Author	[Modern View]
Shawn W 08-16-2012 17:30:39 50.40.106.17 Report to Moderator	Ok guys, heres a loaded question for all the hay farmers. I need to make a hay field. I have 3 acres of corn on it now that will make about 80 bushel, and the storms last week laid it flat on the ground, and a lot of the ears fell off. I might be able to pick some of it up but not a lot. My plan is to combine it, chop it with batwing, disk it, then moldboard plow it under. But from there I dont know what to do. I would like to plant something this fall, but I dont know what would be a good mix. In the past I have had just straight alfalfa. I would like to get a cutting off it next spring and will be feeding feeder calves, minature donkey, pygmy goats, and the neighbors horses that will eat anything you give them. So what would you do to prepare for planting? What would you plant? I just need some others opionions. This is in east central illinois with good old black dirt. Thanks Shawn [Reply]   [No Email]
Allan In NE 08-17-2012 16:53:18 148.66.88.254 Report to Moderator	Re: New hay field in reply to Shawn W, 08-16-2012 17:30:39   Run a wire around it and turn in some cows or hogs. Allan   [Reply]  [No Email]
eldo case 08-17-2012 10:00:53 70.195.1.221 Report to Moderator	Re: New hay field in reply to Shawn W, 08-16-2012 17:30:39   With the price of corn a person could make good wages picking up the lost ears. It would save gem cost, make money and solve volunteer corn problem. 3 acres in not much ground to cover.   [Reply]  [No Email]
sdc eastern ia 08-17-2012 06:01:11 69.63.4.10 Report to Moderator	Re: New hay field in reply to Shawn W, 08-16-2012 17:30:39   Get a gunny sack and start walking. 3 acres isn"t that big I"ve had to do it a bunch of times. Maybe church group could help. Donation, tax deduction, maybe a fun afternoon.   [Reply]  [No Email]
randallinMo 08-17-2012 05:53:05 216.74.205.155 Report to Moderator	Re: New hay field in reply to Shawn W, 08-16-2012 17:30:39   YOur biggest problem is going to be the volunteer corn next spring. It will play havoc with any new hay seeding. If possible, graze the stalks with cows or hogs this fall and try to get it worked up late this fall. Next spring sow oats and alfalfa. You have to get rid of the corn that's laying on the ground. It shouldn't take long to graze 3 acres with several head of calves or something.   [Reply]  [No Email]