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If you’re a fan of the laid-back, colorful world of Stardew Valley, then you know that farming is the name of the game. And as any seasoned farmer will tell you, hay is an essential part of keeping your animals happy and well-fed. But if you’re new to the game or just looking for some tips on increasing your hay supply, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll break down how to get hay in Stardew Valley and explore its many uses. Buckle up, folks; we’re about to get agricultural!
The Basics: What is Hay and Why Do You Need It?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s first establish what hay is and why it’s so important in Stardew Valley. Hay is the primary food source for your animals, such as cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Keeping your barns and coops stocked with hay is crucial to maintaining happy, healthy animals that produce valuable resources like milk, eggs, and wool.
Not only does hay keep your animals fed, but it also has a direct impact on their happiness levels. Happy animals are more likely to produce higher quality products, so it’s in your best interest to keep that hay flowing!
Mowing Down: How to Get Hay in Stardew Valley
Alright, now that we know how crucial hay is for our farm’s success let’s talk about how to get your hands on some. There are a few ways to go about it, but the primary method is by harvesting tall grass on your farm. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Craft a Scythe: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to craft a scythe to harvest tall grass. The good news is that you start the game with one, so you likely won’t need to worry about this step.
- Find Tall Grass: Once you’ve got your trusty scythe in hand, it’s time to scout out some tall grass. Tall grass can be found throughout your farm, especially in overgrown areas that haven’t been cleared yet.
- Swing Away: To harvest the tall grass, simply swing your scythe at it. Each swing will convert the grass into hay, which will automatically be stored in your silo if you have one. If you don’t have a silo yet, you’ll need to build one to store your hay (more on that below).
Silo Life: Storing Your Hay
As mentioned above, to store the hay you collect, you’ll need a silo. Building a silo is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require too many resources. You’ll need the following:
- 100 Gold
- 100 Stone
- 10 Clay
- 5 Copper Bars
Once you’ve gathered these resources, simply visit Robin at the Carpenter’s Shop to build your silo. It’s worth noting that each silo can hold up to 240 units of hay, so you may need to build multiple silos if you have a large number of animals.
To retrieve hay from your silo, just head to the hopper inside your barn or coop and click on it. Hay will automatically be distributed to your animals’ feeding troughs, keeping them well-fed and happy.
Other Ways to Get Hay: When Grass Just Isn’t Enough
If you find yourself running low on hay and the tall grass on your farm isn’t cutting it (pun intended), there are a few other ways to increase your hay supply in Stardew Valley:
Purchase from Marnie
If you’re short on hay and need a quick fix, you can purchase it from Marnie at her ranch. She sells hay for 50 gold per piece. While this might not be the most cost-effective solution, it’s an excellent option if you’re in a pinch and need to keep your animals fed.
Plant Grass Starters
Another way to increase your hay supply is by planting grass starters. Grass starters can be purchased from Pierre’s General Store for 100 gold each. When planted on your farm, they’ll grow and spread over time, providing you with a renewable source of tall grass to harvest for hay. Just remember to leave some grass unharvested, so it continues to grow and spread.
Pro Tips: How to Maximize Your Hay Supply
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how to get hay in Stardew Valley, let’s dive into some pro tips to help you make the most of your hay supply:
- Upgrade Your Tools: As you progress in the game, consider upgrading your scythe to a more efficient model. Higher quality scythes will yield more hay per swing, helping you maximize your harvest.
- Strategically Plant Grass Starters: Plant grass starters in areas of your farm that are less frequently used, giving the grass plenty of room to grow and spread. This will help ensure you always have a steady supply of tall grass to harvest for hay.
- Plan for Winter: Hay becomes especially important during winter when there is no grass to harvest. Make sure you stockpile enough hay in your silos to keep your animals fed through the colder months.
- Automate Feeding: Once you’ve upgraded your barn or coop to the deluxe version, you’ll unlock the auto-feeding system. This handy feature automatically feeds your animals each day, ensuring they never go hungry and freeing you up to focus on other tasks around the farm.
Wrapping Up: How to Get Hay in Stardew Valley and Its Many Uses
Hay plays a critical role in maintaining the happiness and health of your animals in Stardew Valley. By following the tips and tricks laid out in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of hay harvesting and ensuring your farm’s success. Now get out there, swing that scythe, and watch your animal empire thrive!
