7' vs. 9' haybines

I would be tempted to increase the fertility management to get more hay in the 7' swath. If that is not an option use the rake to throw two or three swaths together for the baler; and operate the press at a reduced ground speed.

Where I live, in upstate NY, the problem is not getting the hay on the ground, but with our fickle weather, getting it cured and pressed. A fast drying swath can be worth a bunch around here.

I am starting out in the hay business and want to use a sickle mower to do my grass type hay. Problem is, my place is odd shapes and I wind up with clumps that do not cure.....will set a barn on fire if bailed as is. So I either use a swather that wind rows and eliminates the lumps or a rotary cutter which is ok but some people want to see the stalks. By the way, the rotary cutter (bush hog thing) is much faster than the chook.a.chook.a.chook.a.

In writing this to you I dug out the ASC catalog and see this one in here for $1000.....looking better all the time....but it does mean one more trip across the field.....but what I have seen for results are beautiful bales.

I too have the weather problem in the spring and the weather man never knows about that "little shower" that pops up.

Mark