Harvesting hay at moisture levels exceeding 20 percent, compared to normal field-cured forage containing 14 to 18 percent water, has several advantages, especially with alfalfa hay. First, leaf loss is greatly reduced, resulting in a higher quality, more nutritious feedstuff. Second, baling at higher moisture allows producers to harvest earlier, with less chance of rain damage during unpredictable weather. These advantages must be weighed against the extra time, labor, and expense of hay preservative application, equipment and product to help prevent excessive molding, and potential fire in the hay crop.

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