nutritional needs.

Accounting for Hay Wastage

Unfortunately, the story doesn't end there. When feeding cattle in the winter, there is always some degree of hay wastage, which can vary significantly depending on the feeding method used.

Research has shown that hay wastage can range from as low as 6% to as high as 20% or more.

Considering a 15% wastage rate, the 1,200-pound cow would now require approximately 30 pounds of as-fed hay per day to ensure she receives the necessary 24 pounds of dry matter.

This additional factor is critical in accurately estimating your total hay requirements for the winter.

Calculating Hay Needs for Dry and Lactating Cows

As your cows progress through the winter and into the calving season, their hay consumption needs will change. Before calving, the 30 pounds of as-fed hay per day will be sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of the pregnant cow.

However, once the cows have calved and are in the lactation phase, their hay consumption will increase. Lactating beef cows can consume up to 36 pounds of as-fed hay per day to support their increased nutritional demands.

Determining the Length of the Feeding Period

The final piece of the puzzle is determining the length of time you will need to feed your herd exclusively on hay. This can vary depending on the severity of the winter and the availability of other feed sources, such as wheat pasture or supplementation.

If you anticipate a particularly harsh winter where your cows will require 60 days of exclusive hay feeding, the calculations would be as follows:

• Dry, pregnant cows: 30 pounds per day x 60 days = 1,800 pounds of hay per cow

• Lactating cows: 36 pounds per day x 60 days = 2,160 pounds of hay per cow

In this scenario, you would need approximately 3 to 3.5 large round bales of hay per cow to ensure you have enough to get through the winter.

Factors to Consider

It's important to note that every situation is unique, and there are several additional factors to consider when calculating your hay needs:

• Availability of supplemental feed sources, such as wheat pasture or grain

• Variations in cow size and body condition within your herd

• Differences in hay quality and nutrient content

• Potential changes in feeding methods or storage conditions

By taking these factors into account, you can refine your hay calculations and ensure you have a more accurate estimate of your herd's winter feed requirements.

Cost Breakdown of Purchasing Hay

Now that we've calculated the amount of hay needed, let's get into the actual costs associated with purchasing and maintaining your hay supply. Understanding these costs are required for effective budgeting and farm management.

Price per Ton/Bale

Hay prices can fluctuate depending on a few factors, the type, the quality and market conditions. Here’s an overview of the average costs for various types of hay based on market information.

• Alfalfa: $200 per ton or $10 per bale

• Timothy: $180 per ton or $9 per bale

• Grass hay: $160 per ton or $8 per bale

It's important to note that these prices can fluctuate based on factors such as:

• Seasonal availability

• Local supply and demand

• Weather conditions affecting crop yields

• Transportation costs

To get the most accurate pricing, make sure you check with local suppliers or consult regional agricultural reports. Remember, buying in bulk (by the ton) is often more cost-effective than purchasing individual bales, especially if you have the storage capacity.

Storage Costs

Proper storage helps maintain hay quality and minimize waste. The cost of storage can vary depending on the method you choose, but here are some rough estimates so you can shop around:

1. Barn Storage:

   • Monthly cost: Approximately $200

   • Maintenance costs: Around $50 per month

   • Total cost per month: $250

2. Outdoor Storage (Throw and Cover):

   • Monthly cost: Approximately $50

   • Maintenance costs: Around $10 per month

   • Total cost per month: $60

While barn storage is more expensive, it offers better protection from the elements, potentially reducing hay spoilage and maintaining nutritional value. Outdoor storage is more economical but may result in some loss of quality over time.

Factors affecting storage costs include:

• Size of the storage area needed

• Type of structure (existing barn vs. new construction)

• Climate considerations (need for additional protection in wet or humid areas)

• Insurance costs for stored hay

Labor Costs for Feeding

Don't overlook the cost of labor associated with feeding hay to your livestock. Here's a breakdown of potential labor costs:

• Average hourly wage for farm labor: $15 per hour

• Estimated daily feeding time: 30 minutes

To calculate the weekly labor cost:

1. Daily labor cost: (30 minutes) × $15 = $7.50

2. Weekly labor cost: $7.50 × 7 days = $52.50

Factors that can influence labor costs include:

• Herd size and feeding frequency

• Distance between storage and feeding areas

• Feeding method (manual vs. mechanized)

• Experience level of workers

When estimating your total hay costs, factor in all these elements. For example, if you're purchasing 5 tons of alfalfa hay for a 60-day period, storing it in a barn, and feeding it daily, your total cost might look something like this:

1. Hay cost: 5 tons × $200/ton = $1,000

2. Storage cost (2 months): $250 × 2 = $500

3. Labor cost (8.5 weeks): $52.50 × 8.5 = $446.25

Total estimated cost: $1,946.25

By breaking down these costs, you can better understand where your money is going and identify areas where you might be able to optimize expenses.

Also, investing in quality hay and proper storage can lead to healthier livestock and potentially lower veterinary costs in the long run.

Precise Calculations

Calculating the amount and cost of hay needed to feed your herd through the winter is a critical task for every cow-calf operation.

By understanding the daily hay consumption of your cows, accounting for hay wastage, and considering the changing nutritional needs of dry and lactating cows, you can develop a comprehensive plan to ensure your herd has the necessary feed to thrive throughout the winter months.

Remember, every situation is unique, so be sure to adjust your calculations based on the specific factors affecting your operation. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the winter season and set your herd up for success in the year ahead.