Busting the Myths: What Small Farms Really Need to Grow Quality Hay
If you’re running a small farm, you’ve probably heard a lot of myths about growing your own hay. Maybe someone told you that you need hundreds of acres, expensive equipment, or a team of farmhands to make it work. While growing high-quality hay does require some planning and effort, many of the common assumptions simply aren’t true.
At Ohana Farms, we work with farms of all sizes—and we’ve seen firsthand how small operations can produce exceptional hay with the right approach. Whether you’re feeding goats, rabbits, horses, or cattle, let’s set the record straight and explore what small farms really need to grow hay that’s both nutritious and market-worthy.
(Harvester makes bales of straw at the agricultural field.)
Myth #1: You Need a Large Operation to Grow Good Hay
The Truth: Quality trumps quantity every time.
You don’t need hundreds of acres to grow great hay. In fact, many small farms successfully grow hay on just a few acres by focusing on proper field management and choosing the right forage varieties for their region.
When you manage a smaller area, you can often give more attention to soil health, irrigation, and harvesting at peak maturity—all of which contribute to higher nutritional value and better palatability for animals.
Tip: Start small with a test plot to fine-tune your process before scaling.
Myth #2: Only Expensive Equipment Will Get the Job Done
The Truth: Affordable, used, and even shared equipment can go a long way.
Yes, haying involves equipment like mowers, tedders, rakes, and balers—but you don’t need to buy everything brand new. Many small farms lease equipment, buy used hay tools, or partner with neighboring farms to share the cost.
Alternatively, you can hire a custom haying service for the actual harvest while managing the planting and fertilizing yourself. This hybrid model is common for smaller farms that want control over quality but don’t want to invest in a full equipment fleet.
Myth #3: Hay Isn’t Worth Growing Unless You’re Selling It
The Truth: Growing your own hay can save you money and give you more control.
If you’re feeding animals on your farm, growing your own hay isn’t just practical—it’s smart. Not only can it lower feed costs in the long run, but you also get to control the quality, moisture level, and cutting schedule, which can directly impact your livestock’s health.
By producing your own feed, you reduce dependency on fluctuating market prices or distant suppliers. For homesteaders and hobby farmers, this can be a game-changer in both budget and peace of mind.
Myth #4: You Can Ignore Soil Health on Small Plots
The Truth: Soil is the foundation of any forage crop—size doesn’t matter.
If you’re serious about growing top-tier hay, don’t skip the soil test. Healthy soil determines how well your hay will grow, how often you’ll need to fertilize, and what kind of forage will thrive.
Use a soil test to check pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter. Then tailor your amendments accordingly. Lime, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are commonly needed but should always be applied based on your specific field needs—not guesswork.
Pro Tip: Reseeding and rotating your hay crop every few years helps maintain soil fertility and plant vigor.
Myth #5: Weed Control Is Too Much Work for a Small Farm
The Truth: A consistent weed control plan keeps the workload manageable.
Weeds compete with your forage crop for sunlight, nutrients, and water—and they can quickly take over if left unchecked. But small farms have a big advantage here: more hands-on oversight and fewer acres to manage.
Use a combination of practices like mowing before seeding, choosing dense-growing hay varieties like orchardgrass or alfalfa, and spot-spraying when needed. A little diligence goes a long way, and it’s far easier to manage weed growth in smaller fields when you stay ahead of it.
What You Do Need to Grow Quality Hay on a Small Farm
Here’s a short checklist of what truly matters:
✅ A well-prepared field with healthy, tested soil
✅ A forage type that grows well in your climate (timothy, alfalfa, orchardgrass, etc.)
✅ A plan for mowing, drying, and baling—either with your own tools or through a custom cutter
✅ Knowledge of proper timing for cutting and baling (early bloom or boot stage for best nutrition)
✅ Storage space that keeps hay dry and protected from moisture
You don’t need to go big—you just need to go smart.
Final Thoughts: Small Farms, Big Potential
Growing hay doesn’t have to be overwhelming or out of reach for small farm owners. By busting these common myths and taking a thoughtful approach, you can grow nutritious, high-quality hay that supports your animals and adds value to your land.
At Ohana Farms, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from expert advice to premium hay products if you’re in need of a backup bale or two. Whether you grow it yourself or source it from a trusted supplier, the goal is the same: healthy forage for healthy animals.
