Of course the weather has a huge impact on the hay quality and so we have a large range of modern machinery to help us get the hay in the barn quickly when it is ready.

Meadow Hay

We aim to cut the meadow hay as early in June as the weather permits. This is when the grass is at its best and most nutritious. Some of the meadows have been established since World War I and have a diverse range of grass species. These include Cocksfoot, Timothy, Crested Dogs Tail and Sweet Vernal. We bale into conventional bales bundled into packs of 21 bales for easy handling by machine or in big bales weighing in the region of 250kg.

Timothy Hay

Timothy is a sweet grass species and is usually found in traditional meadows. Whenever we re-seed long term grass leys, a timothy and ryegrass mixture is often used as it is particularly palatable to horses.

Ryegrass Hay

This is usually from the second or third cut from the same fields as our ryegrass haylage. Cut in July and August, the crops are usually thinner and take less time to dry than a thick first cut in June. Ryegrass hay is high in energy and protein and is a favoured forage for performance and hard work.

Alfalfa/Lucerne Hay

Alfalfa or Lucerne as it is also known in Europe is a leafy legume plant grown in drought prone areas due to its deep roots. Traditionally Alfalfa hay is imported into the UK from the USA and Canada where it is more commonly grown. Here in the UK it is often grown and barn dried for use in products such as Alfa A. We have recently sown down a small area of Alfalfa for making hay. It is difficult to make on a large scale as the leaves are very delicate and are easily knocked off the stem of the hay is handled too aggressively before it is baled. Alfalfa hay is high in protein, typically 15-18% compared to 8-10% for meadow hay. It is also low in sugar and is regularly used for racehorses, pregnant and lactating mares and youngstock.