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Haying question

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DD

08-03-1999 12:34:44




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This is a basic one so please forgive me. I'm baling my 10 acres of grass hay for the first time and I'm wondering how dry is dry? The field has been cut and after a day in the sun I've raked it into windrows then the following day raked it again. The majority of the windrow is dry to the touch but when I feel the bottom it is still somewhat moist. Is this okay? Any insight would be great. Thanks

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TomH

08-03-1999 18:23:16




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 Re: Haying question in reply to DD, 08-03-1999 12:34:44  
The hay on the bottom will pick up moisture from the ground if a windrow is left overnight. I like to rake it after the dew is off and wait about two hours to start baling.

The safest way to tell for sure is to get a postal scale; weigh a good handful of hay, then put it in a microwave for a few minutes and weigh again. Repeat until it stops loosing weight. Divide the difference in weight by the original weight and you have the moisture (shouldn't bale over 20%). Test a few samples. You'll learn the feel of hay that's not ready, it's "tough" instead of dry feeling.

By the way, ten acres is a lot of hay to put up in one day, I hope you have a round baler or a few helpers...

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TomH

08-03-1999 18:35:19




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 Re: Re: Haying question in reply to TomH, 08-03-1999 18:23:16  
Here's a FAq you probably didn't suspect existed:

http://users.ids.net/~18james/rural/haying.html



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D.B.

08-03-1999 15:11:45




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 Re: Haying question in reply to DD, 08-03-1999 12:34:44  
It sounds like you are using a sickle bar to cut with. If so, let it dry before you windrow it up. Then you're ready to bale. This will work with hay but not for alfalfa.



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B.C.

08-03-1999 12:59:25




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 Re: Haying question in reply to DD, 08-03-1999 12:34:44  
If it's grass hay it sounds like you're about there by now.

It depends on if you're putting up for cattle or horses. Cattle aren't as fussy. Horses can't have dusty hay and stay healthy.

Grab some and twist it in your hands then release it. If it springs back that's a sign it's dry.

Chew some of the wettest looking stuff. You should notice if it's still juicy. If so, roll that stuff to the top. Let it dry another half day or so and then try again.

Usually I try to start putting ours up late in the morning when the dew is off, and I shut down around dark when the dew starts coming back.

You just don't want to bale hay that is still wet. It'll rot or maybe heat and catch fire some hours or days later when it's in the barn.

Conditioning or tedding can help keep the stuff fluffed up after mowing and get it more uniformly dry. Raking unconditioned hay several times as you imply helps, but it tends to knock leaves off.

Enjoy the party.

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