As Kentucky continues to experience unpredictable weather patterns, horse owners are facing challenges that require careful planning and management, particularly when it comes to feeding their animals. The recent drought has significantly impacted hay production, leading to concerns about shortages and rising costs. For those who rely on hay as a primary feed source for their horses, the current situation necessitates strategic decisions to ensure they can provide for their animals through the winter. 

The impact of the drought on hay production 

This year, Kentucky’s weather has been particularly harsh on hay production. The early part of the season was marked by heavy rains, delaying the first hay cuttings, while the latter part of the summer turned dry, reducing the chances of a second cutting. Typically, horse owners can rely on two or three cuttings of hay, but many are finding themselves with only one decent yield this year. This situation has led to a looming scarcity, which is already pushing hay prices upward. 

“The key right now is to plan ahead and secure your hay as soon as possible,” said Bob Coleman, UK Department of Animal and Food Science associate professor. “With the reduced yields and increasing prices, waiting too long could leave you in a tough spot come winter.” 

Coleman also highlighted the uneven distribution of rain across the state, which has made hay availability unpredictable.  

“Some areas were lucky enough to get enough moisture for a second cutting, but in many places, the first cut was decent, and then the rain just stopped. It’s crucial to know what the local hay inventory looks like and act accordingly.” 

Economic considerations: Quality and quantity 

When purchasing hay, it’s essential to understand both the quantity and quality. Horse owners should be cautious with a common pitfall of purchasing hay by the bale without considering the weight and quality. A 40-pound bale might seem like a bargain compared to a 50-pound bale, but the cost per pound of feed can make a significant difference. 

 “It’s easy to be misled by bale prices alone,” Coleman said. “What matters more is the weight and the nutritional content. Paying a bit more for a heavier bale that meets your horse’s needs could actually save you money in the long run. Don’t just buy by the bale. Know how much hay you need by weight. This approach will help you avoid overpaying and ensure horses get their required nutrition.” 

Smart feeding practices and hay alternatives 

Reducing hay waste is another critical area where horse owners can make gains. Traditional methods of feeding hay, such as leaving it in the open where it can be trampled and spoiled, lead to significant losses. Implementing more efficient hay management systems, like ring feeders, hay huts or covered hay feeders, can drastically reduce waste.  

"Waste is one of those areas where small changes can make a big difference," said UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences professor Jimmy Henning. "Investing in efficient hay management systems can significantly reduce the amount of hay that gets trampled and wasted, helping horse owners stretch their supplies further."  

While hay management systems can seem like a large initial investment, both Coleman and Henning say owners save money in the long run.  

“A good hay feeder might seem expensive initially, but if it saves you 25% or more of your hay, it quickly pays for itself,” Coleman said. “In years like this, reducing waste can make a huge difference.”  

Managing feed quantities carefully is also essential. Coleman says overfeeding leads to waste and can cause nutritional issues. Calculating daily hay requirements based on the horse’s weight and activity level ensures that each gets what it needs without excess.  

“Feeding the right amount is crucial,” Coleman said. “If your horse needs 20 pounds of hay daily, don’t just throw out a half bale and hope for the best. Accurate feeding will help you avoid waste and ensure your horse stays healthy.” 

Alternatives exist for those who cannot secure a sufficient supply. Hay cubes and pellets can serve as partial replacements for traditional long-stem hay. While they can be more expensive, they offer a concentrated form of nutrition that can help stretch limited hay supplies. 

“Adding concentrate feeds to the diet can also reduce the hay needed,” Coleman noted. “However, it’s essential to maintain at least 1.25% of the horse’s body weight in long-stem forage to support digestive health. This long-stem forage keeps their digestive system functioning properly.” 

Preventing moldy hay 

Producing high-quality hay in a humid climate requires careful moisture management during harvesting and storage. Coleman says hay baled at 16.5 % moisture or less will reduce mold formation risk. Hay with mold can lead to respiratory issues in horses, which horse owners want to avoid. He says there is no such thing as “just a little mold is okay”. 

“Humidity adds to the difficulty in making good hay by delaying the drying process,” Colemand said. “That has been a significant issue with hay production in Kentucky.” 

Proper drying techniques, such as tedding and windrowing, help expedite moisture removal, especially in humid conditions. If weather conditions are poor, applying preservatives can inhibit mold growth, though this adds cost. 

“In some cases, hay producers might use a preservative on the hay when baling at a higher moisture content,” Coleman noted. “Due to the condition of higher humidity and concern over moisture content of the hay those buying hay or making their own need to check the moisture levels of the hay.” 

Storing hay in a dry, well-ventilated area is important. Avoid tightly covering hay with tarps, and stack bales to allow airflow, preventing heat buildup and mold formation. Regular inspection is essential, as mold can develop inside bales even if the exterior looks fine. Moldy hay, which may have a musty odor or visible spots, should never be fed to horses due to the risks of respiratory issues, colic, and potential mycotoxin contamination. 

As horse owners navigate these challenging conditions, the importance of long-term planning is becoming increasingly clear. Building resilience into farming operations—whether through pasture management, investing in infrastructure to reduce waste or exploring alternative forages—will be key to weathering future challenges.  

### 

Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu                                                                                     

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.