10/17/2025
Happy Thursday! We loved seeing all of the participation and responses on Tuesday's post! Here's the answer to the TRUE or FALSE question:
You may have heard the blanket statement that first-cutting grass hay is poor quality, and second cutting is the best.
The truth is that quality depends on several factors, and any cutting of grass hay can be high or low quality regardless of if it was a first or second cutting.
Quality depends on:
Stage of maturity: The more mature the plant, the lower its energy content and the more stemmy and indigestible it becomes.
Type of grass: Different grasses (warm vs. cool season types) vary in nutrient content.
Presence of w**ds or mold: Both reduce hay quality.
Geographic location: Determines how many cuttings are possible and the length of the growing season. Typically, two cuttings, sometimes three, for grass hay.
First Cutting:
First-cuttings happens early in spring, when frequent rain can delay harvest. This delay allows plants to mature, resulting in more fiber, fewer nutrients, and a higher chance of w**ds or mold. Early-season w**ds are more common since they haven’t yet been outcompeted by grasses.
Second Cutting:
Second cutting usually occurs 6–8 weeks later. Fields typically have fewer w**ds, and mixed fields often contain more legumes at this time of year, increasing nutrient content.
Quality Varies:
Any cutting can produce high or low-quality grass hay. Weather, timing, and management determine quality, not just which cutting it is. Perfectly timed, w**d and mold-free first-cuttings can be excellent, while poorly handled second-cutting can be low quality.
Matching Hay to Horses:
Lower-nutrient first-cuttings can be ideal for easy keepers or horses prone to obesity. Nutrient-dense second cuttings can suit performance horses with higher energy needs. Your equine veterinarian is a great resource to advise which types of hay will be best for your particular horse's needs.
Ultimately, you can't accurately make a blanket statement saying first-cutting grass hay is poor quality and second cutting is best. The only way to know quality for sure is through a hay analysis.
Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.
