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I own a conditioner but yesterday was the first time it has been on the tractor since 2001. Strictly disc mower. In that time the least amount of alfalfa I've done is 76 acres, and some years a LOT more. The main reasons I havent used a disc conditioner, COST. For the cost of a good dsic conditioner I can own 2 9' discbines and 2 tedders ($7500 to $8000 per discmower-tedder set). If used properly there is little difference in using a tedder and the impeller style conditioners. Most people run tedders too fast and wait too long after cutting to ted. My hay goes 30-70 to the dairy and horse markets. There is no question a tedder can be used to knock off all the alfalfa leaves, but so can a rake. If I mow 4 hrs, I ted 4 hrs. Ground speed 50% of mower speed, but its twice as wide. As soon as I stop mowing I tedder, then tedder the 3rd day or so if needed when the hay is WET with dew, sometimes that means 3 am. I took the last of my first cutting 2 weeks ago, cut on a Thur, baled on a Sunday, 125 bales of alfalfa per acre, went in a 14.6% moisture. Ky Dept of Ag mobile hay test shows RFV of 138 which is not bad for a fairly mature first cutting. Since you are in Indiana I would expect we have very similar weather most years. Also, the Kentucky Alfalfa COnference, each February is well worth your trip. World class program, put on by Ky Forage and Grasslands COuncil and the Extension Service, typically get people from 30-40 different states.
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