Some Advice for Producing the Best Hay
As Hay Season is upon us, we know that there is a lot on your plate. Fortunately, we’re here to help you make sure that when it’s time to cut hay, everything goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips for cutting hay in order to produce the best yield out of your crop.
When to Cut Hay
When it comes to most Midwest hay variety mixes such as: fescue, orchard grass, clovers, and timothy, cutting should take place right before the crop has gone to seed and begins to turn brown.
However, when it comes to alfalfa, the first cut should take place just before the plant’s bloom.
What Equipment to Use
One factor that can have a huge impact on the quality of your product is using the right equipment. When it comes to cutting hay, determining the proper equipment to use depends on a variety of factors. Money, time, performance requirements, quality of crop, and number of acres being harvested are just a few of the things you should have in mind when looking for the right equipment for your hay harvest.
In order to maximize the efficiency and performance of your hay equipment, be sure to match the operating requirements of the equipment with the correct horsepower and hydraulic requirements needed for the implements to function properly. Operating an implement that is too big or too small for your harvesting system can have a negative impact on the quality of your harvest.
If you’re not sure which equipment will best help you to maximize your yield, check out our buyer’s guides on Hay Rakes and Hay Mowers.
How to Get the Best Yield
In order to get the best yield out of your crop and produce the best quality hay, keep these hay cutting tips in mind:
- The earlier the cut takes place, the higher the protein and nutritional value the hay crop will be.
- On the day of the cut, make sure that you cut the hay in the afternoon in order to optimize nutritional value of the crop.
- Climate conditions for a good hay harvest should include clear skies, bright sunshine, a light breeze, and low humidity.
- Make sure that you’re using the proper equipment at the appropriate settings.
These factors will ensure that the hay is able to dry quickly in order to properly prepare for baling.
When it comes to cutting, tedding, raking, and baling hay, Mutton Power Equipment in Fort Wayne, Indiana has everything you might need along the way. Good luck out there!