Manage Hay and Forage Sustainably

What happens here

Implement sustainable hay and forage management strategies that minimize reliance on external inputs. For Stoney Ridge Farm, this involves unrolling hay bales directly onto pastures, which not only feeds the cattle but also distributes grass seeds and organic matter, reducing the need for separate seeding operations. The presenter cautions against the high costs and labor involved in cutting and baling your own hay with expensive machinery (e.g., $70,000 tractor, $40,000 baler). For smaller operations with limited land and capital, purchasing hay and strategically unrolling it can be a more economically viable and regenerative approach than investing in hay-making equipment.

Goal: Minimize external hay inputs and maximize natural forage regeneration