Haying for Wildlife Habitat Guide
A haying for wildlife habitat guide with steps for planning timing, cutting patterns, and field edges so hay fields cause less harm to nesting animals.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideWildlife & ConservationFree PDF
The steps on this page
- List hay fields and wildlife present
- Note nesting seasons
- Plan cutting dates carefully
- Leave some areas uncut
- Cut in a safe pattern
- Raise cutter height if advised
- Watch for nests and fawns
- Keep records of dates
- Review what worked
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
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 USDA NRCS and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the practical rural living help. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Brussels Wants a Passport for Every Soybean, and farming farm stories.