Fall cutting

mgmacf · Aug 18, 2022

I am new to haying so this is probably a dumb question.

Is it better to mow my fields in the fall with a mulching mower or just leave the hay standing for the winter?

I live in the Pacific Northwest and fall is almost always wet so no chance of drying the hay. Most of my neighbors, except for the cow farmers, seem to just leave the hay standing. I think doing that might just make a mess of next year's hay but it seems to work for the neighbor's.

Any suggestions? I don't have any livestock to graze the fields.

Thanks

David Snipes · Aug 18, 2022

I just leave mine standing, but I'm in Eastern WA where it's much drier and the fall grass is shorter.

flying belgian · Aug 18, 2022

southern Mn. I leave mine standing.

rdandersom · Aug 20, 2022

I was taught that it should be left standing. If you cut too late the plant will move energy from the roots to the top resulting in weaker roots going into the winter and maybe winterkill. Longer stubble catches more snow to insulate from frost heaving as well.

mgmacf · Aug 20, 2022

Thanks for all the replies. So far everyone seems to agree, leave it standing. It will probably be about 18 tall by then but I'll leave it alone and see how things go next year.

coonie minnie · Aug 21, 2022

As mentioned below, it's about survivability of the stand. Too late of a fall cut will diminish root reserves to get through the winter. If your area is prone to ice, long stems sticking up allow plants to get air in the event of ice or moderate ponding in frozen conditions as well.

When it doubt, leave it if you don't need it.

Fall cutting

mgmacf

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David Snipes

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flying belgian

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rdandersom

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mgmacf

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coonie minnie

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