How long can I leave cut coastal in the field?

Txfarmer1 · Jul 2, 2018

My baler broke on me before I could rake my field after cutting my hay. My part won't be in for at least seven days. How long can it last on the ground before it would be a waste of time to even bale it?

Thanks ahead of time for the responses.

Tx Jim · Jul 3, 2018

Hay with little to no moisture in it has less palatibility(sp) than hay baled at correct moisture. The stems won't be soft & some of the leaves will shatter off. After laying on ground for a week crop will probably be more difficult to bale than normal hay with 15% moisture. Have you considered baling at night?

Txfarmer1 · Jul 3, 2018

I have an older Vermeer 605H baler, but I've
never baled at night. I also have a tedder,
but haven't had to use it in years.

Texasmark1 · Jul 3, 2018

Intellicast on the www is available for your area, just plug in the location on their home page. Select the 10 day forecast window and pick the day you want to bale......looking at the information offerings for the day, one is relatively humidity and the time of day/night. Find the highest and bale then. Good luck as this time of year it's not all that much, but you can get the max value at what time for that day.

Traditional Farmer · Jul 8, 2018

After it laid out for 7 days I wouldn't think it'd be worth baling unless you need some mulch or bedding.

jacksun65 · Jul 16, 2018

maybe you can borrow a baler or have someone come in and bale it. Better than nothing.

How long can I leave cut coastal in the field?

Txfarmer1

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Tx Jim

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Txfarmer1

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Texasmark1

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Traditional Farmer

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jacksun65

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