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HAY PRODUCTION IN MONTANA
THE PRODUCTION OF A QUALITY HAY CROP CAN BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE
Alfalfa is the most important forage crop in Montana. It is grown in every county in the state and nearly all the hay is consumed by the livestock within the state. Alfalfa hay can have a protein level as high as 22% or more and as little as 10% or less depending on when harvest occurs and weather damage. The crop can produce four to seven tons per acre for a value of up to $560 dollars per acre. Alfalfa can be damaged by diseases, insects, grazing animals, and by harvesting too late in the growing season. Alfalfa is a very expensive crop to establish so landowners need to take care of their stands.
Dairy cattle tend to require high amounts of high quality alfalfa while beef cattle utilize lower quality alfalfa. Most beef producers tend to seed some grass with their alfalfa while dairy producers demand a pure alfalfa crop that is cut early to maximize the protein content of the hay. The addition of grass to the seed mix is preferred by beef cattle owners and horse owners.
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