Most bad hay purchases happen because buyers didn't ask the right questions before committing. A reputable hay farmer will answer these questions directly and without defensiveness. Evasive or vague answers to basic questions are your signal to look elsewhere.
The 12 Questions
1. "Which cutting is this?"
First, second, or third? When was it cut? The cutting tells you the protein and fiber profile before you even look at the bale. A seller who doesn't know is either new or hasn't been paying attention to their own operation — neither is reassuring. See: First vs Second Cutting Guide
2. "What grass species is in this field?"
Timothy? Orchard grass? Bermuda? Mixed? Does it contain fescue? The species tells you whether the hay is appropriate for your animals. For horse owners, fescue content and endophyte status are critical to know.
3. "Was it rained on after cutting?"
Rain between mowing and baling washes out leaf protein and creates conditions for mold. A good seller will tell you honestly — and may explain that while it did get light rain, it dried out well. Vagueness here is a yellow flag; a clear "yes, it got significant rain" without a quality-impact discussion is a red flag.
4. "What's the moisture content?"
Target: below 18% for long-term storage. Reputable operations test moisture at baling. A seller who says "I don't know" for a large batch they're selling is not monitoring their product closely enough. A seller who says "I tested it at 14–15%" is showing professionalism.
5. "What does a bale actually weigh?"
Get a number, not an estimate. "About a thousand pounds" is not a bale weight. A farmer who regularly weighs their bales — or has weighed a representative sample from this batch — can give you a real number. This matters enormously for any duration or cost-per-pound calculation.
6. "Do you have a hay test / forage analysis?"
Not all sellers test, but good ones do — particularly those selling to horse farms or dairies where nutrition matters. If a test is available, ask for it or a copy. Review CP and ADF minimally; compare against your animals' needs.
7. "Was this field fertilized this year?"
Unfertilized hay fields produce lower-protein hay. Matters most for high-demand animals. Not a disqualifying answer — many fields are fertilized every other year — but useful context.
8. "How was it stored since baling?"
In a barn? On a gravel pad with tarps? On the ground uncovered? Storage tells you how much weather exposure the hay has had and what you should expect in terms of outer-layer quality on round bales.
9. "Is there any fescue in the mix?"
Critical for horse buyers, especially in the Southeast and Midwest. Ask specifically. Then ask: "Has the endophyte status been tested?" Most sellers won't know — but the question signals that you know what you're asking about and takes it seriously.
10. "Can I inspect bales before we load?"
The answer should be yes, always. Any seller who resists inspection before loading is hiding something about quality. You should pull flakes from multiple bales, smell the interior, check color and leafiness, and feel for moisture and warmth.
11. "What's your return policy if there's a problem?"
A reputable seller will have an answer — they'll replace or refund demonstrably bad hay. A seller who becomes defensive or vague about this question is signaling that they don't stand behind their product.
12. "Do you have more available later in the season?"
If you're buying a partial supply and will need more, knowing whether this seller will have second cutting available — and approximately when — is valuable logistics planning. It also tells you whether building a relationship here is worth the investment.