How important is a tedder?

[Supa Dexta]

Here's some more info regarding sugar content, weather and timing - And the reason I mow earlier.

What is the Right Time of Day to Cut Hay?

Depending on how may acres I drop at once, I want to have time to ted it by the hottest sun of the day, on day one to quickly get the respiration down.

 

[SwingOak]

Here's some more info regarding sugar content, weather and timing - And the reason I mow earlier. What is the Right Time of Day to Cut Hay? Depending on how may acres I drop at once, I want to have time to ted it by the hottest sun of the day, on day one to quickly get the respiration down.

Interesting article. I met with our area Agronomist from our local co-op this week. I was thinking I'd have to spray for weeds, but our hay is mostly red clover, bluegrass, and orchard grass. She said the dandelions were of no concern. Red clover is basically alfalfa for areas too wet to grow alfalfa, but does not dry down well. So it's better for hayage then it is for dry bales. So the advice was to mow in the morning with a moco to crush the stems really well, ted it within a few hours of mowing, then again the next morning while the dew is still on it to minimize leaf loss. Which is pretty much exactly what Verticaltrx said.