When it comes to haymaking, one of the most crucial decisions a farmer or producer must make is the cutting height. The height at which you cut your forage plays a significant role in the overall quality and yield of the hay, as well as the long-term health of the pasture. Below, we’ll explore why cutting height matters, highlighting the benefits of getting it right and the risks of cutting too high or too low.  

Impact on Forage Quality

Cutting height directly influences the nutritional value of hay. Forage cut at a higher height typically contains a higher percentage of leaves, which are the most nutritious part of the plant. Leaves are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them a crucial part of the diet for livestock. Conversely, cutting too low often results in a greater proportion of stems in the hay, which are more fibrous, less digestible, and lower in nutrients.

Maintaining an optimal cutting height helps ensure a more balanced nutritional profile, which is particularly important for animals that rely on hay as a primary food source.

Encouraging Forage Regrowth

Another key reason for paying attention to cutting height is promoting healthy regrowth of the forage stand. When vegetation is cut too short, it can damage the plant’s root system, leading to slower regrowth and potentially weakening the pasture. This could also make the pasture more susceptible to weeds, which can outcompete the grass for nutrients and sunlight.

By cutting at the recommended height—typically around 3-4 inches above ground level for most grasses—you allow the plant to maintain its root reserves, giving it a better chance of regrowing quickly and healthily after each cut. This helps to maintain a sustainable, productive pasture over time.

Minimizing Soil Compaction

Cutting grass too close to the ground can also affect soil health. If the mower is set too low, it can lead to soil compaction, especially in wetter conditions. This restricts water drainage and root development, making it harder for plants to thrive. By setting your cutting height correctly, you reduce the risk of disturbing the soil structure, promoting better root penetration and overall pasture vitality.

Preserving Pasture Biodiversity

Pastures are often home to a variety of plant species. Cutting too low can reduce the chances of these diverse species thriving, especially those that may be slower to regrow or less tolerant of frequent mowing. By adjusting the cutting height to allow some plants to survive longer, you support biodiversity, which can have positive effects on both pasture resilience and overall ecosystem health.

Optimizing Hay Yield

While cutting at a higher height may seem like it results in less hay per acre, it can actually optimize long-term yield. If you continually cut too short, the grass will struggle to regrow, leading to smaller harvests over time. By maintaining an appropriate cutting height, you ensure that the grass has the energy it needs to regenerate and produce multiple harvests throughout the growing season.

Reducing Weed Competition

A properly maintained cutting height helps keep weeds at bay. Taller grass shades out weeds, reducing their ability to thrive. Cutting grass too short leaves the soil exposed, creating an opportunity for weeds to take root and spread. In contrast, by ensuring that grass is cut at a moderate height, you give your pasture the upper hand in competing with unwanted vegetation.

Conclusion

The height at which you cut your grass for haymaking is much more than just a technical decision—it has far-reaching consequences for the quality of the forage, the health of your pasture, and the long-term sustainability of your haying operation. By cutting at the right height, you can enhance the nutritional value of your hay, encourage better regrowth, protect the soil, and maintain a thriving, diverse pasture. Whether you're a small-scale farmer or managing a large operation, getting the cutting height right is an essential aspect of successful haymaking.

Ibex Drum Mower Lift Kits

Are you needing to raise the cutting height of your pastures in your hay-making process? Be sure to check out the lift kits for our Ibex Drum Mowers. Lift kits are an excellent addition to your haymaking equipment, allowing for easy adjustments to cutting height. These kits consist of spacers and plates that serve to raise or lower the mower to accommodate different types of forage, soil conditions, and terrains. This flexibility helps ensure that you’re cutting at the optimal height, whether you're working on uneven ground or trying to avoid damaging delicate plants.

Lift kits also make it easier to prevent over-cutting, which can damage the root systems of your grasses and hinder regrowth. By providing more precise control over the cutting height, lift kits help maintain pasture health and improve the overall efficiency of your haying operation.

These add-on kits are sized for each of our mowers and consist of two plates which attach to the bottom of the drums to increase cutting height. They are easy to install and will give your mower just the boost it needs to protect your forage and improve your hay yields. For more information on these kits or our other haymaking equipment, give us a call at 260-BALE-HAY today!