What to Ask When Buying Hay
The short answer: When buying hay, ask what type it is, which cutting, the actual bale weight, how it was stored, and whether it has been tested. Compare by the ton rather than by the bale, because bale weights vary widely, and open a few bales before you load.
What to ask the seller
- What type of hay is it: grass, alfalfa, or a mix?
- Which cutting is it, and when was it baled?
- What does a bale actually weigh? Is that weighed or estimated?
- Was it stored in a barn, under a tarp, or outside?
- Was it rained on before baling?
- Has it been tested for protein and energy? Can you see the results?
- Is there any weed, blister beetle, or fescue concern for the animals you’re feeding?
Comparing prices fairly
A cheap bale isn’t always cheap hay. A 900-pound round bale and a 1,300-pound round bale can be priced the same, so work out the price per ton. Also figure in spoilage: hay stored outside can lose a meaningful share of its outer layer.
Looking at the hay
- Open or core a few bales, not just the ones on the outside of the stack.
- Good hay smells fresh and sweet. Musty, moldy, or dusty hay is a warning sign.
- Look for leafiness and fine stems, and check for weeds or foreign material.
- Color isn’t everything, but a lot of bleaching or dark, heat-damaged hay deserves a question.
Getting it home
- Is loading included? Does the seller deliver, and what does it cost?
- Confirm how many bales fit your trailer and that they’re legal to haul.
- Agree on quantity, price, and payment before anything is loaded.
Common questions
Should I buy hay by the bale or by the ton?
Compare by the ton whenever you can. Bale weights vary a lot between sellers and balers, so price per bale can be misleading. Ask for actual bale weights or weigh a sample load.
Why should I get hay tested?
A forage test shows protein, energy, and moisture, so you can tell whether the hay meets your animals’ needs and whether you’ll have to supplement. Looks alone can’t tell you that. Your county extension office can usually point you to a testing lab.
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