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Thumb of Michigan | My main hay market is horse hay. I work to produce what's called 'low sugar' hay (hay that's below 10% of WSC). The reason some horse folks want this low sugar hay is because of laminitis (their horse may have or had it in the past). I think of it as being diabetic (too much sugar in horse's diet, like sweet feed).
Anyhow, back to my question, normally I produce all low sugar hay. As an example: last year all my hay tests came back at below 10%, with the exception of one (it was like 10.01%). So far this year, my hay tests are coming back at 14% to 18.5%. Wow, is my thinking, what's causing this?
I didn't change my cutting/harvesting methods, I didn't cut back on my fertility program, I'm using the same equipment (going out on a limb). The only thing I can come up with is 'Mother nature batting last', e.g. my area has been extremely dry for the month of May. 1" of rain verses 4" monthly average. Last rain was .48" May 18-19.
Perhaps, plant stress causing the high sugar content?
What's NAT say?
TIA | |
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High sugar hay
