How We Make Our Hay
Hay
The hay is grown on lush meadows in Indre Østfold. When the grass has reaches the desired nutritional value, and the weather is on our side, we cut it. It is then turned for 1 - 3 days to allow for a quick and even pre-drying before being brought into the hay dryer. When it is ready for delivery, the hay is pressed into small bales of about 20kg. Some is also pressed into large bales of around 500kg. Hay is a natural product, and the weather conditions of each year will affect its smell, color, and nutritional content.
At our drying facility, we can dry large quantities of hay. The dryer system makes us less dependent on the weather and allows for more consistent quality. A large dehumidifier continuously blow dry air through the hay, ensuring fast drying while preserving its high quality.
The main advantages of avoiding field-dry hay are:
- Less dependent on long periods of good weather - reduce risk of rain showers on the hay.
- Prevents loss of nutrients
- Preserves a nice green color
Haylage
We produce haylage in both large and small square bales. The small bales weigh about 20kg. They are easy to handle compared to big bales and round bales. The large square bales usually weigh between 300 and 400 kg.
Haylage is produced similary to dry hay, but instead of being dryed in a drying facility, it is packed in airtight wrapping to allow for a form of fermentation/ensiling - hence the name - haylage. The quality is preserved as long as the packaging remains intact and no air enters. The dry matter content in haylage ranges between 60 and 75%. Typically, it is around 70%. which provides a good combination of shelf life, platable feed, and easy handling.
If the dry matter content is 80% or more, we call it plastic-wrapped hay. This type of feed may have slightly reduced durability. Feed with less than 50% dry matter is not suitable for horses, as it is difficult to handle, freezes in winter, and carries a risk of botulism - which is deadly for horses.
Se our hay for horses (SE VÅRE HØY TIL HEST)
