Premium Valley Grass Hay – Versatile Forage for All Livestock

Premium Valley Grass Hay is the backbone of countless livestock operations across the country. It is the kind of hay that works hard for you, delivering consistent quality and reliable nutrition without breaking the bank. Grown in the rich, fertile valleys of the Pacific Northwest and the Great Plains, our valley grass hay represents the best of what American agriculture has to offer.

We have been in the hay business long enough to know what matters most to farmers and ranchers. You need forage you can count on, bale after bale, year after year. That is why we take such care with every cutting. From selecting the right seed varieties to baling at the perfect moisture level, our goal is simple: deliver quality forage that makes your life easier and your animals healthier.

Nutritional Breakdown

Parameter	Value	Benefit
Crude Protein	8-12%	Supports maintenance and moderate production needs
RFV (Relative Feed Value)	85-105	Reliable energy for everyday feeding requirements
ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber)	36-42%	Balanced digestibility with good rumen function
NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber)	62-68%	Promotes healthy digestion and satiety
Moisture Content	Under 12%	Safe storage, prevents mold and heating
TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients)	48-55%	Steady energy for maintenance and light production
Calcium	0.4-0.6%	Supports bone health and muscle function
Phosphorus	0.2-0.3%	Balanced with calcium for proper utilization

Why Choose Premium Valley Grass Hay

Valley grass hay is the workhorse of the forage world. It might not have the glamour of alfalfa or the specialty appeal of Teff grass, but it gets the job done day after day. When you buy wholesale hay from us, you are investing in dependability and value.

• Exceptional Value: Valley grass hay delivers reliable nutrition at a price point that makes sense for any operation. It is the smart choice for stretching your feed budget without compromising quality.
• Wide Acceptance: This is hay that animals love. The natural sweetness and consistent texture make it appealing across species. Horses eat it eagerly. Cattle clean it up. Even sheep and goats appreciate the quality.
• Balanced Nutrition: With moderate protein and energy levels, valley grass hay works well for animals on maintenance rations. It provides the fiber they need without excessive calories that can lead to obesity.
• Versatile Feeding Options: From small square bales for easy handling to large square bales for efficiency and round bales for pasture feeding, we offer the forms that work best for your operation.
• Consistent Quality: Our valley grass hay comes from established fields with reliable growing conditions. You get the same dependable forage load after load, season after season.

Understanding Hay Cuttings

Valley grass hay is typically harvested in multiple cuttings throughout the growing season. Each cutting offers distinct characteristics that suit different feeding situations.

1st Cutting Valley Grass Hay

Our standard offering is 1st cutting valley grass hay, harvested in late spring around May to June. This cutting offers the best balance of yield and quality for most operations.

• Harvest Timing: Late spring, May to June
• Characteristics: Moderate stem size, good leaf content, bright green color
• Nutrition: Moderate protein at 8-10%, good fiber content
• Best For: Maintenance rations, adult horses, dry cows, sheep, goats
• Pros: Excellent yield, reliable quality, affordable pricing
• Cons: May be coarser than later cuttings

2nd Cutting Valley Grass Hay

Second cutting offers improved quality with a softer texture and higher leaf content.

• Harvest Timing: Mid to late summer, July to August
• Characteristics: Finer stems, more leaves, darker green color
• Nutrition: Higher protein at 10-12%, more digestible
• Best For: Growing animals, performance horses, lactating females
• Pros: Superior palatability, higher nutrition, excellent quality
• Cons: Lower yield, higher price point

3rd Cutting Valley Grass Hay

Third cutting is the highest quality but limited in availability.

• Harvest Timing: Late summer to early fall
• Characteristics: Very soft, high leaf content, excellent color
• Nutrition: Highest protein at 12-14%, highly digestible
• Best For: Senior animals, convalescing animals, picky eaters
• Pros: Maximum palatability, highest quality, easy to chew
• Cons: Very limited availability, highest cost

Our Standard: We primarily offer 1st cutting valley grass hay, which provides the best balance of quality, yield, and value for most operations. For customers with specific needs, we may be able to source 2nd cutting upon request.

Best Use Cases by Animal

Horses

Valley grass hay is a staple for horse owners across the country. We recommend it for:

• Adult horses on maintenance diets
• Easy keeper horses needing moderate calorie intake
• Broodmares in early to mid-gestation
• Senior horses with good dental health
• Mixing with alfalfa for balanced rations
• Not recommended for: Performance horses requiring high energy without supplementation. Growing foals and lactating mares need higher protein sources.

Feeding Tip: Valley grass hay works best as part of a balanced feeding program. For horses with higher energy needs, consider mixing with alfalfa or supplementing with grain.

Dairy Cattle

Valley grass hay plays an important role in dairy operations:

• Dry cows: Provides ideal forage for the dry period
• Heifers: Supports proper growth without excessive energy
• Early lactation cows: Mix with higher quality forages for balanced rations

Feeding Tip: Valley grass hay works well as a base forage in dairy rations, especially when balanced with higher protein feeds for lactating cows.

Beef Cattle

Our bulk hay is a cost-effective choice for beef operations:

• Maintenance rations for dry cows and bulls
• Growing calves: Provides steady nutrition for moderate growth
• Backgrounding rations: Mix with other feeds for cost-effective gain

Goats and Sheep

Small ruminants thrive on valley grass hay:

• Maintenance rations for adult animals
• Dry does and ewes: Provides proper nutrition without excess energy
• Growing kids and lambs: Supports steady growth with balanced nutrition

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas

Valley grass hay is an excellent choice for small herbivores:

• Adult rabbits: Provides ideal fiber content for digestive health
• Guinea pigs: Supports dental health and proper digestion
• Chinchillas: Promotes healthy gut function and proper wear of teeth

Valley Grass Hay vs Timothy Hay

Valley grass hay and Timothy hay are both excellent choices for livestock feeding. While they share many similarities, there are some differences that may influence your decision.

Feature	Valley Grass Hay	Timothy Hay
Protein	8-12% (Moderate)	8-10% (Moderate)
Yield	Higher	Lower
Price	More Affordable	Higher
Availability	Widespread	Widespread
Palatability	Good, consistent	Good, consistent
Best For	All-purpose feeding, cost-effective operations	Horse owners seeking specific forage

Our Verdict: Valley grass hay offers excellent value for most operations. It provides reliable nutrition at a competitive price point. Timothy hay is a fine choice for specific applications, but for most farmers and ranchers, valley grass hay delivers the best combination of quality and affordability.

Our Grower’s Promise

Every bale we sell reflects our commitment to quality. Here is what you can expect when you buy from us:

• Bright Green Color: Properly cured hay that retains its nutritional value
• Sweet, Fresh Aroma: The smell of quality hay, never musty or moldy
• Consistent Texture: Even, well-formed bales that handle easily and feed well
• Weed-Free: Clean fields mean clean hay you can trust
• Low Dust: Proper moisture management keeps dust to a minimum
• Reliable Quality: Every load is visually inspected for quality and consistency

Our guarantee: If you are not satisfied with the quality of our valley grass hay, we will make it right. Your operation deserves the best, and we are committed to delivering that every time.

Storage and Handling Instructions

Proper storage is essential to preserving the quality of your valley grass hay. Follow these guidelines to protect your investment:

1. Keep It Dry: Store bales in a dry, well-ventilated barn or shed. If storing outside, use tarps and elevate bales on pallets.
2. Off the Ground: Place bales on wooden pallets, concrete slabs, or gravel to prevent wicking moisture from the ground.
3. Allow Airflow: Stack bales with gaps between rows to promote air circulation and prevent heat buildup.
4. Check Moisture: Bales should feel dry to the touch. If you notice heating, mold, or a musty smell, separate those bales immediately.
5. Monitor Shelf-Life: Properly stored valley grass hay can last 6 to 12 months without significant nutrient loss. For best results, feed within 12 months of harvest.

Warning: Never feed moldy or heated hay to animals. It can cause serious health issues including colic, respiratory problems, and mycotoxin poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is valley grass hay good for horses?

Yes, valley grass hay is excellent for horses. It provides the fiber and moderate nutrition that most adult horses need for maintenance. It is particularly well-suited for easy keepers, horses in light work, and those that do not require high energy rations. For horses with higher energy needs, consider mixing with alfalfa or supplementing with grain.

How does valley grass hay compare to alfalfa?

Valley grass hay has lower protein (8-12%) and energy compared to alfalfa (16-20%). While alfalfa is better for growing, lactating, and high-performance animals, valley grass hay is ideal for maintenance rations. Many operations use both, feeding alfalfa to animals with higher needs and grass hay to those on maintenance diets.

Can I feed valley grass hay to my dairy cows?

Valley grass hay is an excellent choice for dry cows, heifers, and as part of balanced rations for lactating cows. While it does not provide the high protein levels of alfalfa, it offers good fiber and moderate energy. For lactating cows, we recommend mixing with higher quality forages or supplementing with protein sources as needed.

What is the best cutting of valley grass hay?

The best cutting depends on your animals’ needs. 1st cutting offers the best value and yield, making it ideal for most operations. 2nd cutting provides higher quality with more leaves and softer texture. 3rd cutting is the highest quality but is limited in availability. We recommend 1st cutting for most feeding situations.

How long does valley grass hay last in storage?

When stored properly in a dry, well-ventilated area off the ground, valley grass hay can maintain quality for 6 to 12 months. Key signs of freshness include bright green color, sweet smell, and consistent texture. After 12 months, nutrients, especially vitamin A, begin to degrade. For best results, feed within 12 months of harvest.

Quality hay is the foundation of any successful livestock operation. We take that responsibility seriously, and it shows in every bale. When you choose our premium valley grass hay, you are choosing consistency, value, and a partner who understands the demands of modern agriculture. It is not just feed. It is the reliable foundation your operation needs to thrive.