Winter Hay Supply Calculator
Estimate how many bales to buy for winter feeding, including hay dry matter and feeding waste.
Planning estimate only. This estimates quantity, not protein, energy, or mineral adequacy. Use a forage test and ration advice for nutrition decisions.
How hay need is calculated
Daily dry-matter intake is body weight times DMI percent. As-fed hay divides dry matter by hay dry matter percent. Total hay to buy divides the feeding total by one minus the waste fraction, then bales are rounded up.
Sources
Dry-matter intake and as-fed conversion: Oklahoma State and Wisconsin Extension hay-needs guidance. Waste factors: Purdue Extension and Wisconsin Extension big-bale storage guidance.