HHay is a grass or other herbaceous plant that has been cut, raked, and baled. HIt is fed to particular grazing livestock: ICattle IHorses IGoats ISheep

HCommonly used plants for hay include mixtures of grasses such as: IRyegrass ITimothy IBrome IFescue IBermuda Grass IOrchard Grass IAlfalfa

HIn the central valley alfalfa is the most common hay harvested. HIt is also the most popular and important forage crop grown in California. HNot only is it the oldest cultivated forage crop, but it is also one of the most palatable and nutritious. HIt is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

HFor quality hay, it must be cut right before the alfalfa is going to bloom. HSwathers are used to cut the alfalfa. HThe main purpose of the swather is to cut, condition and make windrows of the hay. HThe front of the swather is a 14-foot long reel that cuts the hay.  The back two wheels rotate to make sharp turns.

HBefore raking check the hay in the windrow. HIn the afternoon check to see if 70% of the windrow is dry. HWhen 70% of the windrow is dry and you have 15-20% moisture then that is the best time to rake it. HFor raking, drive the circular rakes between two of the windrows that the swather made and combine them into 1 large windrow.

HThe two most popular balers are small three-string and the 4x3 big baler. HSmall balers start baling at 13% moisture and end at 20%. HBig balers start baling at 9% of moisture and end at 17%.

HThe stacker is used when the hay has been made into bales and is ready to be moved. HIt picks up the bales in the field and stacks them for easier storage.