Hay Bale Cost Calculation
Buying hay by the load without knowing your true cost per bale — or how many bales the herd needs until spring — is how winter budgets blow out. Whether you make your own hay or buy wrapped bales from a neighbour, the same planning steps apply.
How do you calculate true hay bale cost and bales needed?
True bale cost is total production or purchase cost divided by saleable bales stored — including fuel, labour, wrap and storage loss when you make hay. For feeding, multiply daily kilograms per head by head count and days, then divide by average bale weight. The hay bale calculator compares make-versus-buy and total winter spend.
True cost per bale when you make hay
Home-grown hay cost includes more than baling day. Farmers often account for:
- Fuel, labour and contractor charges for cutting, raking and baling
- Twine, wrap or netting for round or square bales
- Lost grazing or replanting cost on the hay field
- Storage losses from weather and handling
Divide total cost by the number of saleable bales stored. That figure is what you should compare to a neighbour’s delivered price — not just diesel on the day of baling.
When you buy bales in
Confirm bale weight and dry matter where possible. A light bale at a low price per bale can cost more per kilogram of feed than a heavier bale. Add delivery per load and any offloading time. Wrapped bales also need storage that protects plastic from punctures and sun damage.
Daily feeding requirement
Estimate kilograms of hay per animal per day based on animal size, production stage and how much veld is still available. Dry cows might get 6–8 kg; lactating cows more. Sheep might be planned per ewe in kilograms or as a fraction of a bale per day.
Multiply daily requirement by head count and by days you expect to feed hay. That gives total kilograms, then divide by average bale weight to get bales required for the season.
Make versus buy
You need 180 bales for 90 days. Making costs R290 per bale true cost but ties up your own machinery and weather risk. Buying at R340 delivered fills the shed faster with cash. The hay bale calculator helps you compare total feeding cost either way — then you decide based on labour, cash flow and storage, not gut feel alone.
Allow for wastage
Hay trampled in mud, spoiled in rain or refused because quality is poor is still paid for. Add a wastage percentage when ordering bales. Feeding in rings or on improved surfaces reduces loss on many farms.
Frequently asked questions
What is true cost per bale when you make your own hay?
Include fuel, labour, contractor charges, twine or wrap, lost grazing on the hay field, and storage losses — not just diesel on baling day. Divide total cost by saleable bales stored.
How do you work out how many bales you need for winter?
Estimate kilograms of hay per animal per day, multiply by head count and feeding days, then divide total kilograms by average bale weight. Add a wastage allowance.
Why compare bale weight and dry matter when buying hay?
A light bale at a low price per bale can cost more per kilogram of feed than a heavier bale. Dry matter percentage helps compare quality between loads.
Should you make hay or buy bales in?
Compare total feeding cost both ways using true make cost versus delivered buy price, then weigh labour, cash flow, storage and weather risk — not gut feel alone.
These guides and calculators are planning tools only. Check results against your farm records, feed labels, supplier prices and professional advice from your nutritionist, veterinarian or financial adviser where needed.