🌾 Hay & Forage Calculator
Estimate hay requirements and costs for your livestock. Input animal type, count, weight, and feeding regimen to calculate daily, weekly, and monthly hay needs in bales and tons.
Hay Calculator
Enter the total number of animals in your herd or flock.
Typical weights: Beef cattle 1000–1400 lbs, Dairy cows 1200–1500 lbs, Horses 900–1200 lbs, Goats 100–200 lbs, Sheep 100–200 lbs, Alpacas 100–180 lbs.
Pasture and grain supplements reduce hay consumption.
Lower quality hay means animals eat more to meet nutritional needs.
Average US price: $6–$12 per 50 lb small square bale. Round bales vary widely by region.
Small square bales: 40–60 lbs. Large square bales: 800–1500 lbs. Round bales: 800–1500 lbs.
Your Hay Estimate
—
Daily Hay (lbs)
—
Weekly Hay (bales)
—
Monthly Hay (tons)
—
Est. Monthly Cost
—
Hay per Animal (lbs/day)
—
Yearly Hay (tons)
How It Works
Our hay calculator uses standardized dry matter intake rates based on livestock type and body weight. These values are derived from university extension research and are widely used by livestock producers across the US.
Dry Matter Intake Basics
Livestock consume approximately 2–3% of their body weight in dry matter daily. As-fed hay (which contains 10–15% moisture) translates to roughly 2.2–3.5% of body weight per day. Dairy cows and growing animals have higher requirements, while animals on pasture or grain supplements need less hay.
Formula
Daily Hay (lbs) = Number of Animals × Weight (lbs) × Intake Rate × Quality Factor × Feed Type Factor
Weekly Bales = (Daily Hay × 7) ÷ Bale Weight
Monthly Tons = (Daily Hay × 30) ÷ 2000
Monthly Cost = (Daily Hay × 30 ÷ Bale Weight) × Price per Bale
Pro Tip: Always buy 10–15% more hay than you calculate for waste, weather losses, and unexpected feeding needs. Hay stored outside can lose 20–30% of its value to weather damage.