Reclaiming a hayfield.

jacksonduper · Jun 12, 2011

A neighbor has a hay field that he says I can have. The problem is it has not cut in about 5 years. I walked tonight and it has a lot of undergrowth. The grass is kind of matted near the ground. He has been brush hogging for the last few years. I have a older John Deere 1209 haybine. will this machine cut this grass or am I asking for a major pain in the butt. It is free hay but is it worth it?

Any advice would be great.

Joe

JWalker · Jun 12, 2011

What kind of hay? Have you taken a soil sample? How long can you have it for free? You need to ask all of these questions before deciding if it is worth it or not

jacksonduper · Jun 12, 2011

The field is just grass. They have been trying to sell the property so it could be short term. I would be round baling the grass and feeding it to beef steers. The piece is about 3 acres.

Joe

Anonymous-0 · Jun 12, 2011

if you want to have some fun get a plow and plow it up there is something about plowing i found to be very rewarding. I plowed 200 acres last fall with a 4 bottom plow it was great!!

Zachary Hoyt · Jun 12, 2011

We cut some of our fields with the bush hog in alternate years instead of taking hay, and when we get back to cutting hay again it has never been a problem. As long as there are not woody stemmed bushes growing I would not worry about it.
Zach

Tony in Mass. · Jun 12, 2011

With today's economy, it won't change hands anytime soon, but really, 3 acres, overgrown, and if there is an old electric fence post in there, or old junk the brushog ate.... but your haybine won't ...digest.... if you walk over every inch, or have an old sickle bar... more dangers in an unknown field that matted straw.

jacksonduper · Jun 12, 2011

There are few woody stem trees starting but was going to nip those with hand clippers Before I cut.

Joe

jacksonduper · Jun 12, 2011

It was cut a few years ago so there is no old posts etc.

LAA · Jun 12, 2011

If any doubt, bush hog it the first cutting, it will still roll allright and it will dry quick. If it is only 3 acres you could bushhog it early one morning and roll it that afternoon if good weather.

RodinNS · Jun 12, 2011

Drop the shoes WAY down on the haybine so it's cutting high and go. Shouldn't be a problem...

Rod

Anonymous-0 · Jun 12, 2011

Cut some and feed it to the beef as a trial, they may not like or eat it. They can be picky.

Anonymous-0 · Jun 13, 2011

1209 is a good machine, just go slow enough to see any obstructions or weed trees. After you cut (higher than normal), and bale, take a lawnmower to the whole field, and it will come back better next year. Never cut lower than about 3" with the lawnmower.

NEBeef · Jun 13, 2011

Don't expect much from the first cutting, you might even decide to square bale it for mulch or construction hay. Rake it as close as you can the first time, carefully, that'll take some of the matted plant matter out. Do a soil test and fertilize accordingly, the next cutting should be greatly improved.

Reclaiming a hayfield.

jacksonduper

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JWalker

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jacksonduper

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Anonymous-0

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Zachary Hoyt

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Tony in Mass.

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jacksonduper

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jacksonduper

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LAA

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RodinNS

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Anonymous-0

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