Category Archives: Hay Cutting

First Cut Hay vs. Second Cut Hay: Key Differences and Which Is Better?

First Cut Hay vs. Second Cut Hay

Last Updated: August 22, 2026 First cut hay and second cut hay differ mainly in when they’re harvested and how mature the plants are at cutting. First cut is often coarser, stemmier, and higher in structural fiber. Second cut is usually softer, leafier, more digestible, and somewhat higher in protein and energy. But there’s an […]