Ag in a Minute

Avery, a Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassador, breaks down the differences and similarities between grass hay (like timothy and bermuda) and legume hay (like alfalfa and clover). Listeners learn how each type benefits livestock—grass hay aids digestion and is cost-effective, while legume hay is rich in protein, calcium, and energy, supporting growth, pregnancy, and high-quality milk production. This quick overview gives insight into what our horsess eat and why it matters! 

What is Ag in a Minute?

Minnesota agriculture is diverse and ever-changing! Join the Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors as they explore the many different aspects of agriculture and how it operates in your daily life. In just a minute, grow your agricultural knowledge in an engaging way.

Speaker 1:

Hey. I'm Avery, and this is agriculture in a minute with the Minnesota 4-H agriculture ambassadors. Today, we'll discuss the differences and similarities of two hays and how they can benefit our horses. There are two main types of hay we feed our animals. One is grass hay like timothy, oh, and bermuda, while the other is legume, like alfalfa, clover, and peanut.

Speaker 1:

Starting with the similarities, they both are plants that are harvested to feed livestock and are essential for the health of an animal. Legume hay comes from plants that naturally pull nitrogen out of the air and return it to the soil, making legume hay rich in nutrients. Compared to grass hay that is rich in fiber, legume hay is higher in protein, calcium, and energy, but legume hay usually is more expensive than grass hay. Most livestock have grass hay because it helps with digestion and is cheap. But people use hay like alfalfa for livestock that are younger and growing or are pregnant.

Speaker 1:

It also is common for dairy cows to eat legume hay because they need to produce higher quality milk. Now you know a bit more of what our animals eat. Don't forget to share with your friends and come back to learn more about agriculture with the Ag ambies. This is Avery with the Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors. See you next time.