Hay Rake-Type Impact on Ash Content in Hay

Ash is defined as the total mineral content of forage. Excessive ash is most commonly associated with soil contamination which provides no nutritional value to animals and may lead to reduced economic efficiencies when purchasing hay. Because soil disturbance is possible during hay raking, this harvest phase has a potential to affect ash content of forage. University of Minnesota Regional Extension Educator, Abby Neu, MS, discusses current best management practices for reducing ash content in hay and her research investigating hay rake impacts on ash content in alfalfa hay. Funding for this research was possible through the USDA-NIFA Alfalfa Seed and Forage Systems Research Program and was a collaboration between the University of Minnesota, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Wisconsin. We acknowledge the cooperation of Leaning Pine Farm and thank New Holland Agriculture for the use of the hay merger in Minnesota.

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My great Uncle used a Dump Rake pulled by horses.