If you are thinking about hay farming but unsure if it's worth it, first research to ensure you get your money's worth. For example, you should consider soil, type of grass, weather, and farming techniques. But aside from these factors, what else should you contemplate to maximise your hay output?

According to Graduate Farmer, in Kenya, the yield of bales per acre for hay farming can range from 200 to 300 bales per cutting. However, this figure varies depending on factors such as the type of grass, soil fertility, and weather conditions.

In a worst-case scenario, where conditions are less than ideal, the hay yield per acre can drop significantly. Poor soil fertility, drought, and suboptimal grass varieties can lower productivity. In such cases, you should harvest around 100 to 150 bales per acre per cutting (in Kenya).

Hay bales come in various sizes and differ according to country or region. For example, Smart Farmer Kenya states that the standard conventional two-string hay bale should measure 90 cm x 45 cm x 35 cm and weigh a minimum of 15 kilograms (18–22 kgs optimal conditions).

Internationally, the size of hay bales varies. Per Measuring Know-How, the most common hay bale dimensions (average) are:

In Kenya, the average yield for small square bales is around 200 to 275 bales, 15 kilograms each, per acre of land (for Boma Rhodes grass). Internationally, the number per acre is from 70 to 150 bales, 50 pounds or 22.6 kilograms each (for Orchard grass).

Round bales are bigger and often preferred for large-scale operations. Typically, you can expect to yield 2 to 4 round bales per acre. This number assumes ideal growth conditions and a healthy stand of hay.

If you're using a standard 4x4 round baler, you may achieve a slightly higher yield, while larger 5x5 round bales could result in fewer bales per acre due to their increased size.

Depending on the hay's density and moisture content, a 5x5 round bale typically weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. With such large bales, you can expect around 1.5 to 2.5 bales per acre.

If maximising output is your goal, ensure timely cutting and avoid over-drying, as excessive moisture loss can decrease the bale's density.

"Rolls of hay" is another term often used for round bales. The expected yield depends on the bale size. For standard 4x5 bales, you might achieve 2 to 3 rolls per acre.

There are three basic sizes of hay bales. Large round rolls yield about five per acre, while large rectangular bales yield approximately 40 per acre. Small rectangular bales yield between 100 and 300 bales per acre.

In Kenya, hay farmers can yield between 200 and 300 bales per acre, depending on the type of grass, soil quality, and farming practices.

For Boma Rhodes grass (Kenya), you can typically expect to produce between 200 and 300 average bales of hay per acre, weighing around 15 kilograms each. In the US, Canada, Australia, Spain, and Italy, alfalfa hay (legume-type plant) can yield up to 120 bales per acre, while orchard grass typically yields about 20 to 60 bales per acre.

To calculate the number of bales per acre, you can use the following formula from Build Wise Calculator:

Number of bales=Field size (acres)×Yield per acre (tonnes)×1000/Bale weight (Kilograms)

Here's a step-by-step explanation:

For example, if your field size is 1 acre and the yield per acre is 2 tonnes (2000 kilograms), the calculation would be:

Number of bales=1×2×1000/15≈133 bales per acre

Using the scenario above, you would produce approximately 133 bales per acre, weighing 15 kilograms.

Hay farming in Kenya can be profitable, with some farmers earning a good income. Factors that can affect crop profitability include the cost of capital, the cost of storage, and the price of hay.

The most common grass used for hay in Kenya is the Boma Rhodes grass. It has a high yield, good nutritional value, and drought tolerance. Another popular choice is Napier grass (elephant grass), known for its fast growth and adaptability to various soil and climatic conditions.

Alfalfa (Lucerne) is the most commonly used legume plant for making hay. Because of its high protein content and digestibility, alfalfa hay is ideal for feeding dairy cattle, horses, and other livestock.

Now you know how many bales of hay per acre you can yield. For the best outcome, it's essential to harvest at the right time, keep the soil healthy, dry the hay properly, and maintain your equipment. Keeping an eye on the weather and preparing the fields well can also make a big difference.

Are you looking for more information about the best agriculture courses in Kenya? Tuko.co.ke published an informative article listing the various branches of agriculture you can study in Kenya.

Agriculture is a very marketable course in Kenya, with numerous institutions offering it at different levels. There are many options, whether you are interested in dairy technology, sustainable agriculture, or agribusiness management. Read the article for more information.

Source: TUKO.co.ke