At first glance, hay and straw look precisely the same, but there is a vast difference between the two dried agricultural byproducts. Hay is the whole, dried plant (grasses, legumes) grown for animal feed, while straw is the stalk leftover after a cereal grain crop (like wheat or oats) has been harvested for its seeds. Understanding "what is the difference between hay and straw" is key to good livestock care.
What is Hay?
Hay is a mixture of dried grasses and legumes that are grown, cut, and stored to feed livestock. It's harvested while still green to retain its nutrients and aroma. It is a rich source of energy and fiber for animals.
Types of Hay
Here are some common types of hay:
Grass Hay
Grass hays like timothy, orchardgrass, and bermudagrass are high in fiber and lower in protein. They're ideal for animals that need a balanced, lower-calorie diet, such as horses, sheep, and maintenance cattle.
Legume Hay
Legume hays such as alfalfa and clover are rich in protein, calcium, and energy. They're perfect for growing animals, lactating cows, dairy goats, and breeding livestock that need a nutritional boost.
Mixed Hay
Mixed hays combine both grass and legume varieties for a balance of fiber and protein. They're great for multi-species farms or animals with moderate energy needs, with variety and balanced nutrition in every bite.
Nutritional Profile and Purpose
Hay is packed with carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and essential minerals that support growth, digestion, and overall animal health. It's the main roughage component in the diets of livestock like cattle, horses, goats, and sheep.
Hay Type
Protein (%)
Calcium (%)
Fiber (%)
Energy (Mcal/kg)
Best Suited For
Legume Hay (Alfalfa, Clover)
15–22
1.2–1.8
25–35
2.0–2.5
Growing livestock, lactating cows, dairy goats
Grass Hay (Timothy, Orchard Grass, Bermuda)
8–14
0.3–0.8
30–40
1.2–1.8
Horses, maintenance diets, and older animals
Mixed Hay (Grass + Legume Blends)
10–18
0.5–1.2
28–38
1.5–2.0
Multi-species farms, animals with moderate energy needs
How Hay is Harvested and Baled
Farmers cut hay at its peak nutritional stage, dry it in the field to reduce moisture, and then bale it into different sizes, such as small squares, large squares, or round bales. Proper curing and storage are critical to prevent mold and nutrient loss.
What is Straw?
Straw is the dry, hollow stalk left behind after harvesting cereal grain crops like wheat, barley, oats, or rye. Unlike hay, it has little nutritional value and is primarily used for bedding, mulch, or composting.
Texture, Color, and Structure
Straw is coarse, shiny, and golden yellow, with hollow stems that make it excellent for insulation and bedding. Hay, by contrast, is softer, greener, and leafier because it contains the whole plant rather than just the stalks.
Common Types of Straws
Here are the common types of straws used for animal bedding, mulching for gardens, and as a building material:
Wheat Straw
Wheat straw is the most common and widely available type. It has a bright golden color, hollow stems, and a crisp texture that makes it ideal for animal bedding. It provides good insulation, absorbs moisture moderately well, and breaks down slowly, making it equally useful as garden mulch or compost material.
Barley Straw
Barley straw is softer and more pliable than wheat straw, which makes it exceptionally comfortable for delicate livestock such as calves, foals, or smaller animals. It's also less dusty, reducing respiratory irritation in barns. In addition to bedding, barley straw is sometimes used in ponds and water gardens, as it's believed to help control algae growth naturally.
Oat and Rye Straw
Oat and rye straws are coarser and sturdier, with thicker stalks and a rougher texture. They are less commonly used for bedding but are excellent for outdoor applications such as erosion control, mulching large garden areas, or as biomass for biofuel production. Their durability and slower decomposition make them suitable for protecting soil and retaining moisture in landscaping projects.
How is Straw Processed
After harvest, straw is left to dry in the field before being baled, stored, or repurposed for agricultural and industrial uses.
Hay vs Straw: Key Differences Explained
Let’s understand the main differences between hay and straw to help you run a small farm successfully:
Aspect
Hay
Straw
Definition
Dried grasses or legumes grown and harvested specifically for animal feed.
Hollow stalks left after harvesting cereal grains like wheat, barley, or oats
Purpose
Used as nutritious feed for livestock.
Primarily used for bedding, mulch, or soil protection.
Source Crops
Grasses (timothy, bermuda, and orchardgrass) and legumes (alfalfa and clover).
Cereal crops (wheat, barley, oats, rye).
Nutritional Value
High in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Very low nutritional value. Primarily composed of crude fiber, with values often ranging from 25% to 45%
Color and Appearance
Greenish, leafy, and soft with a fresh aroma.
Golden yellow, coarse, and shiny with hollow stems.
Texture
Softer and finer due to leaves and seed heads.
Coarser and stiffer since it's made of stalks only.
Moisture Content
Carefully dried but retains some moisture for palatability.
Very dry and brittle.
Primary Use in Farming
Feeding livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep.
Bedding, insulation, mulch, composting, and erosion control.
Harvest Stage
Cut before plants are fully mature to preserve nutrients.
Collected after grain harvest when only stalks remain.
Storage and Handling
Stored in dry, ventilated spaces to prevent mold and spoilage.
Easier to store; less prone to mold or nutrient loss.
Hay and Straw Bale Weight by Type and Size
The weight of a bale depends on its size, shape, crop type, and moisture content. Hay bales tend to be denser and heavier because they retain more nutrients and moisture, while straw bales are lighter due to their hollow, dry stalks.
Bale Type
Average Dimensions
Hay Weight
Straw Weight
Common Uses
Small Square (Rectangular) Bale
2 ft x 1.5 ft x 1.5ft
40–75 lbs (18–34 kg)
35–55 lbs (16–25 kg)
Easy to handle; used on small farms and for horses.
Large Square Bale
3 ft x 3 ft x 8 ft
800–1,500 lbs (360–680 kg)
600–1,000 lbs (270–450 kg)
Efficient for storage, transport, and large feeding operations.
Small Round Bale
4 ft diameter x 4 ft width
600–800 lbs (270–360 kg)
400–600 lbs (180–270 kg)
Suitable for moderate livestock needs; manageable with small equipment.
Large Round Bale
5 ft diameter X 6 ft width
1,000–1,500 lbs (450–680 kg)
800–1,200 lbs (360–545 kg)
Common on large farms; ideal for bulk feeding and outdoor storage.
Factors That Affect Hay and Straw Quality
The quality of hay and straw depends on several factors, which differ slightly for each type:
Hay
Some common factors affecting hay quality:
Timing of Harvest: Cutting too early or too late affects nutrient levels.
Moisture: Hay must be adequately dried to prevent mold and spoilage.
Crop Mix: A balance of grasses and legumes influences protein, fiber, and palatability.
Leaf-to-Stem Ratio: More leaves mean higher nutritional value, as stems are less digestible.
Foreign Material: Good quality hay should be free of foreign materials like dirt, weeds, and sticks.
Straw
Some common factors affecting straw quality:
Cleanliness: Free from dirt, weeds, or seeds for safe use in bedding or mulch.
Stem Thickness: Thicker stems are more durable for bedding or garden applications.
Dryness: Well-dried straw prevents mold growth and ensures longer storage life.
Pests and Diseases: The presence of pests and diseases can damage stems and affect straw quality.
Shared Factors:
Weather Conditions: Rain or excessive humidity during harvest can reduce quality.
Storage: Proper ventilation and dry conditions prevent nutrient loss and spoilage.
Baling Pressure: Impacts bale density, ease of handling, and longevity.
Uses and Applications of Hay and Straw
Hay Uses:
Primary feed for livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep.
It can be used in composting or as mulch for gardens.
Suitable as supplemental nutrition for small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs.
Straw Uses:
Bedding for livestock and small animals.
Mulch for gardens or soil protection.
Insulation in barns or temporary structures.
Straw bale gardening for growing vegetables or flowers.
Common Uses:
Hay can substitute for straw as bedding if feed-quality hay is surplus.
Straw can occasionally be used as mulch in livestock feed areas, though it lacks the nutritional content of hay.
How to Tell Hay and Straw Apart
Hay and straw may look similar at first glance, but they have distinct characteristics that make them easy to differentiate once you know what to look for. Here's how to tell hay from straw:
Feature
Hay
Straw
Color
Greenish, may vary depending on crop mix
Golden yellow, pale, or light brown
Texture
Soft, leafy, and pliable
Coarse, stiff, and hollow stems
Smell
Sweet, fresh, and grassy
Mild, dry, almost neutral
Nutritional Value
High nutritional value. It is rich in protein, fiber, and minerals
Low nutritional value. High in fiber and contains minimal nutrients.
Typical Use
Animal feed, compost, small pet nutrition
Bedding, mulch, insulation, and straw bale gardening
Moisture Content
Slightly higher, retains nutrients
Very dry, brittle
Stem-to-Leaf Ratio
It is largely leafy with tender stems
It contains mainly stems and very few leaves
Storage and Handling Tips for Hay and Straw
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain the quality, safety, and longevity of both hay and straw.
Dry and Ventilated Space
Keep bales off the ground on pallets or a raised platform to prevent moisture absorption.
Ensure good airflow to reduce the risk of mold and spoilage.
Exposure Prevention
Store bales under a roof or covered with tarps if kept outdoors.
Avoid direct contact with rain or snow, as wet bales can ferment or rot.
Monitor Moisture Levels
Ideal moisture content for hay is 15–20% to prevent mold and spontaneous combustion.
Straw should be fully dry before storage to maintain structure and prevent decay.
Stack Bales Safely
Stack bales in a stable manner to avoid collapse.
Large square and round bales may require machinery for safe handling.
Regular Inspection
Check for mold, pests, or unusual odors regularly.
Remove any spoiled or damp bales immediately to prevent contamination of the rest.
Handling Tips
Use gloves and protective clothing when handling bales to avoid dust irritation.
For large bales, use forklifts or bale spears to prevent injury.
Duration of Storage
Properly stored hay can last 6–12 months without significant nutrient loss.
Straw, being more resilient, can last 1–2 years if kept dry and ventilated.
Track Hay Costs and Inventory Easily with FarmKeep
FarmKeep helps small farmers and homesteaders stay organized, save money, and make smarter feeding decisions with easy-to-use tracking tools.
With FarmKeep, you can:
Monitor hay usage by week or month to see exactly how much you're buying and feeding.
Track animal consumption to identify which species or groups eat the most and during which seasons.
Keep an eye on feed costs with detailed breakdowns by animal type, batch, or supplier.
Set reminders and tasks to restock hay before supplies run low.
Record supplier details like cutting quality, delivery contacts, and preferred bale types.
Analyze trends over time to optimize feeding efficiency and reduce waste.
FAQs
What is the main difference between hay and straw?
The main difference between hay and straw lies in their use. Hay is dried grasses or legumes grown for livestock feed, rich in nutrients. Straw is the leftover stalks from cereal crops, low in nutrition, and mainly used for bedding or mulch.
How can you tell hay from straw visually?
Hay is greenish, leafy, soft, and smells fresh, while straw is golden yellow, coarse, hollow, and much drier.
Can you use straw for animal feed?
Straw is very low in nutrients and generally not suitable as feed. It can sometimes supplement roughage but should not replace hay.
Can hay be used for bedding?
Hay can be used for bedding. However, it's better to use straw for bedding because hay is more nutritious and valuable as feed.
What's better for garden mulch: hay or straw?
Straw is usually better for mulch because it's dry, low in seeds, and breaks down slowly. Hay may contain weed seeds and nutrients that encourage unwanted growth.
How do you store hay and straw to prevent mold?
To protect your bales from mold, store them in a dry, ventilated area, shielded from rain or snow. You must regularly inspect for moisture, mold, or pests. Stack bales safely and maintain proper airflow.
Which straw type is best for animal bedding?
Barley straw is often preferred for delicate livestock due to its softer texture and lower dust content, but wheat straw is the most common and widely available option.
