Hay Information
Most hay crops are grown at high altitudes in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains have many of the same qualities.  Most of these qualities are a result of cool night time temperatures during the growing months, low humidity, a short growing season, and limited rainfall during the harvesting of our hay crops.  The cool night time temperatures and cold mornings result in less time for the plant to take all the energy it accumulated during the day and turn it into hay growth.  This results in hay that is much more nutritious per inch of growth compared to climates that have warm nights.  The low humidity in the Eastern Sierras is a direct result of limited rainfall year around.  Typically we receive less than 15 inches of rainfall per year.  With most summers having only occasional thunder storms of 1/4 of an inch or less.  Last summer (2007) we had no summer rains for 4 months.  Because of these dry summers we have very little dew which allows our hay to stay green (no bleaching) and dry quickly, usually 3 to 5 days.                                                                  
   This page will describe the many types of hays that we sell and how hays out of the same field change from 1st cutting to later cuttings. Most of our hays have some alfalfa in them because we only disc our fields (no chemicals are used to kill weeds or the alfalfa)  to change over to grass or oat hay. The alfalfa will volunteer back and still be in the hay to a minor degree.  If you look at our nutritional tests it will indicate the amount of alfalfa in the hay crop. If any of your animals are allergic to alfalfa do not feed this hay to your animals.  Most of the time small amounts of alfalfa will be enjoyed by your animal, and as our tests indicate will have very little effect on protein levels or calcium levels.  Our hay is what most animals would find out in the wild, a variety to a small degree.
       1st CROP TIMOTHY HAY
This cutting produces more hay than any of the following cuttings. Its cattail seed heads, leaves and stems are larger than 2nd or 3rd cuttings. We cut our 1st crop timothy when the cattail seed heads have formed but the pollen has not formed and the plant is a little immature. This gives the hay a good balance between the roughage and the nutrition needed for your rabbits,chins guinea pigs, and other herbivores. Horse owners love this crop also.This hay while coarser than the following cuttings , will keep your animals busy wearing down their teeth and giving them something to play with.
2nd CROP TIMOTHY HAY
This cutting has  fewer stems, smaller seed heads, and smaller leaves. This crop has a quarter of the tonnage per acre than the first cutting.  Its overall texture is more delicate and softer than 1st crop timothy.Your animals will gain weight on this cutting because it is so easy to eat. Always remember to change hay types slowly over at least a couple of weeks.
1st CROP ALFALFA
Alfalfa is different from timothy and other grasses because it is a warm weather crop.  It has a much finer texture and more leaves on its 1st and 3rd cuttings and alot more nutrition per pound than second crop alfalfa.This cutting will have more grass in it than 2nd crop alfalfa. Because this crop has some grass your animals will like its variety. Feed this to your younger animals or those with young babies for its high protein and calcium levels.               2nd CROP ALFALFA
Second crop alfalfa is liked by many animals and its owners because it has very few weeds and very little grass. It is less nutritious than 1st crop but still very good for young growing animals.
OAT HAYThis hay is where you get your oatmeal from. The seeds are in the top of the plant with the majority of the plant having long stems. This hay is coarser than 1st crop timothy and the nutritional value is slightly lower. Your rabbits, chins and guinea pigs will like finding the seeds and eating some for a change of pace. Mix it with your other hays for a little treat. This hay is good for horses when grass hay is hard to find.
Hay Test:
All Hay is tested at least once per year. J & L Analytical Services,INC. Modesto California does are tests for hay nutrients.
All hay nutrients are  listed at 90% dry matter basis.
2007 Test results
Alfalfa 90%, Grass 10%---- 3rd crop Alfalfa
Crude protein 22.1
ADF- acid detergent 21.2
TDN - total digestible nutrients 58.2
Potassium 1.6
Sodium .15
Magnesium .32
Calcium 1.45
Phosphorus .32
Sulfur .23
Chloride .27
99% Oat Hay   
Protein 9.2
ADF 32.1
TDN 50.6
Potassium 1.2
Sodium .73
Magnesium .14
Calcium .21
Phosphorus .23
Sulfur .14
Chorlide .58
80% Timothy     20% Alfalfa --- 1st Crop Timothy
CP 12.6
ADF 28.7
TDN 51.6
Potassium  1.8
Sodium .07
Magnesium .16
Calcium .51
Phosphorus .30
Sulfur .15
Chloride .39