mrinehimerm
New User
So I've been batting around the idea of making hay on my property located in northeastern PA this year and would appreciate some advice before I commit fully to the venture. I decided it would be nice to try to make a little hay off my property as a supplement income. I would be planting about 10 acres of orchard grass on flat ground near a stream. My thoughts were sod from the orchard grass would prevent erosion in the event of flooding and the grass would be a little more forgiving for hay making.
I have an AC 160 that I planned to use for most of my work (cutting, raking, baling). I know the tractor is low on the HP end but I figured the weight of the tractor should help with pulling the baler. I'm planning an average price of $3/bale and an average 100 bales a cutting (more 1st, less 3rd). This would give me a total income of $9,000 per year.
Challenges I have are that I would need to buy a baler, rake, and mower/conditioner. I also work a full time job so any work I would be able to do in the fields would be after 3:30pm and weekends.
My questions to the YT community are: Is it going to be worth it in the end for me? After I figure the seed, fertilizer, diesel, and maintenance costs, and I even going to break even? Is it possible to turn out quality hay with the time I have available to farm? In my gut I feel I can make it work but I'd appreciate the wisdom of people who know more than I.
I have an AC 160 that I planned to use for most of my work (cutting, raking, baling). I know the tractor is low on the HP end but I figured the weight of the tractor should help with pulling the baler. I'm planning an average price of $3/bale and an average 100 bales a cutting (more 1st, less 3rd). This would give me a total income of $9,000 per year.
Challenges I have are that I would need to buy a baler, rake, and mower/conditioner. I also work a full time job so any work I would be able to do in the fields would be after 3:30pm and weekends.
My questions to the YT community are: Is it going to be worth it in the end for me? After I figure the seed, fertilizer, diesel, and maintenance costs, and I even going to break even? Is it possible to turn out quality hay with the time I have available to farm? In my gut I feel I can make it work but I'd appreciate the wisdom of people who know more than I.