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We strive to harvest all Oxbow hay early in its growth cycle – when specific product attributes are most likely to meet the needs and preferences of the majority of small herbivores. In reality, there are times when Mother Nature does not fully cooperate; factors such as rain, wind, temperature, natural disasters, and humidity can all delay the timing of a harvest. We always strive to produce hay that is as consistent as possible, but it’s helpful to keep in mind that no two packages of hay will ever be exactly the same.

  • The more mature a hay variety is, the coarser it will typically be in texture
  • Conversely, the "softer" a hay is, the earlier it has been harvested in the growth cycle of the plant
  • If temperature & humidity extend the harvest cycle, you may encounter hay that is lighter in color, resulting from longer exposure to the sun while drying in the field

These are just a few examples of many factors that can affect the look and feel of hay. Visual and textural differences aside, it’s important to remember that all Oxbow hay is guaranteed to meet the key nutritional needs of small herbivores. For more information about the natural variability that can occur in hay, please check out the following educational resources:

If you have additional questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us directly.

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