New hay farm

[Phillip w]

I think even if I had all the hay equipment I needed sitting in the yard, I would not waste my time baling 5 acres. But contemplating buying hay equipment on top of only having 5 acres to cut, I would pass.

There is hay equipment out there designed to run off of small SCUT and CUT's, I was given a few links when I was looking to mow and hay ~15 acres. The prices are a real eye opener.

Mini Hay Balers and Compact Hay Balers | Small Farm Innovators

Tractor Tools DirectHaymaking and pine straw baling equipment for compact tractors. Drum Mowers - Belt Rakes - Mini Round Balers

And for square bales, where was this thing when I was a kid:

Rocky Mountain Bale Sweep | Home

Even keeping the tractor you have, I can't see you "breaking even" on hay for many years.

We still may get into it ourselves, but we're looking at a few 40+ acre places right now. Even then, it's going to be a money loser for several years I think.

Valid strong point.

 

[stuckmotor]

I had a friend who said hay was the only buisness he knew where the everyone involved lost money. I think he sold his cows and gave up.

 

[LSXG3037JC]

I appreciate everyone's input. I was leaning towards it being a money pit already. It would be more of a hobby for me. Even if I only make a little money, time on my tractor is therapeutic for me. But I don't have the overhead to be loosing money on it. Sure the old lady wouldn't appreciate it either.

 

[zzvyb6]

Smell of freshly cut hay is very therapeutic for me. So I think you should give it a try. Research your market. Who would buy your hay ?
Buy low end cheap equipment that can be restored. You need a mower, a rake and a baler. Then you need a place to store it or customers who will be reliable enough to come by and pick it up when you have finished.

I think he means a 'tedder' . That's an extra non-essential machine to hasten drying and fluff up hay that's been rained on or has heavy dew on it. Handy but not essential for 5 acres. You should be able to come out ahead after 2 or 3 years with a cash profit. (Your only expense should be for fuel and baler twine. An accountant can help you with a handy tax advantage for your equipment purchases. By bass boat is still in depreciation but handy for farm maintenance (and I appreciate it as do the farm dogs. Welders, compressor, tools, windmills, too.

 

[powerscol]

As for the tedder it depends on what he cuts with. If he uses a moco then probably not as they can spread it wide. same for a sickle mower as it lays a wide flat row. However my drum mower leaves a tight windrow that needs to be spread out.

One thing to check into is do you have a local agg dealer that rents equipment. That way you can give it a try. Also the rental place is a good source for used stuff too. My local Kubota dealer has been a great source for me and if something breaks I can round up a spare within a day.

I also suggest talking with folks in the business around there on what your needs will be. Depending on your grass type things can be different.

 

[Phillip w]

If you have a swather, it crimps the hay as it goes through the rollers. This process speeds drying time. If hay is light, use a rake to turn two Windows together. If hay is heavy just roll windrone over with rake. If hay gets wet do to rain, just turn it/ roll it over with a rake. No tedder needed.

 

[rusty842]

I appreciate everyone's input. I was leaning towards it being a money pit already. It would be more of a hobby for me. Even if I only make a little money, time on my tractor is therapeutic for me. But I don't have the overhead to be loosing money on it. Sure the old lady wouldn't appreciate it either.

I would not consider cutting hay a hobby by any means. It can get pretty stressful when the weatherman got it wrong and your rushing to get your hay dried, baled, and put in the barn before a rain. If your in a hurry to do something,it always seems that's when everything decides to break down.

 

[Phillip w]

I would not consider cutting hay a hobby by any means. It can get pretty stressful when the weatherman got it wrong and your rushing to get your hay dried, baled, and put in the barn before a rain. If your in a hurry to do something,it always seems that's when everything decides to break down.

That a big 10-4 ( strong total agreement)

 

[joeu235]

I rely heavily on the NOAA weather report and read the forecast discussion. It takes a while to learn the jargon but really helps in my opinion. But also helps to get a feel for how conservative different weather reports are. If the local DA on TV says 50%, it's probably not going to rain. If NOAA says 50% chances, get out the rubber boots.

National Weather Service Text Product Display

 

[joeu235]

My father in law makes hay on only 10 acres with worn out equipment and a Ford 3600. But since he owns a machinist job shop and his buddy is a diesel mechanic, they are the junk dream team.