Hay Harvest Timing Guide
A guide to deciding when to harvest hay, balancing yield, quality and weather, for hay producers planning cuttings. Use it as a reference in the field or office, and adapt the steps to your own operation.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Identify forage species and stage
- Check plant maturity
- Review quality goals for the animals
- Watch the weather window
- Plan equipment and labor
- Consider regrowth and stand health
- Record cutting date and conditions
- Test hay after baling
How to use this guide
Read the steps once through before you start, then keep the page nearby while you work. Use the notes lines to add what your own setup needs.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the beef cattle guides. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Hay in the Barn, and farming farm stories.