Accumulation of nitrates in hay can be toxic to cattle, and managing nitrate levels in hay production could be costly. We determine the price premium a hay producer needs to receive for cattle-safe, low-nitrate hay to continued managing nitrate levels. Profit-maximizing nitrogen rates were determined for two bermudagrass hay producers—one who manages nitrate levels and one who does not manage nitrate levels. The hay producer who manages nitrates applies 56 lb./acre less nitrogen than the producer who does not manages nitrates, and would need to receive a price premium of $9.12/ton for low-nitrate hay to breakeven.
