Details for Forage Crops

Some research You can potentially get away with lighter applications of hay preservative if most of your alfalfa/grass mix is truly dry, but caution is needed. The preservative rate should be matched to the true moisture content of each bale, because fungal and mold growth are mainly driven by the wettest parts of the hay. Common recommendations for treating hay at 20–25% moisture are to apply about 0.5% of the wet bale weight in propionic acid, which translates to roughly 10 lbs/ton or less if you're at the lower end of that moisture range[1][2][3]. If 85% of your 50% alfalfa/grass swath is dry and you're confident it’s well below 20% moisture, you could reduce the application rate. The risk, however, is that any wetter patches may require full coverage to prevent spoilage and heating. Experts recommend uniform application, as missed moist spots can still spoil and compromise the whole batch[1][4][3]. - Do a microwave or twist test on several representative hay samples from throughout the windrow and focus your preservative application on swaths or bales testing above 18–20% moisture[5][2]. - If you are seeing only patchy high moisture, you can target those areas more aggressively, using less preservative elsewhere. - If your applicator is fixed, err on the side of caution—under-applying preservative on even a moist 15% of the batch could lead to mold problems. In summary: It’s possible to use lighter rates if the bulk of your hay is cured and dry, but make sure to target any wetter patches with full recommended rates. A moisture test throughout the field is your best friend to avoid waste and spoilage in these strange, late season conditions[1][3][6]. Sources [1] Preserving Baled Hay with Organic Acids https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/forage/files/2014/01/Hay-OA.pdf [2] Understanding Hay Inoculants and Preservatives on 'Dry' Hay https://extension.sdstate.edu/understanding-hay-inoculants-and-preservatives-dry-hay [3] the Breakdown of Hay Preservatives and Additives https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/crop-management/forages/the-breakdown-of-hay-preservatives-and-additives.html [4] Preserving hay quality: Tips for your dairy operation https://www.agproud.com/articles/59576-preserving-hay-quality-tips-for-your-dairy-operation [5] Twist test will ensure hay dry enough to bale - The Western Producer https://www.producer.com/weather/twist-test-will-ensure-hay-dry-enough-to-bale/ [6] Hay Preservatives | Forage Production https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/crops-and-irrigation/forage-production-annual-native-perennial/hay-preservatives [7] National Agroclimate Risk Report - agriculture.canada.ca https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agricultural-production/weather/national-agroclimate-risk-report [8] Maximizing hay quality: Strategies that hold up in any weather https://abpdaily.com/health-production/maximizing-hay-quality-strategies-that-hold-up-in-any-weather/ [9] Crop Report - Government of Saskatchewan https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/market-and-trade-statistics/crops-statistics/crop-report [10] Current drought conditions - agriculture.canada.ca https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agricultural-production/weather/canadian-drought-monitor/current-drought-conditions [11] What will it take to get the Maritimes out of drought conditions? https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/article/what-will-it-take-to-get-the-maritimes-out-of-drought-conditions/ [12] Using preservative for dry hay | Hay & Forage Forum https://www.haytalk.com/threads/using-preservative-for-dry-hay.94568/