Learned a lot today

bingo71 · Aug 17, 2016

I have never been a farmer or raised any hay but I learned a lot today. My n'bor was cutting a field down below me today, I stopped and was talking to him, grass was way high and rank, I asked him when was the best time to cut hay? "he said when his blades were sharp" I said it looks like it's going to rain again, he said "all rain does is turn it brown, cows will eat it anyway" So I know all about hay now.

Matt from Oz · Aug 17, 2016

Hi Bingo

Interesting comment. I live in Australia and we grow irrigated lucerne hay here. A bloke who lives near me who has been in hay for a very long time says it takes five seasons of hay making before you know what you are doing. I reckon he is right, theory and what should be done when is one thing then invite mother nature into the mix and every cut is different. It sure is interesting though.

Graham of New Zealand · Aug 17, 2016

Like Matt said an interesting comment. And like Matt I've been making hay for many decades in all sorts of weather including losing some to extended wet weather in New Zealand. All pasture grasses like rye, clover (red and white) Kikuyu (from africa and almost a weed, and hard to do anything with) I was learning new info all that time. I suggest the rain reduces nutritional value, but if dried properly is still good feed

showcrop · Aug 17, 2016

Getting rained on in early to mid June is less harmful to the nutritional value than two more weeks of waiting for sharp blades

Texasmark1 · Aug 17, 2016

I've been at it 37 years, learn something every time, and never are two cut and bale sessions identical. Probably the most significant things I have learned was to get a tedder and get away from a sickle bar. Life has been much simpler.

sotxbill · Aug 17, 2016

Curious about your answer...???

Learned a lot today

bingo71

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Matt from Oz

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Graham of New Zealand

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showcrop

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Texasmark1

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sotxbill

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