What forage buyers are really buying
A hay purchase is not just a bale count. Buyers are looking for feed value, consistency, palatability, animal fit, handling practicality, and confidence that the hay was put up and stored with care.
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Northwest Forage Basics
Good hay starts in the field and is protected through harvest, curing, baling, storage, and delivery. In the inland Northwest, irrigation timing, dry weather windows, and barn storage all matter.
Why timing matters
As forage matures, yield generally increases while feed quality and palatability can decline. Harvest timing is always a balance between quantity, quality, weather, and the buyer's intended use.
Useful questions to ask
- What cutting or lot is available?
- Was the hay stored under cover when space was available?
- What are the approximate bale weights?
- Is the hay better suited to horses, cattle, dairy, or mixed livestock?
- Are forage test results available for the lot?
Sources and further reading
These notes are written for buyers and visitors, with agricultural background checked against Extension and USDA/NASS resources.