The grass you plant determines the hay you produce

Great hay doesn’t start in the field—it starts with the species you choose. Grass variety determines:

• Protein levels
• Yield
• Fiber quality
• Palatability
• Weather tolerance
• Sugar levels
• Regrowth speed

Choosing the right species can mean the difference between premium “horse-quality” hay and lower-grade forage that struggles to sell.

Below is a complete guide to the most reliable grass species for hay production, when to choose each one, and what livestock they’re best suited for.

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1. Timothy (Phleum pratense)

Ideal for: Horses, premium horse barns, performance horses

Timothy is the gold standard for horse hay in much of North America.

✔ Pros:

• Soft, leafy texture
• Highly palatable
• Low to moderate sugar
• Excellent for horses with respiratory sensitivity
• Strong market demand

✔ Nutritional profile:

• Protein: 8–12%
• Digestible energy: Moderate
• Fiber: High (gentle on digestive systems)

✔ Best climates:

• Northern U.S.
• Canada
• Cooler regions

❌ Cons:

• Doesn’t tolerate heat
• Slower regrowth
• Lower yields than some grasses

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2. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)

Ideal for: Horses, cattle, goats, mixed-species farms

Orchardgrass produces high yields and matures earlier than timothy.

✔ Pros:

• High yields
• Regrows quickly
• More protein than timothy
• Good drought tolerance

✔ Nutritional profile:

• Protein: 10–16%
• Often richer than timothy

✔ Best climates:

• Wide climate adaptability
• Performs well east of the Mississippi

❌ Cons:

• Can become stemmy if cut late
• Sometimes high in sugar

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3. Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)

Ideal for: Beef cattle, dairy heifers, goats

Fescue is durable, productive, and drought resistant.

✔ Pros:

• Very high yields
• Extremely drought tolerant
• Long stand life
• Cold hardy

✔ Nutritional profile:

• Protein: 8–14%
• Highly digestible when cut early

❌ Cons:

• Endophyte toxicity risk in some older varieties
• Not ideal for horses unless using endophyte-free or novel-endophyte varieties

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4. Ryegrass (Lolium spp.)

Ideal for: High-protein dairy, sheep, goats

Ryegrass is known for its lush, nutrient-dense forage.

✔ Pros:

• Highest sugars and protein among cool-season grasses
• Excellent palatability
• Great for sheep and dairy animals

✔ Nutritional profile:

• Protein: 12–20%
• Very high digestibility

❌ Cons:

• Short stand life
• High sugar levels (not ideal for metabolic horses)
• Requires good fertility

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5. Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)

Ideal for: Southern horses, cattle, goats

A top warm-season grass for hay in hot climates.

✔ Pros:

• Heat tolerant
• Consistent yields
• Great for horses

✔ Nutritional profile:

• Protein: 8–14%
• Fine-stemmed and soft

✔ Best climates:

• Southeast U.S.
• Texas
• Southwest

❌ Cons:

• Needs regular fertilization
• Can be stemmy if overmature

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6. Bromegrass

Ideal for: Horses, cattle, mixed herds

Known for its soft texture and winter hardiness.

✔ Pros:

• Very winter-hardy
• High-quality fiber
• Soft, leafy texture
• Good for horse markets

✔ Nutritional profile:

• Protein: 10–14%

❌ Cons:

• Slow to establish
• Not as high-yielding as fescue or orchardgrass

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7. Teff Grass

Ideal for: Horses needing low-sugar hay

Teff has exploded in popularity due to its low NSC levels.

✔ Pros:

• Naturally low sugar (great for IR/EMS horses)
• Soft and leafy
• Highly palatable
• Annual crop with high yields

✔ Nutritional profile:

• Protein: 10–14%
• NSC often 8–12%

❌ Cons:

• Sensitive to overgrazing or overcutting
• Requires warm soil to germinate

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8. Mixed Grass/Legume Fields (Timothy + Alfalfa, Orchard + Clover)

Ideal for: Dairy goats, performance horses, beef cattle

Mixes combine the benefits of grasses and legumes.

✔ Pros:

• Higher protein (12–20%)
• Better calcium
• Good for lactation
• Improved soil health

❌ Cons:

• Risk of blister beetles in alfalfa
• Requires careful cutting to avoid leaf loss

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9. How to Choose the Right Species for YOUR Hay Operation

✔ Choose Timothy if:

You sell to horse barns or want a premium market.

✔ Choose Orchardgrass if:

You want dependable yields and multiple cuttings.

✔ Choose Fescue if:

You want tough, high-yielding grass for cattle.

✔ Choose Ryegrass if:

You want very high protein for dairy.

✔ Choose Bermuda if:

You’re in the southern U.S.

✔ Choose Teff if:

You need low-sugar horse hay for metabolic animals.

✔ Choose Mixed hay if:

You’re selling to high-performance or dairy markets.

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10. Tips for Producing High-Quality Hay Regardless of Species

✔ Cut at early maturity

Highest protein, best texture.

✔ Keep soil fertility optimized

Nitrogen affects protein directly.

✔ Avoid rain during curing

Protects leafiness and quality.

✔ Store under cover

Reduces vitamin and dry matter loss.

✔ Test your hay

Nutrient testing ensures consistency and increases value.

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FAQ

What is the best grass for horse hay?

Timothy, orchardgrass, and bermuda (in the South).

What is the most profitable hay species?

Timothy and teff often sell for the highest premiums.

What grass has the most protein?

Ryegrass, followed by alfalfa mixes.

What’s the easiest grass to grow?

Fescue — very hardy and low maintenance.

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Conclusion: The Right Grass Species Builds a Strong Hay Business

Choosing the right grass species sets the foundation for high-quality hay, strong yields, and happy livestock customers. Whether you farm in a cool northern climate or the humid South, the right species will produce better hay and higher profits.

Smart hay begins with smart grass selection.