One page to plan winter hay for your herd: head count, days, bales on hand, what to buy, and a feeding log. Print it or save it as a PDF. Free, no signup needed.
Per head per day: weight × 2.5% ÷ hay dry matter (about 0.88) × (1 + waste: 0.10 low, 0.20 typical, 0.35 high)
Group
Lb/head/day
× head × days
Total lb
÷ bale wt = bales
Total
3. Hay on hand vs. to buy
Where / lot
Bales
Avg bale wt (lb)
Tested? (DM %, CP %)
Short (needed − on hand)
Price/ton $______ Budget $______
4. Feeding log
Date
Pasture / lot
Bales fed
Supplement
Notes (weather, condition)
Planning estimate using Extension rules of thumb (NDSU, UW, UF/IFAS, Illinois Extension); not a ration. Test hay and ask your county Extension agent. From theranchstack.com · free weekly ranch-tech email at theranchstack.com
The Ranch Stack Weekly
One short email a week: a ranch problem, the tools worth a look, and one free resource. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
The Ranch Stack
The Cattle Range