Click here to read a question submitted by a reader regarding cutting and drying hay.

If we understand and use the biology and physics of forage drying properly, not only does hay dry faster and have less chance of being rained on, but the total digestible nutrients (TDN) of the harvested forage are higher.

Hay is one of the most versatile of stored forages in that it can be kept for long periods of time with little loss of nutrients if protected from weather; a large number of crops can be successfully used for hay production; it can be produced and fed in small or large amounts; it can be harvested, stored and fed by hand or the production and feeding can be completely mechanized; and hay can supply most nutrients needed by many classes of livestock.