The Economics of the First Cut—Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
Every hay season begins with the same question: When should we take the first cut? For hay farmers, the answer isn't just about convenience—it's about economics, nutrition, and long-term field health. The first cutting sets the tone (and the income) for the rest of the season.
Whether you're selling hay or feeding your own herd, the timing of that first cut is one of the most important decisions you’ll make all year.
Why First Cutting Matters
The first cut of the season usually yields the largest volume of hay. But high quantity doesn’t always mean high quality. If hay is left in the field too long:
It matures beyond the ideal stage
Fiber increases
Digestibility and protein content drop
On the other hand, cutting too early can lead to lower yields and risk regrowth delays for the second cut.
This balance between quality vs. quantity directly affects both market price and animal performance.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Waiting just a week too long for the first cut can result in:
A 30–40% decrease in crude protein
A sharp increase in acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), reducing digestibility
A lower market price per ton
For example, high-quality alfalfa hay (cut in early bud stage) may sell for $250+/ton, while over-mature hay may only fetch $130–$150/ton (U.S. averages vary by region).
Weather Is the Wild Card
Ideal cutting often falls during a narrow window—just before bloom, when the weather allows for 3–5 dry days. A surprise rainstorm can delay cutting, compromise curing, and force farmers into tough choices:
Cut in suboptimal weather and risk spoilage?
Wait and lose nutritional value?
It’s a high-stakes gamble hay producers face every season.
Long-Term Impacts on the Stand
Cutting too early in the season—before plants have stored enough root energy—can weaken stands, especially perennial grasses and legumes. This affects:
Second and third cut yields
Winter survival rates
Overall stand longevity
A well-timed first cut sets the entire growing season up for success.
Strategic Planning Pays Off
To optimize first-cut returns:
Monitor plant maturity, not just calendar dates
Check weather forecasts religiously
Test moisture content before baling
Balance short-term yield with long-term field health
Farmers who master this timing can maximize both forage quality and profit.
Conclusion
The first cut isn’t just the start of the season—it’s the cornerstone of the year’s forage production. Smart timing can mean the difference between average hay and premium bales, between a marginal season and a profitable one. In hay farming, those first few days matter more than most realize.
