Forage is harvested and stored during periods of rapid, excess growth and fed during stress periods. This provides a means of feeding cattle 365 days a year. Hay is an important crop in Texas with an annual production of more than 6 million tons. Hay ranks fifth among major crops in Texas.
Quality varies more in hay than in any other major feed crop.
In view of the importance of hay in the feeding of livestock, it is unfortunate that hay has extreme variations in quality. Quality of hay refers to the feeding or nutritive value and palatability of hay. The higher the quality of hay, the better the performance of the animals eating. Hay production occupies over 4 million acres in the state. Hay can then be fed during periods when pasture forage is not available or extremely limited.