1st / 2nd / 3rd — circle one.    Date cut: ___________

Timothy / Orchard Grass / Alfalfa / Bermuda / Mixed / Other: ___________

Yes / No / Unknown — rain between cutting and baling reduces quality significantly

Target: below 18–20%. Above 20% = heat and mold risk. Reading: _____ %

CP _____ %    ADF _____ %    RFV _____

Important for pregnant mares and some livestock. Endophyte tested? Y / N

Unfertilized fields typically produce lower-protein hay

✅ Sweet, grassy smell    ❌ Musty, ammonia, burning, or sour = REJECT

✅ Golden-green to bright green    ❌ Dark brown or black = REJECT

✅ Good leaf-to-stem ratio, minimal shatter    ❌ All stems, excessive dust

✅ Cool and dry to the touch    ❌ Warm or damp inside = REJECT

Check for weeds, wire, plastic, dirt contamination — inspect multiple flakes

❌ Any visible mold = REJECT for horses; use extreme caution for others

✅ Firm, holds shape    ❌ Loose, spongy, or falling apart

Gravel / pallets / concrete = good. Bare dirt = higher bottom-rot risk

Barn / shed = best. Tarped = acceptable. Uncovered outdoor = inspect very carefully

Press firmly on the flat end — soft spots = ground moisture damage

Seller won't allow inspection of individual bales before loading

Strong musty or ammonia smell from the stack

Bales dark brown on outside, warm inside

Price significantly below local market (cheap hay is cheap for a reason)

Seller doesn't know which cutting or when it was baled

Visible mold or heavy dust on multiple bales