Round Hay Bale Winter Cattle Feeding Calculator
Calculate round hay bales needed to feed a cattle herd through winter from herd size, daily intake and feeding days, with tonnage.
How This Calculation Works
Total hay needed equals the number of animals times daily intake in pounds times feeding days, divided by 2,000 for tons. Bales equal total tons divided by the bale weight, often 1,000 to 1,400 pounds for a round bale. A 50-head herd eating 30 pounds a day for 150 days needs 112.5 tons.
Field Calibration & Rate Reference Chart
| Area | Square feet | Acres | Square field side |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,000 | 0.023 | 32 ft |
| 5,000 sq ft | 5,000 | 0.115 | 71 ft |
| 10,000 sq ft | 10,000 | 0.230 | 100 ft |
| 0.25 acre | 10,890 | 0.250 | 104 ft |
| 0.5 acre | 21,780 | 0.500 | 148 ft |
| 1 acre | 43,560 | 1.000 | 209 ft |
| 5 acres | 217,800 | 5.000 | 467 ft |
| 10 acres | 435,600 | 10.000 | 660 ft |
| 40 acres | 1,742,400 | 40.000 | 1,320 ft |
| 100 acres | 4,356,000 | 100.000 | 2,087 ft |
Common Questions
How many round bales do I need for winter?
Multiply herd size by daily intake and feeding days, divide by 2,000 for tons, then divide by bale weight. A 50-head herd for 150 days needs about 112 tons, or roughly 90 one-ton bales. Add 10 to 20 percent for waste.
How much hay does a cow eat per day?
A mature cow eats about 2 to 2.5 percent of body weight in dry matter per day, or roughly 25 to 30 pounds of hay. Cold, wet weather raises intake. Lactating cows eat more.
How much does a round bale weigh?
A standard round bale weighs 1,000 to 1,400 pounds, depending on size and density. Weigh a few bales to get an accurate average. Bale weight drives the bale count calculation.
How do I reduce hay feeding losses?
Feed in a rack or ring rather than on the ground, and store bales under cover or on a pad. Unprotected storage and ground feeding can waste 25 percent or more. Feed the poorest hay first while the weather is mild.