National Hay Directory for Wholesale Quality Forage

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Forage

The National Hay Directory provides a list of horse hay wholesalers for dependable and economic sources. The National Hay Directory offers hay and forage information in video and article format plus national hay sources for cattle, horses and farm livestock.

Forage is an important part of a horse’s diet since horses are grazing animals and require a diet that is high in fiber. And, forages such as hay and pasture grasses are the primary source of fiber in a horse’s diet.

Horse Hay

Hay is the most common forage fed to horses. It is important to choose high-quality hay that is free from dust, mold, and weeds. The type of hay fed to horses depends on the horse’s age, weight, and activity level. Pasture grasses are another important source of forage for horses. Accordingly, horses should have access to pasture grasses for at least 12 hours a day.

It is important to ensure that the pasture grasses are free from toxic plants and that the pasture is not overgrazed. When sufficient pasture grass is not available, quality hay must be offered to provide the nutrients and grazing quality to the horses.

Hay to Avoid

When it comes to feeding horses, it's crucial to avoid certain types of hay that can be harmful to their health. Here are some types of hay to steer clear of:

1. Perennial Ryegrass and Rye: These grasses contain an endophyte neurotoxin that can cause minor tremors in horses.

2. Dallisgrass and Argentine Bahiagrass: The seed heads of these grasses contain ergot fungus, which can cause abortion in mares.

3. Johnsongrass, Sorghum Grasses, and Sudangrass: These varieties accumulate hydrocyanic acid, leading to cyanide poisoning, abortion in mares, and irreversible bladder cystitis.

4. Switchgrass: This grass can cause photosensitivity, peeling skin, mouth ulcers, and liver disease.

5. Foxtail Millet (German Millet) and Meadow Foxtail: These plants have coarse, fuzzy seed heads that can lodge in the tissues of the cheek and gums, causing festering lesions. They can also lead to kidney and joint issues.

6. Lawn Clippings: Mown grass clippings can be dangerous to horses as they can easily choke on them. Additionally, lawn clippings can host fungus, bacteria, and molds that cause diarrhea, colic, or respiratory distress. It's also important to avoid hay that is moldy or has a high moisture content, as this can lead to respiratory issues and colic.

Horse Hay for Sale

Buy all types of horse hay in square bales and round bales from throughout the United States and Canada.

Hay bales that are available are Bermuda coastal hay, perennial peanut hay, Alfalfa, timothy, alfalfa/timothy, alfalfa/orchard, orchard mixes, oat hays, Bermuda hay, Tifton 44, wheat straw, fescue hay, and prairie hay.

Wholesalers ensure that the hay they provide is of high quality, free from mold, dust, and weeds. They also offer various delivery options, including semi-loads and half-loads, to accommodate the needs of different customers. By working with trusted hay growers and maintaining strict quality standards, horse hay wholesalers help keep horses healthy and happy.

Specialized Hay

California Bermuda, California Alfalfa, Oregon Timothy, and Perennial Peanut Hay.

There are several types of hay available for horses, each with its own unique benefits:

1. Alfalfa Hay: This legume hay is rich in protein and calcium, making it an excellent choice for young, growing horses, lactating mares, and performance horses. However, it should be fed in moderation to avoid digestive issues and weight gain.

2. Timothy Hay: A popular grass hay, Timothy hay is high in fiber and low in protein and calcium. It is ideal for adult horses in light to moderate work and helps with digestion due to its long chewing time.

3. Orchard Grass Hay: This hay has a soft texture and a sweet taste, making it palatable for most horses. It is lower in protein and calories, making it suitable for horses prone to weight gain.

4. Bermuda Grass Hay: Common in warmer regions, Bermuda grass hay is a good source of fiber and energy. It is often used as a base for mixed hay.

5. Clover Hay: Another legume hay, clover is high in protein and minerals. It is often mixed with grass hay to balance the diet.

5. Oat Hay: Oat hay is a good source of fiber and energy, but it lacks certain essential minerals like copper. It should be supplemented with other hays or minerals.

6. Mixed Hay: This hay contains a blend of grasses and legumes, such as orchard grass and alfalfa. It provides a balanced diet and is suitable for most horses.

7. Perennial Peanut Hay: Perennial peanut is a high-quality forage legume which can be grazed or fed to horses, dairy and beef cattle, hogs, goats, sheep and rabbits. It can be stored as dry hay or silage and is an excellent substitute for alfalfa in southern states. Florigraze and Arbrook cultivars of perennial peanut, or rhizoma peanut, have been selected in Florida for their high yield, quality, persistence, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.

Buy and Sell Hay

The hay exchanges listed below are a resource to both buy and sell hay. Sellers can list their information using the website for each exchange.

One of the most important sources of hay is the Internet Hay Exchange where hay buy and sell offers are made on a national basis. The Internet Hay Exchange offers over 10,000 hay listings annually. Hay offerings change daily and prices are subject to market conditions.

National Hay Exchanges and Pricing Information

USDA Hay Price Reports

Hay pricing reports prepared by the USDA using information gathered from hay auctions throughout the USA.

Fresh from Florida Hay Suppliers

Complete list of Florida hay sellers and phone numbers from all areas of Florida. Call the hay farm directly to confirm availability, days and hours of operation, prices, types and sizes of bales, and transportation requirements.

Hay USA

Hay USA Inc. specializes in long distance domestic shipping of premium horse hay by the semi load. See price charts on the website. The site offers special blends of top quality hay from the West Coast such as California Alfalfa and Oregon Timothy. Centrally located in Weatherford, Texas. Delivery is available.

National Hay Association

The National Hay Association is made up of people that are involved in the production, sale and transportation of forage products across the United States

Internet Hay Exchange

Hay for sale on top hay listing and locator website for hay sources in the United States and Canada. Over 10,000 hay for sale listings published annually.

AgriHay Exchange

Lists availability of wholesale hay in the United States and Canada. Hay for sale may be sorted by state or province. Hay for sale listings including detailed information about the hay being offered including feed test results. Listings include Alfalfa, Alfalfa mixes, Grass, Bermuda, Oats, Timothy, and Orchard, in various size square bales and round bales.

Tropical Hay

Top quality Canadian hay, T/A or Alfalfa delivered with 100 bale minimum. Deliveries available anywhere in Florida. Regular deliveries Tuesday and Wednesday weekly.

Hay and Feed Articles

Beef Cattle Feed, Forage and Nutrition

When feeding cattle what matters most is the nutrients that forage does not provide. Forages often must be supplemented with energy or protein to meet the nutritional needs of cattle.

Stretching Your Horses Hay Supply During Drought

Drought conditions result in poor hay and pasture production and rising feed costs. Often, horse owners are forced to find alternative feed sources to either stretch their limited hady supply, or completely replace it. This article discusses some ideas on how to augment your hay supplies.

Perennial Peanut Hay Benefits

Peanut hay is indeed a suitable and nutritious feed option for horses.

- Safety and Similarity to Alfalfa Hay: Safe to Feed: Peanut hay is safe for horses. It closely resembles alfalfa hay in terms of nutritional value.

- High RFQ (Relative Forage Quality): Peanut hay’s high RFQ makes it suitable for pasture.

- Benefits: Weight Gain: It helps horses gain weight. Improved Feed Efficiency: Peanut hay enhances feed efficiency. Warmth in Winter: It keeps horses warm, especially during winter.

- Nutritional Profile: Protein: Peanut hay contains 20%–23% protein, making it an excellent plant-based protein source. Fats: Rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Low Carbs: With 13%–16% carb content, it enters the bloodstream quickly without unnecessary weight gain.

- Minerals and Vitamins: Peanut hay provides essential nutrients: Crude protein Phosphorus Copper Calcium Zinc Fiber (ADF and NDF) Potassium Magnesium In summary, peanut hay offers a balanced nutritional profile and can be a valuable addition to your horse’s diet.