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how much does a bale of alfalfa hay cost

by Consuelo Schumm Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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On average, a bale of hay costs around $15. For example, two wired Alfalfa Hay bales typically run high, costing $19.95 apiece, whereas bermudagrass is only $8.75. Timothy Hay is the most expensive, typically costing at least $20 a bale.Jul 25, 2022

Full Answer

How much does a square bale of alfalfa weigh?

There are several types of bales commonly used for Alfalfa. For small animals and individual horses, the Alfalfa is baled into small "square" bales — actually rectangular, and typically about 14 in x 18 in x 38 in. Small square bales weigh from 50 – 70 pounds and can be easily hand separated into "flakes."

How much alfalfa do you feed an adult horse?

However, if alfalfa cubes are fed to an adult horse at maintenance, they are usually more appropriate as a partial hay replacement as they contain more protein and calcium than required. More commonly, 2-6 lbs are fed per horse per day, especially if the hay available is poor quality.

When is alfalfa dry enough to bale?

The recommended time to bale hay is based primarily on moisture content of the hay. It is recommended to bale alfalfa when moisture is between 18 and 20%. Baling at a lower moisture will result in excessive leaf loss, while baling at a higher moisture may result in spoilage form mold and heat unless a preservative or artificial drying is used.

How much does a ton of alfalfa cost?

The typical cost of a bale of hay changes a lot, even within a year. According to the Internet Hay Exchange, the current average price of a bale of hay is around $109, and Alfalfa hay costs around $143. Both prices are per ton, depending on the quantity, location, shape, and size of the bales, as well as, whether they contain alfalfa or not.

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How much is a bale of hay 2022?

Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest – for February 14, 2022Hay GradeBale type———- Price ($/ton) ———-Large Round$170.00Grade 1 (125 to 150 RFV/RFQ)Small Square$160.00Large Square$100.00Large Round$65.009 more rows•Feb 14, 2022

How much does alfalfa hay sell for?

At Conway Feed, alfalfa hay is available for $10-13.50 and Bermuda grass hay for $15. From the hay market, square bales, on average, will cost you between $3 and $10 per bale, but some farmers prefer selling their hay per pound, in which case such a bale will be around 50 pounds.

How much is a bale of hay worth?

Small square bales averaged $4.60 a bale (range of $2.00 to $6.00). Large square bale straw averaged $64.00 per bale (a range of $40.00 to $90.00). Large round bale straw averaged $58.00 per bale (a range of $40.00 - $85.00). In Nebraska, hay sold steady, demand is light in 2020.

How much is a 1200 pound bale of hay worth?

As you can see, the cost or value of the primary nutrients in a typical bermudagrass round bale is $20.30. If you add to this the cost of baling, about $15 per round bale, then your cost for a 1,200-pound round bale is now $35.30.

Will there be a hay shortage in 2022?

The ongoing drought continues to squeeze available hay supplies and widespread drought this year is a severe threat to 2022 hay (and range/pasture) production. May 1 hay stocks in the 17 plains and western states were down 17.7 percent year over year.

Is it cheaper to buy hay or make it?

In most environments where forage production is based on natural rainfall, you can almost always buy hay cheaper than you can produce it.

Is there money in hay farming?

“If you are getting $125 per ton for quality hay, you are going to see a profit of $51 per ton, or $204 per acre. “The potential is there to make some pretty good money on hay.” Brown says producers could decide to grow higher-quality hay and sell into the dairy or specialty hay markets.

How many bales of hay does a cow need for winter?

For a cow needing 8,190 pounds of hay per year and a bale weight of 960 pounds, divide 8,190 by 960 for a yearly need of about 8.5 bales per cow. Multiply this by the total number of weaned cattle in your herd. For example, 45 cows multiplied by 8.5 bales per cow results in a total need of 383 bales.

How many bales of hay does a horse eat per month?

Q: How many bales of hay does a horse eat per month? A horse can eat anywhere from 15-25 pounds of hay a day, which generally equates to a half of a 45/50-pound square bale of hay per day (~15-30 bales per month). What is this? Always remember to take into consideration the quality of your hay.

How many bales of alfalfa can you get per acre?

You should get 150 to 200 bales per acre with Alfalfa/orchard grass.

How many square bales does a cow eat per day?

A typical 4 x 4 round bale of dry hay will weigh about 670 pounds, so presto! One round bale a day works out well for our 18-cow herd! Let us say that we feed small square bales of dry hay, that weigh about 40 pounds each. 648/40=16.2, or 16 small square bales per day.

How much hay will an acre grow?

Even an average rule of thumb can vary widely by region, soil, and type of hay. For us here in the Midwest, a mixed grass/legume hay can yield anywhere from one to five tons per acre for a full season.

Is alfalfa hay expensive?

On average, a bale of hay costs around $15. For example, two wired Alfalfa Hay bales typically run high, costing $19.95 apiece, whereas bermudagrass is only $8.75. Timothy Hay is the most expensive, typically costing at least $20 a bale.

How much does alfalfa yield per acre?

The average total yield is 20-35 tons per hectare (or 8-14 tons per acre) per year (distributed in 5-6 cuts). Top yields (intensive farming) can exceed 40 tons per hectare or 16 tons per acre per year.

What is alfalfa selling for?

Ground alfalfa, delivered to feedlots, average, $155-$170. Calf, $210-$225. Premium/supreme coastal bermuda, large bales, delivered, $165-$200, small bales, $264, $8/bale.

How many bales of alfalfa can you get per acre?

You should get 150 to 200 bales per acre with Alfalfa/orchard grass.

How much does hay cost?

The typical cost of a bale of hay changes a lot even within a year. According to Internet Hay Exchange, the current average price of a bale of hay is around $109, and Alfalfa hay costs around $143.

How does drought affect horse hay?

Drought affects the horse hay prices, especially in the states of Arizona, California, and Colorado to name a few. High demand for both grass and alfalfa hays in China , Japan, and UAE where bales and tons of hay are used to feed their domesticated livestock also has an impact on the pricing in the US.

Why are farmers expecting higher profits?

Farmers are expecting higher profits using their lands to plant and grow hay instead of other profitable crops such as corn, cotton, potatoes, among others. Having other options gives them the power to dictate pricing.

What animals eat hay?

Smaller animals like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits also eat hay, and this ha s been included in their daily diet. With this, you’ll be needing hay in small quantities. But how much does hay cost per pound?

Do you need hay for livestock?

If you are taking care of livestock, particularly horses, cattle or cows, goats, and sheep, you need ample amounts of hay on a daily basis. Most of the time, you’d like to buy in bulk to save on cost, like buying at wholesale price and one-time shipping. But how much does a bale of hay cost these days?

Why is alfalfa hay bad for horses?

People once thought that feeding alfalfa hay to horses caused kidney damage because of increased urination and ammonia production. We now understand, however, that excess protein in alfalfa is converted into energy compounds, and the nitrogen produced in this conversion must be eliminated as ammonia.

What is the best hay for horses?

Hay Bales For Sale Near Me. Alfalfa hay is one of the best hays fed to horses. Several characteristics of alfalfa make it an excellent hay for horses. Use as treat to add interest to regular diet. This is also the hay young animals (under 1 year) need for healthy growth to adulthood. Guru.

How many cuttings of alfalfa are there?

There are generally five to eight cuttings from an alfalfa field each year when irrigated, four to five when not irrigated. The first cutting will have more weeds and grass; the second cutting is usually clean with small stems. The third cutting is good hay, and the fourth and fifth cuttings begin to have more stems and fewer leaves. As more stems are present, the quality of the hay decreases and palatability declines. click here to view other hay for sale.

Can horses eat alfalfa hay?

Most horses will readily consume alfalfa hay. However, because of its high palatability, intake must be restricted to keep horses from overeating and becoming colicky. It is high in energy. Alfalfa hay has 120 percent more energy per unit in weight than oat hay.

Is alfalfa hay weed free?

In general alfalfa has 120% more energy than oat hay. Our alfalfa hay is very fine stemmed and weed free with lots of color.

How much does a bale of hay cost?

The average square hay bale is going to range anywhere from $3 to $10 per bale. The most common bails include round and square, and the costs will depend on the geographical location, the seller, type and time of year. When buying, you will either purchase by the bale or by the ton.

Why do farmers need a bale of hay?

A bale of hay is also used for many other purposes such as keeping grass seed in tact, food for animals and so much more. There are going to be so many various factors when it comes down to a bail of hay such as the weight, the type of hay, where you purchase it and more.

What are the extra costs?

Most farmers will request that you pick up the hay in person. For delivery, a delivery fee may apply to your purchase. The delivery fee will depend on how far they have to travel.

How much does a bale of corn weigh?

Keep in mind that many farmers claim that they sell the bale by the “pound” rather than by the bale. On average, the typical bale that ranges anywhere from $3 to $10 will weigh around 50 pounds.

What is the mix of bales?

There are all sorts of bales which can have different mixes. Common mixes may include the orchard and alfalfa grass. Grass such as alfalfa is a big ticket to farmers, and this can change the price when purchasing.

What to do if you only need one bale of hay?

If you only need one bale, consider asking a farmer if they have any spares available. Since they often sell the bales in bulk, they may be more than happy to give you some for next to nothing.

Why do sellers test hay?

A legitimate seller will also test its hay to ensure that it meets the state’s standards and complies with local laws.

How much does alfalfa hay cost in Arizona?

On average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $18 for alfalfa and between $14 and $20 for Bermuda grass hay in Arizona. At Conway Feed, alfalfa hay is available for $10-13.50 and Bermuda grass hay for $15. From the hay market, square bales, on average, will cost you between $3 and $10 per bale, but some farmers prefer selling their hay per ...

What are some of the factors that can play a role in how much a bale of hay costs?

Apart from that, for imported types of hay, demand in their countries of origin can also result in limited supply and higher costs. Delivery costs vary as well, and some farmers may choose to grow less hay in favor of other crops, thus decreasing availability. Here are all the factors in more detail:

How much does it cost to harvest hay?

Depending on the type, quality, place of harvest, and size of hay bales, you should expect to pay something between $30 and $300 per ton of hay. If you want hay to contain alfalfa or Bermuda grass, then it will be more expensive.

How to choose the best hay for horses?

Keep in mind when you are choosing hay to check its maturity, nutritional content, softness, and smell. If hay smells sweet, then it will be more palatable, and your horses will eat and enjoy it more. They also like softer types of hay more than those with a lot of stems. To match their dietary needs, you might need both legume and grass hay, then mix them in bags for feed. For overweight horses, hay cut in late maturity is better than less mature cuts.

What is the best feed for horses?

Hay is one of the most common feed for horses. It provides high nutritive content, is widely available, and horses enjoy it. Grass or legumes are cut and dried, resulting in the delicious and versatile feed. Most of the time, horse owners buy tons of hay and store it over months or even years to provide good nutrition to horses all year round.

How much is a ton of hay?

A ton / bale weight x bale price = 2,000 lbs. / 120 lbs. x $15 = about $250 for a ton of hay.

When is the best time to buy hay?

Time of the year. During the fall and winter, hay is not in high demand, so there will also be fewer options. Buying right before the start of the season is best. Quality of hay. Bales of hay have different contents. Some of them can have only grass hay or only legume hay, but there are also mixed varieties.

How much does a bale of hay cost?

A bale of hay costs roughly eight dollars, but many factors affect the price. Demand, climate, location, time of the year, and type of hay all play roles in the price of a bale of hay. For example, a bale of alfalfa is much more expensive than standard grass hay bales. Many horse owners complain about the costs and price fluctuations ...

How to get better prices on hay bales?

There are two ways you can get better prices on hay bales, buy in bulk or buy direct from farmers. Most retailers offer discounts when purchasing large quantities; Tractor Supply provides 5% off when buying 20 or more bales.

What factors determine the price of a bale of hay?

If you’ve called around to find out the price of a bale of hay, I’m confident that the first question you were asked is, “what type of hay do you need a price for?”

What is horse hay made of?

Hay bales are made from many different types of vegetation. But the most popular horse hay is made from bermudagrass, alfalfa, and Timothy. Timothy and bermudagrass are classified as grass hay, and alfalfa is legume hay.

What is the best hay for horses?

Alfalfa hay: It is one of the best feeds for horses. It provides, on average, 21 percent protein compared to ten percent in most grass has. It is also full of calories and rich in calcium and other nutrients. Horses typically love alfalfa, and it provides more energy than other hay sources.

How much hay should a horse eat?

Here is the estimation that will help you while ordering. If a horse weighs around 1,200 pounds, he should eat approximately 12 pounds of hay per day. So one 60 pound hay bale would be enough for five days.

Why do horses need hay?

For many horses, hay is their primary source of energy and nutrients. Hay bale prices vary significantly by type and the quantity it’s sold. Most horse owners with a lot of horses should buy their hay bales in bulk and store them to use throughout the year.

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1.Alfalfa Hay For Sale | Allhay.Com

Url:https://allhay.com/listing-variety/alfalfa/

4 hours ago  · The cost of a bale of hay will depend on the size of the bale, shape, quantity, and location. If you would like to buy square bales of hay, expect to pay around $8 for an average grass bale of hay with no alfalfa, while for the alfalfa hay you will have to pay around $11 , depending on the weight and size of the square hay bale.

2.How Much Does A Bale Of Hay Cost In 2022? - Cost Aide

Url:https://costaide.com/average-bale-hay-cost/

22 hours ago Alfalfa/Grass Mix HayLewisburg, Ohio. 2021 alfalfa/orchard grass hay. 60 lb square bales. Price is $5.50 per bale. Total 250 bales available.

3.Alfalfa Hay For Sale | Alfalfa Hay For Sale Near Me

Url:https://primehayfarms.org/product/alfalfa-hay-for-sale/

22 hours ago  · Oftentimes, farmers will grow and sell their own hay. When hay is readily available, you may see it for as cheap as $3 a square bale, though more likely it will be around $4-6 a …

4.How Much Does A Bale of Hay Cost? | HowMuchIsIt.org

Url:https://www.howmuchisit.org/bale-of-hay-cost/

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5.How Much Does a Bale of Hay Cost? — Conway Feed

Url:https://conwayfeed.com/blogs/hay-news-feed/how-much-does-a-bale-of-hay-cost

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