Benefits of haymaking for the producer's pocket

Haymaking has proven to be an essential practice for cattle ranchers and horse breeders seeking efficiency and savings in feeding their animals. Brazil, with a cattle herd of over 234,4 million head, including beef cattle and dairy production, has livestock farming as an activity of great economic relevance, and, in horse breeding, the 4th largest herd in the world, with over 5,7 million head.

One of the main challenges faced by producers is ensuring quality feed for their animals, especially during times of scarce rainfall. In this scenario, the production of hay and pre-dried hay has been gaining prominence as an effective solution for keeping livestock well-nourished all year round.

In addition to ensuring adequate nutrition, these forage conservation techniques have a direct impact on the producer's pocketbook. By using hay or pre-dried hay, the farmer can save on costs with external feed or corn silage, which is still widely used. This translates into greater food security for the herd and fewer fluctuations in feed costs, benefiting the profitability of the activity.

Both haymaking and pre-dried hay have distinct advantages, meeting different needs on rural properties. Hay, with its low moisture content, is known for its durability and ease of storage, and can be used for months without losing its nutritional properties. Pre-dried hay, which has 30 to 40% more moisture than hay, is produced much more quickly, being cut and baled in a single day. This speed makes it an excellent option for regions with high rainfall rates, since it can be stored at the production site after being packaged.

Pre-dried production also brings other advantages. Since the time between cutting and baling is reduced, there is less exposure to the weather, which ensures better preservation of the plant's nutrients. Thus, the food produced maintains high quality, benefiting the health of the herd and, consequently, the farm's productivity.

With the growing demand for greater efficiency in the production of feed for livestock, the mechanization of haymaking has become indispensable. Specialized equipment ensures a faster and more efficient process, from cutting the forage to baling the final product. Proper management of forage, whether for the production of hay or pre-dried hay, must follow the same care as for any other crop, using machines that increase operational yield and preserve quality.

With a complete portfolio of machines and technologies focused on haymaking, Massey Ferguson offers solutions that help producers improve operational efficiency and the quality of the final product. This technology reduces work time in the field and ensures that the feed offered to animals is of the highest quality, maximizing the financial return for the producer.

With adequate mechanization and the use of technologies that facilitate the production process, livestock farmers can increase productivity, reduce costs and ensure the sustainability of their operations. More than a nutritional solution, haymaking is a strategy that contributes to the success of livestock and horse breeding in Brazil.

*Per Lucas Zanetti (pictured), Product Marketing Manager at Massey Ferguson