Forage and Hay Services in Salinas, CA

Timing is the biggest challenge. Growers use Agnomy to line up mowing, baling, and hauling providers who can move quickly when cutting windows open.

Working with operators who understand moisture timing and cutting quality. Agnomy helps growers connect with experienced forage service providers.

In California's Central Valley, alfalfa is typically cut about seven to eight times per year, from roughly March or April through October. Cooler northern and intermountain regions get only three to four cuttings, while the low desert can reach ten or more. Each cutting follows a roughly 24 to 30 day cycle during the warm season.

Alfalfa quality is driven mostly by cutting timing relative to plant maturity, with hay cut at early bloom or earlier testing higher in protein and relative feed value. Curing without rain and baling at the right moisture, around 18 to 20%, preserves the leaves where most of the nutrition sits. This is why growers prize fast, well-timed custom cutting and baling crews.