Making hay involves cutting, drying and storing grass or other plants to create fodder for livestock. Weather conditions and timing are key with quality hay production.

Dodge County Dairy Ambassador Brenda Conley of the Dodge County Dairy Promotion Committee told WTKM how the hay is looking on her family farm.
"We have our first crop hay rockin' and rolling right now, so the weather is really good and we are enjoying the sunshine while doing the hay. My husband said it's really good quality hay, so he is happy with it. There is nothing like that great smell of the fresh cut hay and it's all bailed upstairs in the barn."

A dry weather forecast is important with hay making. The "best" time to cut hay is never a single date on the calendar. It's a strategic decision based on who will be eating it.

Rain can promote the growth of mold on hay.

First cutting is usually done in late spring and is usually the highest-yielding cut.