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
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