Benefits of Baling Oats for Livestock Feed and Optimizing Operations

The Benefits of Baling Oats for Livestock Feed

Oats are an excellent livestock feed and baling oats to make hay is a great way for farmers to efficiently harvest and store this nutritious grain for their animals. Baling oats has many advantages over other harvesting methods.

Higher Yields

Allowing oats to fully mature and dry in the field before baling maximizes grain yields compared to harvesting for hay at an earlier stage. Oat hay harvested prior to maturity tends to have lower nutrient levels as well.

Reduced Field Losses

Baling oats after the grains have cured reduces losses from shatter and stalk breakage compared to earlier cutting. The stiff, dry oat stems hold the heavy oat heads well for efficient baling.

Better Storage

Baled oat hay stores very well with minimal spoilage. The dry hay bales can be safely stacked and stored outside with effective shedding from rain and snow. In humid climates, storing bales under cover is recommended.

Higher Feed Value

Harvesting oats at maturity maximizes the grain content and protein levels of the hay. The higher nutrition packed into each bale results in less waste. Livestock eagerly consume the sweet, palatable oat hay.

Flexible Feeding Options

Oat bales can be fed in racks, unrolled on pasture, or processed through a mixer wagon. The baled oat hay provides flexibility for producers to efficiently utilize the feed.

Fits Any Baling Operation

Mature oats can be easily baled with standard square or round balers. Oats tend to bale up densely for good package weight and are not prone to excess dry matter losses.

Lower Harvesting Costs

Only one pass through the field is needed to swath and bale the oats compared to multiple cuttings for hay. This significantly reduces fuel, labor, and equipment costs.

Optimizing Your Oat Baling Operation

To maximize the benefits of baling oats, follow these best practices:

Choose the Right Variety

Select a variety optimized for grain production, not one intended for hay. Standard milling oat varieties have good straw strength and high grain yields.

Seed at an Ideal Rate

Aim for a seeding rate of 3 bushels per acre drilled or 4 bushels broadcast. Thicker seedings lodge easily and are prone to disease.

Harvest at Maturity

Time the baling for when the oat grains reach maturity at 30-40% moisture. Use a moisture tester to monitor the fields.

Mow High

Set the mower bar at least 8 inches high to leave long stubble. This holds the swaths off the ground well for drying.

Allow Proper Drying Time

Leave oat swaths spread wide in the fields for 4-7 days until the moisture drops below 20%. Rain can delay baling.

Adjust Baler Settings

Reduce baler tension and use net wrap to prevent leaf loss. Watch for any slug feeding issues and adjust as needed.

Store Bales Properly

Stack bales tightly on well-drained ground with a crushed rock base. Cover the stack with tarps or store in a shed.

The Bottom Line on Baling Oats

With the right harvest timing, drying conditions, and baling practices, baling oats is an excellent way for livestock producers to maximize their oat hay yields and nutrition. The properly cured and baled oat hay provides a cost-effective high-quality feed that animals readily consume.

FAQs

What is the best moisture level for baling oats?

Aim to bale oats when the grain moisture is between 20-25%. Oats baled under 20% can shatter and lose leaves, while over 25% increases spoilage risk.

How long does oat hay take to dry before baling?

Expect oat hay swaths to take 4-7 days to dry down sufficiently for baling. Spread the swaths wide and flip as needed to speed drying.

Can oats be baled with a regular square baler?

Yes, standard square balers can efficiently bale mature oat hay. Reduce the bale density and use net wrap to prevent leaf loss.

How should baled oat hay be stored?

Stack bales tightly on a well-drained gravel, asphalt, or concrete surface. Cover stacks with tarps or store in a shed to prevent weather damage.

What nutrients does baled oat hay provide?

Oat hay is typically over 12% protein and provides significant fiber, carbohydrates, and minerals like calcium and potassium for livestock.