The Science Bit....
The Science behind our hay.
Producing high-quality hay is not just about cutting and baling — it is a carefully managed process that relies on controlling moisture content and ensuring consistency in weight and quality.
At the core of this is understanding the relationship between moisture and dry matter, which directly affects both the nutritional value and storage safety of hay.
Moisture Content Explained
Moisture content is one of the most important factors in determining hay quality.
If hay is baled with too much moisture, typically above 20%, it can lead to mould growth, heating, and spoilage. In more extreme cases, excessive moisture can even result in spontaneous combustion during storage.
On the other hand, hay that is too dry, generally below 10–12%, becomes brittle and loses valuable leaf material. As the leaf is the most nutritious part of the plant, this reduces the overall feed value.
For this reason, the optimal moisture content for hay at baling is typically between 14% and 18%. This range provides a balance between safe storage and maximum nutritional retention.
Dry Matter and True Value
Although hay is sold by weight, not all weight represents usable feed.
Each bale contains a combination of dry matter and water. Dry matter is the portion that provides nutritional value, while water content can vary depending on conditions at the time of baling.
For example, a bale weighing 500kg at 15% moisture contains approximately 425kg of dry matter and 75kg of water.
This is why moisture control is essential — it ensures consistency and fairness, so customers receive a reliable product every time.
The WeighHay Process
Our WeighHay process is designed to provide transparency and consistency across every bale.
We carefully monitor moisture levels throughout production and use calibrated weighing systems to ensure accuracy. By combining moisture awareness with precise weighing, we are able to maintain consistent bale weights and quality across all loads.
This approach reduces variability and gives our customers confidence in both the weight and the value of the hay they receive.
Why It Matters
Consistent hay quality leads to better outcomes for both horses and livestock.
By controlling moisture and ensuring accurate weights, we help to:
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Maintain nutritional consistency
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Reduce waste
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Improve storage stability
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Provide reliable value
In Summary
High-quality hay depends on getting the balance right. Moisture content affects safety and preservation, while dry matter determines true nutritional value.
Our WeighHay process ensures that every bale is produced with these principles in mind, delivering consistency, quality, and confidence with every load.