Just bought 70 acres - now what?

Redfox · Jul 15, 2005

I just bought a 70-acre property. It is rolling hills in central PA. 2 - 3 acres are occupied with buildings. Another 5 or so is wooded. The rest is pasture with high tensile fencing. I'd like to convert some of the property to grape growing, and would like to start with a one-acre test vineyard. Currently I have a JD 4110 with FEL and mid-mower. I am hoping I can find a local farmer to harvest the hay for at least the next couple of years while I play with grapes.
My understanding of planting the vines is that first the field need to be prepared by subsoiling, or turning over 3ft deep by 3 ft wide trenches with a backhoe. The trellising needs to have posts driven into the ground. 1-year old plants need to be 'hilled' by gently plowing dirt to cover the graft for the 1st season.
Is it reasonable to try and use the 4110 for the job for the couple of acres? I was thinking that eventually I'd need something in the 50-60 Hp range, but should I plan on buying one earlier. What happens if I can't find some one to harvest the hay, what size tractor can efficiently manage 60-65 acres?

Ledgemere Farm · Jul 15, 2005

With a spread like that, you will probably want two machines. I would certainly keep the 4110 and then, maybe later buy another.

Varmintmist · Jul 15, 2005

Your JD is going to be a little light at 20 hp, IMHO and I hardly ever reccomend a huge tractor to anyone. You are probably going to have to move up to 30-40 hp min. A 50-60 hp AG tractor is more than enough for what you want to do.

If you are only going to do grapes and have the hoe, I would give it a try with the 4110. It will pull a single bottom plow and a 4 foot brush hog. Before I went and spent a single dime on implements though I would be getting a larger machine.

It shouldnt be hard to find someone to make the hay if it is any good at all. If it is pasture, then you dont have hay, you have pasture. If the fence is good, run about 5-10 steer calves just to keep the weeds down. With the price of beef, you wont go wrong. If you sell a crop, you are a farmer, cows are a crop. Buy in the spring and sell in the fall.

Cactus · Jul 15, 2005

( Buy in the spring and sell in the fall. )

Buy high and sell low ??

Highbeam · Jul 15, 2005

Or else you get to buy hay through the winter.

rockyridgefarm · Jul 15, 2005

i agree with the others. I would keep your nice small machine for mowing and tight work. Usually you can do real well buying Utility Tractors (~40-80hp) used. Another option is to buy a used mini excavator to get setup. You can sell it for almost no loss, once you have done those trenches...)

Redfox · Jul 15, 2005

I don't plan to live on the property for a few years. It's more a weekend / occasional evening place. Livestock is out. If I wanted livestock, I'd need to live there, and harvest/store the hay for the winter.
I am a bit confused about the pasture and hay comment. What's the difference between a pasture and a hay crop?

The previous owner had 75 sheep, and made his own hay for the winter. I presumed the grass would make good hayage.

frank_f15 · Jul 15, 2005

( What's the difference between a pasture and a hay crop?
)
depends on WHAT type of grass is growing in the "pasture"

Redfox · Jul 17, 2005

What's the difference between a large CUT and a small UT? What impliments (or size of) can a 50-60 HP tractor handle? What model / makes of UTs should I consider?

Soundguy · Jul 17, 2005

50hp is right around the dividing point for cat 1 and cat 2. I'd guess between 45 and 60 hp.. you can see 'either' category of hitch, depending ont he age of the tractor.. etc.

Soundguy