Second -cutting hay in a dry year?

Morning Gents,

My hay needs its second cut, but it has been awful dry here for a while.
Some of it is on river -bottom gravel and there seems no moisture in it at all.
Would it be best to leave the second cut on, to prevent further scorching?....or lop it off before it shrivels up?

Also, on the clay -land the crop looks much better, but again, is it best to leave it for now? I don't want to hurt the stand by adding extra stress to it.
I can normally figure it out, but this year has me ina quandry!

Any help appreciated.
We are in Western Alberta, (Canada) We often second -cut as late as Sept/Oct.
 
I would cut, and bale it now, you may not have quite as many bales as the first cut, but its better than loosing the second cut due to excessive rain where you can't get into the field, or a freeze depending on where you live.
 
I'm trying to get 1st cut on a small wet area, been too wet all year, I'm trying to do second cut on the grass hay, we had 6 inches in the past 2 weeks, with more forcast today through Monday. And I should be on third cut on alfalfa, but well that didn't happen....

If it's dry, you likely need the hay, typically short when it is dry, so I would cut is and have it, a person can adjust next spring if you need more, take what is offered now?

Not sure if you are talking grass, alfalfa, or mix, in a cold or warm climate, guess that would make a difference too....

Paul
 
Thanks for your thoughts on this chaps.

The hay is Alfalfa/Orchard/brome mix with some clover.
Will keep you posted and what transpires! Definitely a toss-up.

Thank you again,
Richard.
 
Richard, How is that grain binder working. Did the bearings fit correctly? Leroy form Ohio.
 
Personally I wouldn't cut it. I would let it try and put as much back into the roots as it can. I would accept that this is going to be a single cutting year.

I would hate to have a short term gain for a long term loss.
 

Cut it!!!! that little bit of growth that you have is sucking moisture out of the ground, and evaporating it off every day. regrowth and roots will do better keeping that moisture in the ground.
 

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