Grass length through winter?

[Southernspeed]

Yep, odd question I know but ...
I didn't do my usual 'final cut' this year as Sept going into October it starts getting really hard to get it dried enough to bale. A couple of weeks ago I cut the fields to get them down to something like 6-7 inches at a guess.
Well, it's been growing! What kind of length are your fields over winter? Would having longer grass through winter lead to stem-ier first cutting?

 

[Hay Dude]

Yep, odd question I know but ...
I didn't do my usual 'final cut' this year as Sept going into October it starts getting really hard to get it dried enough to bale. A couple of weeks ago I cut the fields to get them down to something like 6-7 inches at a guess.
Well, it's been growing! What kind of length are your fields over winter? Would having longer grass through winter lead to stem-ier first cutting?

Mine all depend on the owner. Some want a “clipped” look before winter sets in. A few of mine will pay me for a final rotary mowing. Big help for money over the winter.
Others just want it left whatever length it grows after 2nd cutting in September. That could be 18” tall or more. I have been tempted to do a 3rd cutting on those fields, but the yield would be laughably low. Probably would barely cover fuel.

IMO, it doesn’t move the needle much. One thing I like about a final clipping with a rotary is that if gets some clippings down to fertilize the ground in the future.

 

[Southernspeed]

Mine all depend on the owner. Some want a “clipped” look before winter sets in. A few of mine will pay me for a final rotary mowing. Big help for money over the winter.
Others just want it left whatever length it grows after 2nd cutting in September. That could be 18” tall or more. I have been tempted to do a 3rd cutting on those fields, but the yield would be laughably low. Probably would barely cover fuel.

IMO, it doesn’t move the needle much. One thing I like about a final clipping with a rotary is that if gets some clippings down to fertilize the ground in the future.

And do you think it has any reflection on first cut quality the following year? I've no idea how grass grows after a dormant period and whether that would make it less nutritious and with more stem?

 

[jonsstihl]

new shoots grow from the roots in the spring. leaving it long just means more thatch is present in the spring. at least up here where it gets cold.

 

[MH8675309]

Keeping it shorter will help it dry out faster in the spring

 

[Hay Dude]

And do you think it has any reflection on first cut quality the following year?

Not really. I think it more depends on the height you cut during your last cutting.

I've no idea how grass grows after a dormant period and whether that would make it less nutritious and with more stem?

More stem left over winter just means you’ll be adding it to your new grass in your first cutting next year. Might lower your quality a little.
If you clip it now, it’ll likely work its way down to the dirt, dissolve and add some small amount of nutrients.

You may be over-analyzing on this one. Do what works best for you. I find a year end clipping earns me a few extra bucks from my customer, so that’s the main reason I do it, but it also could help with hay quality a little bit next year, too.

 

[Southernspeed]

You may be over-analyzing on this one.

I've no doubt about that! Thanks for your wisdom, as always

 

[Hay Dude]

I've no doubt about that! Thanks for your wisdom, as always

I get it. We are all looking for an “edge” to make higher quality faster and for less money.

 

[jonsstihl]

I guess the real question for Hay Dude would be: Would you do it to improve your hay quality if you weren't being paid to do it. I guess even then it becomes a question of who your hay customers are and how much they are willing to pay.

 

[1 Old Man]

In my area it's very common to cut/clean up your fields
for winter. Not really looking for a high nitrogen/nutrient
boost. Cut heights vary. My last cut will usually be 4-6".
I think it helps during spring green-up.