Not all hay is created equal. Goats won’t just eat anything you give them either. Running a dairy, high quality, high protein hay is essential. If you raise dairy goats, it’s important, they get good high protein hay and grain (during milking season) to ensure quality milk production. You can feed goats grass hay, or a grass/alfalfa mix during non-milking season. Bucks and wethers do better on grass with alfalfa as a treat not a sole food source.
Find a local hay grower and ask to buy one bale or go see their stack. Once you find a reputable hay guy stick with him. I buy from the same guy each year. He gives me preference since I put in an order early in spring and buy bulk. Living in the West, buying hay for the whole year is important, so track your hay usage for the first year, then buy double for the next and see if you have any left over. It has taken me years to master my hay usage and some winters are colder leading to excess hay usage. You always want enough hay to last you until the following hay cutting season.
There are really detailed hay quality analysis resources available.
Do not give goats moldy hay, cheat grass laden hay, or feeder hay. This can lead to vet bills down the road and bad tasting milk.
