The cost of a small square bale of alfalfa varies widely depending on the geographical location and time of year that the hay is purchased. On average, a small square bale of alfalfa generally ranges from $4 to $12, with prices higher or lower depending on the quality and quantity of hay purchased.
Factors such as availability, transportation, and storage can also affect the price. Additionally, some regions may offer discounts for bulk purchases. For hay of the highest quality and in the greatest quantity, it is possible to pay up to $20 per small square bale.
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How many pounds of alfalfa does a horse need per day?
The amount of alfalfa a horse needs per day will vary depending on its size and activity level. Generally speaking, an adult horse should have somewhere between 1. 5-3 percent of its body weight in forage per day, of which alfalfa should make up no more than 1/4 to 1/2.
This means that for a horse that weighs 1,000 pounds, the total forage requirement is 15-30 pounds, with up to 7. 5 to 15 pounds (in 1/4 to 1/2 of the diet) being alfalfa. If a horse’s diet consists of only alfalfa, then it would need to consume 20-30 pounds a day.
It is important to remember that hay that may look of good quality can vary in nutritionally strength, and these recommendations can differ depending on the horse’s age, breed, and activity level. A horse that is in light exercise or strictly a companion may need less alfalfa than an active horse.
Therefore, working with a qualified nutritionist or veterinarian is always a good idea to determine how much alfalfa your horse needs specifically.
How long should a small bale of hay last?
The amount of time a small bale of hay will last depends on the size of the bale, the number and size of animals being fed, and the amount of time they are fed. Generally, a small 3-5kg square bale of hay can last up to 4-6 weeks when fed to one or two small ponies.
When fed to one large horse, the bale may last approximately 1-2 weeks. For larger animals (e. g. cows, steers, goats, etc. ), bales may not last more than a few days each. Be sure to weigh and assess the hay first.
If it looks dry, brittle, or contains an unusual amount of stem or seed heads, it may not be suitable for animals to graze on or may need to be replenished more frequently to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Additionally, access to grass or other forage in combination with hay can help reduce the amount of hay needed for adequate nutrition.
What is the size of a small square bale?
A small square bale typically measures around 30″ x 30″ x 48″ (length x width x height). These bales are the smallest of the square bales, with large square bales typically measuring around 45″ x 45″ x 48″ in size.
Small square bales typically weigh between 35-45 lbs, depending on the type of forage that is used for baling. One small square bale can provide enough hay for one to two cows, depending on the cows’ size and age.
Small square bales are much more manageable than large square bales, and they can be stacked to create efficient storage in limited spaces. Additionally, they are easier to handle and maneuver into place, making them a great choice for smaller operations or farms that store hay in multiple locations.
How many cows will a square bale feed?
The amount of cows that a square bale can feed depends on a variety of factors, including the type of hay, the size of the bale, the nutritional content of the hay, and the size and appetite of the cows.
For example, a square bale of alfalfa hay that weighs 1,600 pounds may feed six to ten 1,000-pound cows for a month, while a 1,500-pound square bale of grass–clover hay may feed ten to fifteen 1,000-pound cows for the same length of time.
Generally speaking, a square bale of hay can feed anywhere from four to fifteen cows, but the exact number will depend on the hay’s nutritional content and the appetite of the cows.
How big is a 3 string bale of alfalfa?
The size of a 3-string bale of alfalfa can vary depending on the farm, but the average size is approximately 15”x18”x36”. This is assuming that a standard twine binder is used. Generally, a smaller size is used for 1 or 2 string bales, but for a 3-string bale, the average size is about the size mentioned above.
The string bales, themselves, tend to weigh around 70 – 80 pounds, with a density of roughly 20lbs per cubic foot. This can vary, depending on the moisture levels of the alfalfa and the pressure used to compress the hay.
What is 3 string alfalfa?
3-string alfalfa is a type of hay that is made up of three long strings of alfalfa that are bound together to form a strong, long lasting hay bale. It provides a lot of nutrition for cows and other livestock, so it is often used as feed in animal agriculture or as bedding for horses.
The three strings of alfalfa are bound together using twine or rope and then dried before it is baled. Alfalfa 3-strings are more expensive than regular hay, but they last longer and provide more nutrition, making them a good choice for farmers and ranchers who want to ensure their livestock are receiving the best nutrition possible.
Can you overfeed alfalfa hay?
Yes, it is possible to overfeed alfalfa hay. When feeding alfalfa hay, it is important to always monitor the quantity given to your animal. Depending on the type of animal, the amount of alfalfa hay that should be given can vary.
Overfeeding alfalfa hay can cause digestive issues and weight gain due to the high protein levels in the forage. Too much alfalfa hay can also increase the available sugars in the diet, which can result in laminitis in horses.
Therefore, it is important to feed the appropriate amount, monitoring the hay consumption and body weight of your animal. If your animal is gaining too much weight, then you should reduce the amount of alfalfa hay you are giving.
How many bales of hay do you get per acre of alfalfa?
The exact amount of bales of hay you can get from an acre of alfalfa depends on several factors, including the variety of alfalfa, soil conditions, climate, fertility, planting and harvesting methods, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Typically, a good production of hay from an acre of alfalfa ranges from 1. 5 to 3 tons, or about 8-15 round bales. However, with careful management, yields of 4-5 tons per acre, or up to 20 bales of hay, are possible.
How many big round bales of alfalfa per acre?
The number of big round bales of alfalfa that can be produced per acre can vary significantly depending on a number of factors such as soil fertility, climate, variety, seeding rate and timing, and forage management practices.
On average, it is estimated that one acre can produce approximately 3-5 big round bales of alfalfa hay. However, yields can range from 2-10 bales per acre. The amount of hay produced also depends on the quality of the forage.
High yielding forages with higher nutritional content can produce more efficient yields, with yields as high as 14 bales per acre. It is important to select a variety of alfalfa best suited to the environment, soil and weather conditions to ensure optimal yields.
Additionally, proper nitrogen fertilization and soil pH also impact yields. By following proper seeding and management practices, growers can increase their alfalfa hay yields and maximize their return.
How profitable is growing alfalfa?
Growing alfalfa can be a very profitable endeavor for farmers, as the crop offers various benefits to both livestock and the environment. Alfalfa is a perennial legume crop which is grown for hay, silage, and grazing.
As one of the earliest crops to be cultivated for forage and hay, it is also considered to be one of the most important forage crops worldwide. In addition, its deep root system makes it a resilient and adaptable crop in areas with varying climates and soil types.
Alfalfa offers numerous benefits to livestock producers in the form of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber content. Its palatability, high nutrient content, and the presence of essential minerals, vitamins, and volatile oils make it an ideal choice for animals.
Improved fertility and weight gain are just a few of the benefits that this crop provides to agricultural livestock.
Environmental-wise, alfalfa helps reduce nutrient runoff to nearby rivers and streams, as it is capable of taking up huge quantities of biological nitrogen from the atmosphere. This helps protect surrounding ecosystems from environmental degradation.
Alfalfa also serves as habitat for beneficial wildlife like honeybees and small animals, making it a natural choice for sustainable farming.
The profitability of growing alfalfa ultimately depends on a number of factors, including the local climate, soil type, fertilization and irrigation practices, insect and disease management, as well as the size of the farm.
Still, farmers can expect to make a substantial profit from this crop. As such, alfalfa is considered a worthwhile investment for any agricultural operation.
How many acres does it take to make a bale of hay?
The number of acres it takes to make a bale of hay varies considerably depending on the type of hay, the climate, and the area of production. In general, it takes anywhere from 1-5 acres to produce a single bale of hay.
The size of the bale is also a factor, as the larger the bale, the more acreage it may take. For instance, a standard round bale of hay may require 2-3 acres, while a large round bale of hay may require 5 acres or more.
Additionally, the area of production can affect the amount of hay produced from an acre, as areas with more favorable conditions (e. g. more precipitation, more nutritious soil, more sunlight, etc. ) are able to produce larger yields.
How many times a year can you harvest alfalfa?
The amount of times you can harvest alfalfa each year depends on the type of alfalfa you are growing and the climate where it is being grown. Generally, alfalfa can be harvested anywhere from 1-4 times per year, but more if grown in a warm climate.
For example, in Arizona, alfalfa can be harvested 4-5 times per year. In general, climates that have longer growing seasons and warmer temperatures allow for more harvests of alfalfa per year. The number of harvests will also depend on the age of the alfalfa plant and the amount of fertilizer used.
Generally, alfalfa is ready to be harvested after it has been growing for 10-20 days, and yields the highest harvests and highest yields if the plant is cut just before bloom and the length of cut is 2-3 inches.
How many years will alfalfa field last?
The longevity of an alfalfa field depends on several factors including climate, soil, fertility, pests and management practices. In the Southern United States and those areas with warmer climates, an alfalfa field can last from three to seven years before the soil quality begins to diminish.
In more temperate climates, an alfalfa field may remain productive for about five to eight years. With optimal management, an alfalfa field can remain in production for up to 12 years. This includes the use of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, proper crop rotation, pest management and irrigation.
Through careful management practices and the application of specialized treatments, the overall production of the alfalfa field can be extended to potentially 15 years, depending on the area.
Is alfalfa a good cash crop?
Yes, alfalfa is a good cash crop due to its dozens of benefits. It is very popular in livestock production as a hay or silage crop to help improve soil fertility and provide food for livestock. Furthermore, alfalfa is an important legume for crop-livestock interactions in crop rotations, as it is a highly productive forage crop.
As a result, alfalfa is able to fix nitrogen to the soil which reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer. Also, alfalfa is great for soil conservation as it quickly renews itself and helps to reduce soil compaction.
Because of its ability to withstand environmental stress, such as drought and harsh temperatures, it is also resistant to pests, which makes it much easier to maintain and harvests. Finally, alfalfa is a high-value crop due to its nutritional content, making it a much more profitable crop than other grasses.
