Last year was a bad season for hay. Most everyone, around here, was six weeks behind for the first cutting because of the wet spring. I have some excellent hay ground about 60 miles from my farm, where the first cutting was also six weeks behind. I decided to sell those bales, rather than haul them, because the alfalfa was mostly stems. I then used that money to buy some local bales.

At first, I was pleased with my decision. But, as it sometimes happens, initial pleasure turns painful when the truth is known. I put down two bales. These bales turned out to be very light on nutrition. I was immediately worried when I noticed that my cows would not touch one of the bales. They would eat from one but not the other. Our milk production dropped almost immediately. The cows began scrounging through the already eaten-down pasture. This was not good.

Next step? Find more hay. Eventually I found some hay that seemed good. I know the farmer and he has a good reputation. The only problem? This hay is expensive and also needed to be shipped. I was close to having the arrangements made, when another local farmer told me about some hay that his dad had for sale. I thought, “I’ll get smart on this one. Let’s try a bale before we buy.” It was from the third cutting. That bale was beautiful, so we bought more. The next two were great, as well.

On the next delivery, we got a bale from his first cutting. Not good again. The nutrition wasn’t there and our cow’s milk production dropped. We started supplementing from our limited supply of square bales. These are second cutting from my excellent hay ground mentioned above. I should also note that I usually get three cuttings from my hay ground, but the wet spring limited the cuttings to two.

I then asked for a third cutting bale on the next delivery. Two bales come and they were moldy, through and through. I can’t feed these. He brought the wrong bales. Last night we got two more bales that are supposed to be third cutting. They look like they have mold too. I will have to look them over closer in the daylight. We put down another first cutting bale and will continue to supplement with our small squares.

What to do now? I’m back to looking for hay. I’m also selling the first batch of bales we bought. These are OK bales, but not good enough for milk cows. More than anything, I’m praying. I need wisdom and I need a blessing of good hay.

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. – Proverbs 27:25 (KJV)