# Extension specialist outlines considerations for estimating winter hay needs – Wyoming Livestock Roundup

> An Oklahoma State University Extension beef specialist outlined rules of thumb for calculating winter hay supplies for cow herds. The method uses mature cow weight, herd size and feeding days, with forage dry matter intake of about 26 lb per day for a 1,000-lb cow and 36.4 lb for a 1,400-lb cow.

- Date: 2026-11-13 · published 2026-11-13T21:15:57.604Z
- Category: market · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/98515-extension-specialist-outlines-considerations-for-estimating-winter-hay-needs
- Commodities: [Alfalfa Hay](https://feedsoft.ai/c/ALFALFA.md), [Grass Hay](https://feedsoft.ai/c/GRASSHAY.md)

## Why it matters

Producers planning winter hay purchases create demand for forage, and accurate herd-size estimates shape how much hay is bought before winter. The guidance is routine and has little direct effect on feed commodity prices.

## Read by commodity

- ALFALFA: neutral
- GRASSHAY: neutral

## Sources

- wylr.net: https://www.wylr.net/2026/11/13/extension-specialist-outlines-considerations-for-estimating-winter-hay-needs/

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.