Overview: Is your hay ready for calving pens? Learn which hay works best for bedding and feeding, when to prepare, and how All Around Ag keeps Wyoming ranchers supplied during calving season. Read on! 

Calving season doesn’t give you second chances. One minute you’re checking cows at midnight, the next you’re pulling a calf in a pen that needs to be dry, warm, and ready. In those moments, the last thing you want is to discover you’ve got the wrong hay — or not enough of it.

At All Around Ag, we know hay is more than just feed during calving. It’s bedding, nutrition, and comfort all at once. Getting the right hay lined up ahead of time can make a long season smoother, healthier, and less stressful for you and your herd.

Let’s dive in!

 Why the Right Hay Matters in Calving Pens   

When a cow is calving, the condition of the pen matters almost as much as the care you give her. The hay you choose plays three important roles:

• Bedding: Clean, dry hay or straw keeps calves off the mud and gives them a healthier start.

• Comfort: Bedding helps reduce stress on cows, making labor easier and recovery quicker.

• Nutrition: A hungry cow can’t calve strong. Having high-quality hay within reach keeps her energy up and milk flowing.

In short — your hay does double duty. Skimp on it, and you’ll notice the difference in calf health and cow recovery.

 Bedding Hay vs. Feeding Hay   

Not all hay belongs in the same stack when calving starts. Ranchers who plan ahead keep two kinds ready:

For Bedding: Straw bales or lighter grass hay such as Orchard/Brome/Timothy with light alfalfa. These absorb moisture, add warmth, and are easy to clean out.

For Feeding: Energy-rich hay like Straight Alfalfa, Cow Alfalfa, or an Orchard/Alfalfa mix. These hays provide the protein and energy cows need during and after calving.

Mixing the two can cost you — wasting premium feed as bedding or leaving your cows underfed. Keeping them separate makes your job easier and your herd healthier.

 When to Get Your Hay in Order   

Calving isn’t the time to scramble. Here’s a timeline most ranchers find helpful:

60 Days Out: Take stock. Do you have enough bedding hay and feed hay? If not, secure your supply early before prices climb or inventory tightens.

30 Days Out: Set aside the bales you’ll use in calving pens. Keep them dry and easy to grab.

One Week Out: Move hay close to the pens so you’re not hauling at 2 AM when cows decide it’s time.

Good preparation keeps you calm when things get busy.

What All Around Ag Has Ready for You   

We stock hay that fits both sides of your calving pen needs — bedding and feeding. Our current inventory includes:

• North Park Timothy Grass

• Intermediate Wheat Rounds

• Orchard/Alfalfa Mix

• Straight Alfalfa & Cow Alfalfa

• Wyoming Timothy/Garrison

• Straw Bales

We take pride in helping Laramie County ranchers prepare for one of the busiest—and most important times of the year.

 In Summary 

Calving season tests every part of a rancher’s operation — your pens, your cattle, and your own endurance. While you can’t control every challenge, you can set the stage for success by making sure the right hay is in place before the first calf arrives. Clean, dry bedding gives calves a healthier start, while protein-rich hay keeps cows strong and producing milk when it matters most.

At All Around Ag, we believe preparation is more than just stacking bales but about giving your herd the care and support they need so you can focus on the long nights and hard work ahead.

We take pride in supplying quality hay for both feeding and bedding, making sure Laramie County ranchers head into calving season with confidence.