Make Hay W Sun Shines YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL IT’S SUMMER BY THE PICTURESQUE SIGHT OF BALES NEATLY STACKED UP IN THE FIELDS AROUND US, BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAY AND HAYLAGE?
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ut simply, the difference between haylage and hay is the removal of moisture. In the last few weeks, you will have seen what my children used to call large snail shells lying around in fields. I have even seen pink ones here! (A few years ago some farmers in the UK were supporting charities by paying more for the wrapping, in lots of different colours, perhaps taking some of the guilt away for having to use plastic.) But hay and haylage making have been in full swing with farmers working flat out, between the on and off rain we have had of late. So why do we have hay and haylage, and how to the two differ? Hay is cut when the grass is mature and the grass needs to be sufficiently dry before bailing. Typically hay will be 85% or above dry matter, which relies on good weather conditions to achieve. Hence the hope of no rain and why you will see farmers turning the grass at regular intervals. This will reduce the moisture level to preserve it and avoid it going mouldy whilst it is being stored. If the bales have a higher moisture level this can allow the metabolic activity to continue, resulting in heat and the possibility of the bales bursting into flames, instantaneous combustion! Only a few years ago, I was told of a farm that lost its barn due to this happening. The resulting fire brought down the whole building. Moisture levels should be around ten to fifteen per cent and meadow grass is commonly preferred for haymaking. It's then laid in lines to bale with twine. If you have ever stood and watched a baling machine it is really quite mesmerizing as it compacts the grass into tight bales. This is usually done between May and August each year. Haylage, however, is cut and allowed to semi-wilt and not dry completely. Then it is wrapped, and this is usually done a few
