old hay

[bqz]

What can I do with some old round bales of hay?
It has been outdoors for maybe two years.I had a fellow tell me that cattle could still eat it but I'm not so sure about that.I don't have any animals yet but I was just curious about this.

[idontno]

Depends on the hay.What kind? Net rapped or twine? Was it put up right?... But i have fed sorgram feed that was 30 yrs old. But it was inside and dry...Outside I have fed 4 yr old sorgram with no problems.Cattle will eat what they want of it and ignore the rest. I have seen them eat 4 yr old feed before the new crop for the year.Alfalfa Is pretty much the same along with grass hay.If it's put up right and in a good rapped roll it should be fine,You will lose the spoiled,rotten on the outside for a few inches,But cows will clean most of that up too......idontno

[Scrounger]

If it is not moldy, then it should be ok. You can always roll one out and see. It also makes a good ditch liner if you have any ditches to seed. If there are any highway projects near you, they some times take (or even buy) old hay to mulch the ditches with.

[Jim S.]

Feed it.

[bumpus]

.
Hay looses some of its quality and strength and food value every year older it gets.
.

[topside1]

I've fed two year old weathered rounds, no problems. Cattle, although not brain surgeons still will only eat the tasty center of a round. Best guess 60% edible, 40% pasture compost. That depends on your weather patterns over the past two years.

[BJ]

Oh how I wish you lived close to me!! Any hay we have left over I like to use for my chicken pen. Like right now....we have had 8" of rain and the chickens are up to their little knees in mud! A layer of hay helps to keep the dirt from washing away...and the chickens love to scratch in it for the seeds. I just mentioned to DH yesterday that I must find someone close who has some old hay. We didn't have any left over last year as it was so expensive in this area we bought just enough to get our cows through the winter.

Also....our cows love old hay. Something different to browse on I suppose. Here in Missouri....many farmers sold their 2 & 3 year old hay for $10-$15 a bale. Hay was so scarce that people couldn't get to it fast enough! Hang a sign at your local feed store...somebody will want it!