How to Prepare Fields for Hay Planting
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How do you prepare a field for planting hay?
For hay, mow the field with a rotary mower to remove problem plants by cutting them before they set viable seed. Till to control tenacious, perennial weeds, such as bedstraw, and then seed. The best time to seed is in May or in the first three weeks of August, when seed will survive and compete with weeds better. via
How much does it cost to plant an acre of hay?
He says it costs about $297 per acre to seed and prepare hay ground. “You are going to get more than three years out of that, but if we use three years, that's about $100 per acre per year,” Brown says. “If you are getting $125 per ton for quality hay, you are going to see a profit of $51 per ton, or $204 per acre. via
How is hay planted?
Hay Today. Today, the process for growing hay still involves letting the plants grow to maturity, then cutting it, letting it dry in the sun, raking it, and gathering it up in some form, whether that be round or square bales, or as loose hay. via
What seed do you plant for hay?
Planting Hay. Use grass or alfalfa to grow hay. Typically, hay is made from either grass or alfalfa. via
What is the best fertilizer for hay field?
Therefore, we suggest a late spring application of nitrogen. Switchgrass is an example of a warm-season grass. For situations with expected yields above 4 ton per acre, you can split apply of nitrogen fertilizer. If split application is an option, apply 3/4 of the nitrogen in early spring and 1/4 in late August. via
What makes a good hay field?
What Makes Quality Hay? Growing quality hay requires a combination of weed-free fields and good weather. One of the keys to growing quality hay is harvesting it at the appropriate time, before the seeds of grass hay mature and before legume plants bloom. via
Is it cheaper to buy hay or make it?
In most environments where forage production is based on natural rainfall, you can almost always buy hay cheaper than you can produce it. Most farmers and ranchers initially don't believe this. When full cost of production is accounted for, hay generally costs between $70 and $140/ton to produce. via
How many times a year can you harvest hay?
How Many Times Can You Harvest Hay in a Year? Depending on your soil and grass growth rate, you can harvest hay two or three times a year. In some places, you can even stretch for a fourth crop, but the harvest won't be as fruitful. via
Is hay easy to grow?
No matter what your reason for growing, harvesting and baling hay, it can be a great project that can reap great rewards. Hay – grasses and legumes that can be dried for stock feed – is simple to grow either as part of a crop rotation or a permanent meadow, and grows naturally in many areas. via
Why do farmers leave bales of hay in fields?
Often, it's just farmers being lazy, after harvesting a field, they like to take some rest and finish off in a few days. Because of the good keeping quality, farmers tend to leave them where the baler spat them out. It is also cost-effective to leave bales in the field to avoid handling and storage costs. via
How long does it take hay to grow?
Grass will grow slightly faster in cooler weather than the legumes, such as alfalfa. Alfalfa grows best when the temperatures are hot. It typically takes approximately 60 days for new growth of alfalfa, 60 for mix hay, 60 for orchard grass, and 75-80 for timothy in Lincoln County. via
Can I make my own hay?
You don't need a tractor and big farm equipment to make hay, it's extremely easy to do on your own. All you need is access to grass and somewhere to dry and store it. Grass is in many places a free resource, and often times a spent one. While it's not an essential part of poultry keeping it has is uses. via
How long does it take for hay seed to germinate?
Generally speaking, it takes between 7 and 30 days for grass seed germination to begin. via
Can you broadcast hay seed?
Broadcast – Seed may be broadcast by using whirlwind or end gate seeders. Cover seed with ¼ inch of soil or less. Roll, cultipack or use some other suitable method to firm seedbed before and after seeding. via
How can I grow better hay?
How do you make pastures grow faster?
In early spring, you can boost the leafy growth of your pastures by adding 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre, as long as your pasture does not consist of legumes, such as alfalfa or clovers. Applying the correct amount of fertilizer does not guarantee a healthy pasture if the pH level is too low. via
What do you spray on hay fields?
The most common herbicides used for control of many broadleaf weeds in grass hay/pasture this time of year are the plant growth regulator herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba (Clarity, etc.), triclopyr products (Crossbow, Remedy Ultra, etc.), and clopyralid (Stinger, PastureGard, etc.). via
How much fertilizer do I need for hay field?
“Apply 50 to 60 pounds per acre of nitrogen on your best grass stands and 30 to 40 pounds per acre on the rest,” he recommends. Thomas suggests a similar amount of nitrogen be applied during August to boost plant carbohydrate levels, which should result in higher yields the following spring. via
What grass makes the best hay?
Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and timothy are all examples of common grasses used for hay. Benefits: Grass hay is lower in protein and energy than legume hay — but it's also higher in fiber, which can make it a good choice for many horses. via
How do you restore a hay field?
How much does a bale of hay cost?
From the hay market, square bales, on average, will cost you between $3 and $10 per bale, but some farmers prefer selling their hay per pound, in which case such a bale will be around 50 pounds. via
Is there money in baling hay?
He said as long as the hay is of good quality, then typically he pays fair market value for it which is around 55-60 bucks per 4x5 bale avg. around 800 to 850 pounds. via
How much should I charge to cut hay?
A common rule of thumb is that it costs approximately $50 per ton to cut, rake, bale and stack hay at the edge of the field. That figure may be lower if doing lots of acres and it may be higher when doing small pieces. via
How Long Will hay keep in barn?
You can store hay indefinitely if the stack is managed correctly; although, in humid climates, using hay within three years of harvest is ideal. Hay growers need to bale it at correct moisture levels because if it's baled too damp the hay will generate heat, which leads to molding. via
What month is hay harvested?
From the month of May to late summer and early fall, hay baling is on the minds of many farmers. via
How do you cut and bale hay by hand?
The proper method cutting hay by hand: stand with your legs apart and knees slightly bent. Three ropes tied around the width and a fourth wrapped lengthwise hold together each 70- to 90-pound bate of sun-dried hay. Swing your scythe and torso from right to left, concentrating on a smooth, whole-body pivot. via
Is hay a perennial?
Timothy Grass Hay
It's a perennial grass suitable for growing areas in high altitudes and cooler climates, and grows well in the northeastern U.S. Usually considered a premium hay, it's often fed to horses rather than cows or sheep. via
Is growing hay good for soil?
Perennial hay crops are also especially effective in controlling soil erosion and in building soil organic matter content. Because grass hay has such a high demand for N, P, and K, fields intended for hay production are excellent locations, as part of a long crop rotation cycle, for utilizing livestock manures. via
When should you plant hay?
Plant as soon as possible in order to prepare a good seedbed. Timely planting in April allows forage seedlings the best opportunity to get ahead of weeds and to be established before summer stress sets in. 4. Plant into a good seedbed, and don't overwork the soil. via
How much hay will an acre grow?
The average U.S. dry hay yield (all types) dropped from 2.52 tons per acre in 2016 to 2.44 tons per acre in 2017. For alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures, the average yield declined from 3.45 tons per acre in 2016 to 3.32 tons per acre in 2017. via
What do farmers do with old hay bales?
Hay bales are used to feed farm animals such as horses and sheep. Around Halloween and Thanksgiving they are used to decorate the outside of homes throughout America. They are also used in the construction of earth-friendly homes. via
What happens if hay gets rained on?
If rained-on hay is not again dried fully, mold and mycotoxin growth can occur which can put livestock health at risk. Furthermore, baled wet hay can combust due to the temperature increase caused by microbial growth - putting a producer at risk of barn fire. via
How long will a round bale last outside?
One round bale lasts about 8-10 days using our regular round bale hay net with 1.75" holes. Without a net, a bale lasts approximately 5-6 days and half of it is wasted. Once the hay hits the ground, it gets urinated and defecated on or they use it as a bed and refuse to eat it. via
Is hay just long grass?
Hay is a grass or can be a form of grass. When referring to it as a form of grass, it is a cut grass that has been cut then dried for the purpose of becoming an animal feed or food. Moreover, hay can also refer to a mixture of different species of grasses. via
How do you hay small acreage? (video)
Can you make hay out of grass?
A perfect day for making hay is when it's sunny and calm. Spread the grass clippings in a thin layer on the ground, preferably on the concrete. Turn it and mix it around a few times during the day. It shouldn't take more than half a day or so until it's completely dry. via