2014 Hay Season

[foreman Etexas]

So I got everything drug out and going over it all. Desided to go ahead and cut the front yard and bale,getting everything going to start thursday on the big fields. It made a biggen:laughing:

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Our grass is just turning green here in western pa! I'll admit, I'm not really looking forward to hay season this year. Although, I think im going to be much better prepared with the stub guards shimmed correctly in the NH499! Some yahoo had anywhere from 0 to 6 shims in there. No wonder I had a heck of a time last year with it with grass packing in under the hold down clips. I need to upgrade tractors before I can jump into a discbine though.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Our grass is just turning green here in western pa! I'll admit, I'm not really looking forward to hay season this year. Although, I think im going to be much better prepared with the stub guards shimmed correctly in the NH499! Some yahoo had anywhere from 0 to 6 shims in there. No wonder I had a heck of a time last year with it with grass packing in under the hold down clips. I need to upgrade tractors before I can jump into a discbine though.

Ive felt like you in prior years -- problematic cutting. You shoud check out a Drum Mower. I got mine to replace a haybine at the end of last season and tried it on a few acres. Fast - cuts everything - never clogs -- much less$ than a discbine and should work on your tractor [fine on our L3450]. ... I think itll even do fine in wet grass. Im looking forward to this year.
larry.

 

[Tx Jim]

So I got everything drug out and going over it all. Desided to go ahead and cut the front yard and bale,getting everything going to start thursday on the big fields. It made a biggen:laughing: View attachment 373115

How is the moisture in E.Texas? Where I live we're 7 inches behind for the year and haying looks bleak. If you hear of any rd bales of hay for sale in your area will you let me know? Thanks,Jim

 

[bigbull338]

we are getting ready to put fert out in the next few days.going to see when its supposed to rain.an get it out ahead of the rain.im cringing because if it dont rain that means money has been wasted.and that money could go for hay if needed.

 

[AGRIMAN]

So I got everything drug out and going over it all. Desided to go ahead and cut the front yard and bale,getting everything going to start thursday on the big fields. It made a biggen:laughing: View attachment 373115

LOL..... I have done that many times back in my younger (single) days, but it was because I let the grass get to high for the lawn mower. My old running buds would laugh at me, but I could clean up my entire yard in about 30 minutes.

I haven't check any of my hay fields yet, we are trying to plant corn. We got nearly 5 inches of rain week before last, another 3 last week and it's been raining off and on for the last three days. I'm not complaining, but it's just got everyone a little behind around here.

 

[foreman Etexas]

I'm just getting some rye grass cut,that's worth cutting in places just in case. Fertilizer goes out on coastal pastures next wednesday and pray for rain.

 

[foreman Etexas]

If I hear of any Tx Jim will let you know. Rye and clover done okay around here,getting dry thou.

 

[flusher]

Nothing this year--only 10 inches of rain since last Oct (normal is 18"). My 6 acres is dry farmed so no go.
My neighbor just baled and stacked hay on his 8 irrigated acres (forage mix plus vetch). Result: about 2 tons per acre.

He planted in mid Nov last year, irrigated three times in Jan. Paid the irrigation district $41 per acre foot then. As of 15 April the price is $625 per acre foot. We're in the third year of drought. Sierra snowpack supplies water to the irrigation district via Shasta Lake and the Sacramento River. Snowpack has been below 50% of normal for the past several years.

So everyone from orchard growers to alfalfa farmers around here are pumping ground water like crazy. Hope I don't have to deepen my well.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Nothing this year--only 10 inches of rain since last Oct (normal is 18"). My 6 acres is dry farmed so no go.
My neighbor just baled and stacked hay on his 8 irrigated acres (forage mix plus vetch). Result: about 2 tons per acre.

He planted in mid Nov last year, irrigated three times in Jan. Paid the irrigation district $41 per acre foot then. As of 15 April the price is $625 per acre foot. We're in the third year of drought. Sierra snowpack supplies water to the irrigation district via Shasta Lake and the Sacramento River. Snowpack has been below 50% of normal for the past several years.

So everyone from orchard growers to alfalfa farmers around here are pumping ground water like crazy. Hope I don't have to deepen my well.

Sorry to hear that,hope things turn around for you guys.

 

[bigbull338]

well we just swallowed hard and ordered 4 tons of 17-17-19 fert.and that stuff is high $552 a ton.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

well we just swallowed hard and ordered 4 tons of 17-17-19 fert.and that stuff is high $552 a ton.

What rate are you applying ... 50 lbs acre, or more?

I really need to fertilize my property, about 90 acres of hay production, but may hold off until next year. I dropped about $1500 last year spraying for broad weed control and hate to piggyback with a few grand on fertilizer already. So far, selling the hay has kept my head above water on the maintenance costs but I don't want to wind up spending more than I bring in.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Alright 25-3-9 going on Tuesday at 300lbs acre. $485ton...

 

[KiotiKowboy]

At least for nitrogen, I've read that even if you need substantial amounts, it's best to apply at no more than 100lbs per treatment due to loss by run-off. This would mean making multiple applications over a period of several months for the best benefit.

Also, just curious, do you guys routinely spread dry fertilizer or do you ever go with a spray?

Yes? No?

 

[foreman Etexas]

At least for nitrogen, I've read that even if you need substantial amounts, it's best to apply at no more than 100lbs per treatment due to loss by run-off. This would mean making multiple applications over a period of several months for the best benefit.

Also, just curious, do you guys routinely spread dry fertilizer or do you ever go with a spray?

Yes? No?

Yeah usually dry first time, then second liquid with weed killer mixed in.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Yeah usually dry first time, then second liquid with weed killer mixed in.

Have you found a source for the liquid that is a "best price?" From what I see, weed control is a bit less expensive but especially fertilizer is like liquid gold - lol.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Have you found a source for the liquid that is a "best price?" From what I see, weed control is a bit less expensive but especially fertilizer is like liquid gold - lol.

I sometimes put both out myself but haven't priced the commercial liquid yet. The Grasshopper 30-8-10 is usually what put out with Grazon P+D.

Liquid 23-3-3 is $470ton and 18-5-5 is $370 ton as of today

 

[foreman Etexas]

50rolls finish rest tomorrow,clover don't wonna dry out.

 

[bigbull338]

we are going to set it at 200lbs pre ac.and hope and prey we get the rain thurs.

 

[foreman Etexas]

finally got it all done. 33acres made 68rolls