Hay Needed
16.4 tons (656 bales)
Cost
$4,097
Daily
190 lbs
Storage
2,458 sq ft
Total Hay Needed
16.4 tons
656 bales
Total Cost
$4,097
Daily Consumption
190 lbs
Storage Space
2,458 sq ft
Total Pounds
32,775
Inputs
Result
Daily per cow = 1,200 x 0.025 = 30 lbs. Daily total = 30 x 5 = 150 lbs. Over 150 days with 15% waste: 150 x 150 x 1.15 = 25,875 lbs = 12.9 tons. Bales = ceil(25,875 / 50) = 518. Cost = 12.9 x $250 = $3,234.
Inputs
Result
Cattle daily: 3 x 1,200 x 0.025 = 90 lbs. Horses daily: 2 x 1,000 x 0.02 = 40 lbs. Goats daily: 6 x 150 x 0.04 = 36 lbs. Total daily = 166 lbs. Over 150 days with 15% waste: 166 x 150 x 1.15 = 28,635 lbs = 14.3 tons.
A typical 1,200 lb cow eats about 30 lbs of hay per day (2.5% of body weight). Over a 5-month winter feeding season with 15% waste, one cow needs roughly 5,175 lbs or about 2.6 tons of hay.
A 1,000 lb horse eats about 20 lbs per day (2% body weight). For 5 months with 15% waste, that is 3,450 lbs or roughly 69 small square bales (50 lbs each). Buy extra for bad winters.
| Bale Type | Average Weight | Bales/Horse/Winter | Storage per Bale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small square | 40–60 lbs | 58–86 | 2×1×1.5 ft |
| Large square (3-string) | 100–140 lbs | 25–35 | 4×3×2.5 ft |
| Large round | 800–1,200 lbs | 3–4 | 5 ft diameter |
Without feeders, hay waste runs 20-30%. With hay rings or feeders, waste drops to 10-15%. Hay nets reduce waste to 5-10%. This calculator defaults to 15%, assuming basic feeder use.
| Feeding Method | Waste % | Cost Savings/Ton | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground feeding (no feeder) | 25–30% | $0 (baseline) | Temporary, small herds |
| Hay ring / rack feeder | 10–15% | $35–$50 | Cattle, horses |
| Slow-feed hay net | 5–10% | $50–$65 | Horses, easy keepers |
| Covered feeder with net | 3–5% | $60–$75 | Premium hay, small operations |
Hay prices vary by region and season. Good grass hay averages $150-300 per ton, premium alfalfa $250-400 per ton. Prices are lowest at harvest time (June-August) and peak in late winter.
Small square bales need about 150 sq ft per ton of storage. Large round or square bales are more space-efficient at roughly 100 sq ft per ton. Always store hay off the ground and under cover.
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.