How Does Cutting Time of Day Affect Hay Drying and Nutrient Retention?

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Introduction

Timing is one of the most critical yet overlooked factors in haymaking. The time of day when hay is cut significantly influences both its drying rate and nutrient quality, especially sugar and protein content. Understanding these physiological changes helps farmers determine the ideal cutting window for maximum nutritional value and minimal spoilage risk.

1. Morning Cutting (6 AM – 10 AM)

Pros:

  • Cooler temperatures and lower wind speeds make handling easier.
  • Allows more daylight hours for drying before nightfall.

Cons:

  • Higher moisture content in plants due to overnight dew and plant respiration.
  • Slower drying initially, especially in humid regions.

Morning-cut hay often takes longer to reach safe baling moisture, which can increase the risk of mold or leaf shatter if not properly managed.

According to the University of Wisconsin Forage Research Center hay cut before 9 AM may contain up to 10% more moisture than hay cut later in the day.

2. Afternoon Cutting (11 AM – 4 PM)

Pros:

  • Peak sugar concentration in plants occurs mid-afternoon after a full day of photosynthesis.
  • Faster drying rates due to higher temperatures and lower humidity.
  • Reduces the risk of microbial activity and heating during storage.

Cons:

  • Hotter conditions may lead to leaf loss in legumes like alfalfa if not handled carefully.
  • Requires close monitoring to prevent over-drying before baling.

For most climates, early afternoon cutting (1–3 PM) strikes the ideal balance between nutrient density and drying efficiency.

3. Evening Cutting (5 PM – 9 PM)

Pros:

  • Cooler air reduces leaf shatter during mowing.
  • Ideal for very hot or arid regions where daytime cutting dries hay too fast.

Cons:

  • Dewfall and humidity can re-wet forage overnight.
  • Reduced sugar levels, as plants respire and consume carbohydrates during the evening.

Evening cutting can work if followed by multiple clear, dry days—but it generally poses higher spoilage risks in temperate regions.

4. Optimal Cutting Strategy

To maintain hay quality:

  • Test moisture frequently using a probe before baling (target: 12–15%).
  • Spread windrows thinly to encourage even drying.
  • Tedding once during early drying can reduce drying time by up to 25%.
  • Adjust strategy by weather: in humid climates, afternoon cuts perform best; in arid zones, evening may be viable.

Conclusion

The time of day you cut hay directly determines its feed value and storage safety. For most producers, cutting in the early afternoon yields the best combination of nutritional quality, sugar retention, and efficient drying. Precision in timing leads to higher-quality hay, improved marketability, and greater profitability.