When purchasing farm produce such as hay, haylage or straw, quality and storage conditions are critical. Taking time to inspect and ask the right questions can help protect animal health and ensure good value.
Please note: These guides do not constitute legal advice and any information provided should not be construed as legal advice or legal interpretation. We do not accept any liability for any loss caused by reliance on this guide.
Buying Hay
Colour
Ask the seller about the colour of the hay before viewing.
Silvery green hay is generally considered best.
Brown hay may indicate it was cut late.
Green hay is acceptable if it is fully dry.
Greenish hay typically retains better nutrition.
Dust
Inspect for dust carefully.
Dust can cause respiratory problems in livestock.
Low-moisture hay may release mould spores.
Horses in particular are susceptible to dust-related conditions.
If the hay appears excessively dusty, avoid purchasing it.
Species
Different livestock require different hay types.
Horses generally require less dusty, softer hay.
Cattle can tolerate a wider variety of species.
Fertilisation
Ask whether the land was fertilised and what type of fertiliser was used.
Organic farmers cannot use fodder grown on land treated with inorganic fertilisers.
Bale Type and Transport
Determine:
Whether the bales are round or square.
Whether you have suitable machinery to transport them.
Whether delivery is available and whether there is an additional charge.
Confirm that the bale size suits your storage capacity and usage needs.
Buying Haylage
Haylage must be wrapped properly to prevent mould.
When inspecting:
Check wrapping for holes or tears caused by birds or rodents.
Ask how long the grass was wilted before baling.
Confirm dry matter content — 50% or more is desirable.
Be cautious of unusually heavy bales, as they may contain excess moisture and lower nutritional value.
Buying Pit Silage
If purchasing large quantities:
Consider taking a core sample for nutritional analysis.
Confirm dry matter content and digestibility.
Ask whether the crop is leafy or stemmy.
Leafy silage is generally preferred for horses, while stemmier fodder may be suitable for cattle.
Buying Straw
Inspect carefully:
Look for a golden colour.
Avoid straw with black spots, which may indicate moisture damage.
Smell the straw — musty odours suggest mould.
High moisture content can lead to mould growth.
Use common sense: if it does not look or smell right, avoid it.
General Advice
Ask the seller:
What type of sward or grass crop was used.
When grazing animals were removed (“closed up”).
What weather conditions were like during baling.
Rain during baling can reduce nutritional value.
Final Thoughts
Quality forage is essential for animal health and productivity. Careful inspection, clear questions and proper storage are key to making a good purchase decision.
Thanks to Padraig O’Kiely from Teagasc for sharing advice for potential buyers.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.