Calculate the true value of hay based on type, moisture content, crude protein, and Relative Feed Value (RFV).
This calculator adjusts base hay price for quality factors: moisture penalty (above 15%), crude protein premium (above 10%), and RFV adjustment (above 100). It then computes the value per bale based on weight. Essential for buying and selling hay intelligently.
A load of grass hay at $180/ton base, but it's 20% moisture (5% above target), 14% CP (4% above average), and RFV 130 (30 points above 100). Adjusted price = $180 − $35 (moisture penalty) + $48 (protein) + $45 (RFV) = $238/ton. A 400 kg bale is worth $95.20, not $72 — quality matters.
✓ Expert Reviewed: This calculator and its content have been reviewed by agricultural experts. Formulas are based on NRC, FAO, and university extension recommendations. For site-specific advice, consult your local agronomist or veterinarian.
Select hay type. Enter base price per ton, bale weight in kg, moisture percentage, crude protein percentage, and RFV. Click Calculate to see adjusted price, per-bale value, and quality grade.
The Hay Value Calculator helps buyers and sellers price hay based on actual quality rather than just type or weight. NRC and university extension provide CP and RFV benchmarks by hay type. Lab analysis is the gold standard for accurate pricing.
Moisture penalty: −$7/ton for each 1% above 15% moisture. Protein premium: +$12/ton for each 1% CP above 10%. RFV premium: +$1.50/ton for each RFV point above 100. Bale value = adjusted price/ton × bale weight(kg) ÷ 1000. These adjustments reflect typical market premiums/discounts.
Base: $180/ton. Moisture: 20% → −$35. CP: 14% → +$48. RFV: 130 → +$45. Adjusted = $238/ton. Bale = $238 × 0.4 = $95.20. Without quality adjustment, same bale at $180/ton = $72. Difference: $23.20 per bale — nearly 32%.
Common mistakes: buying by bale weight without testing quality, assuming all alfalfa is equal, ignoring moisture damage risk. Tip: always get lab analysis for large purchases. RFV below 100 means lower digestibility. NRC recommends testing CP, NDF, ADF, and moisture for accurate ration balancing.
RFV (Relative Feed Value) is a forage quality index combining digestibility (ADF) and intake potential (NDF). RFV = (DMD × DMI) ÷ 1.29 where DMD = 88.9 − 0.779×ADF and DMI = 120 ÷ NDF. Alfalfa RFV: >180 = premium, 160-180 = good, 100-120 = fair, <90 = low. NRC recommends testing hay RFV for ration formulation.
Safe baling moisture: small squares 15-20%, large rounds 14-18%, large squares 12-15%. Above 20%: risk of mold and heating. Above 25%: fire risk from spontaneous combustion. Use a moisture tester. Wet hay loses value through mold and nutrient destruction. Extension recommends testing moisture before baling.
CP targets: maintenance cattle 7-8%, growing cattle 10-12%, lactating cows 16-18%. Alfalfa hay typically 16-22% CP. Grass hay 8-12% CP. Straw 3-5% CP. Buy hay matching your animal's NRC requirements — over-specifying wastes money, under-specifying limits production.
Send a sample to a forage testing lab. Sample 15-20 bales with a core sampler, combine into one sample. Typical panel: moisture, CP, ADF, NDF, TDN, RFV, minerals. Cost: $15-30 per sample. Results enable precise NRC ration balancing. Extension offices can help collect and send samples.
Prices vary by region and quality: grass hay $120-200/ton, alfalfa $180-300/ton, straw $80-120/ton. Premium alfalfa (RFV>180, 20%+ CP) can exceed $350/ton. Prices spike during drought. Compare adjusted quality price, not just per-ton base. NRC-aligned rations can offset lower hay quality with supplements.