Part 2 – Questions to ask your forage supplier
Following on from Part 1 – Understanding the Options, which you should read first HERE, in this article, we are going to discuss the Key questions you should be asking of your forage supplier or producer.
Key Questions To Ask Your Forage Supplier Or Producer
When was the Hay Cut?
This allows you to plan when you can start feeding it and may also give you an idea of whether weather conditions were challenging at the point of harvest (which may compromise quality).
How Mature Was The Grass At Harvest?
This may give you an idea of nutrient content; earlier cut (less mature) forages tend to be softer and greener and more digestible in comparison to later cut (more mature) ‘crunchy’ in the hand types.
Quality And Consistency
How was the hay or haylage stored? Poor storage, like bales stacked directly on the ground, can signal hygiene issues.
Can they provide hay or haylage from the same field or harvest batch? While not always possible, some producers use storage maps to ensure consistency throughout the year.
Horse Suitability
Try and gauge if the supplier is aware of requirements and suitability when it comes to forage for horses. For example, asking what precautions are taken to avoid poisonous plants or foreign objects.
When Transitioning To A New Forage, Aim To Introduce Gradually Over A Period Of 2-4 Weeks.
