Keeping hay fields in shape for future use?

[hopsnhay]

Greetings all - I'm new to this site.

We have a "hobby" farm of 70 acres. Of which, half is open and was in C.R.P. until about 6 years ago. We started brush cutting the fields when it came out of CRP and ultimately have gotten most of it into pretty good grass hay condition since. Most of our time and energy goes into hops production. We only have been making hay and selling it to keep the fields looking nice and clear of weeds. It has become clear that I can't keep up the pace of hops, hay, and a full time job. The wife says I have to keep the job (go figure).

I've been making hay (small squares) with my Kubota L3800 diesel. I just drop the bales in the field to be retrieved later (lots of labor). I want to stop making hay for 4-5 years (until I retire) but keep the fields (20-30 acres) in nice shape. In the past I have given the hay away to anybody that will make it themselves. This proved to be understandably unreliable and the fields could become a mess pretty quickly. Fencing is virtually non existent, so opening the fields to pasture animals is not possible. Oh yes, my wife absolutely will NOT allow row crops, so leasing the land is not negotiable!!

I'm willing to try and keep the fields under 6-8" tall and mow it as often as that takes. I'm thinking that it's an unrealistic number of rounds with my 5' brush cutter or 5' finish mower to successfully save myself any time (which is my goal). I've been exploring the purchase of larger mowing equipment, but have gotten lots of mixed reviews regarding horsepower (etc.). The idea of gang reel mowers came up.. but I can see how falling a few days behind could become a problem. A larger tractor is not open for discussion right now.

Finally the question - Any suggestions? Larger mower configurations, horsepower suggestions, or farm practices that might have merit? Basically, can one guy mow a 9 hole golf course all summer, weed 1 acre of hops, and keep a full time job (smile)? Thanks.

 

[smstonypoint]

What type of grass do you have?

Why not mow less frequently and use a broadleaf herbicide to control any weed problems?

Steve

 

[hopsnhay]

Hey... (no pun intended)... that was a quick response! Thanks. As for the type of hay - I'm not sure (not an expert here), visually it appears to be a mix of grasses (typical Midwest stuff if there is such a thing). One of the guys that did the "free" (sometimes I will cut the hay, sometimes I won't) did over-seed it one year (but never told me what he added). As for the herbicide weed control I must admit I'm stuck in a bad spot. The same woman (the wife) that won't allow row crops (because the process will probably need to start with an application of Round-Up) won't allow any herbicides either! I've tried to get someone other than me to get her into a dialog about what is worse for the planet - burning more fuel mowing and contributing more to green house gasses or using a couple applications of herbicides. Your idea definitely has merit, but my situation probably won't allow it for now.

 

[smstonypoint]

Well, if you are that whipped:

Option 1. Have her do the mowing.

Option 2. Assuming you have cool season grasses (e.g., fescue, orchard grass, etc.), just use your rotary cutter twice a year at the same time you would be mowing for hay.

Steve

 

[flusher]

You need a larger tractor--at least 45 hp (pto) to enough power to run a larger mower. Check the Bush Hog website for mower options in this power range.

Good luck.

 

[kevin37b]

Explain to your wife that herbicides kill weeds and notpeople . They break down tissues in target weeds , not people . Driving her car does more damage than herbicides . I have been around farming a long time and no ill effects . I understand her concerns , but millions of $ have been spent to make these products safe .

 

[hopsnhay]

Greetings again all... we are all singing from the same songbook when it comes to herbicides, Round-UP, etc.... but I have given up discussing some topics with the better half. I have a collection of equipment dealers that I have worked with in the past - I generally trust them, but it does seem like the best solution to whatever it is I am working on... just happens to be sitting on their lot (seems suspect).

Horsepower output I find to be a moving target also. I'm assuming the wide range of mower horsepower requirements is due to the wide range of other variables. (type and thickness of the grass, etc.). Right now the bulk of the fields is almost a lawn like condition (but not as smooth). What do you think about something like this? I believe it says horsepower range of 35-65. Thoughts?

AFM4211 All-Flex Mowers | Land Pride

 

[smstonypoint]

Right now the bulk of the fields is almost a lawn like condition (but not as smooth). What do you think about something like this? I believe it says horsepower range of 35-65. Thoughts?

AFM4211 All-Flex Mowers | Land Pride

My thought -- that looks expensive, very expensive.

Is your objective, no, make that your wife's objective, to have the 20-30 acres look like a lawn?

Steve

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Put in alfalfa and mow once a year?

 

[wpala]

I'm in a very similar situation however I have a guy who cuts and bails hay for himself, for now he had a stroke so I don't know how much longer he will be able to do this. I was thinking in investing in to drum mower they can cut any type and size grass with very high speed and can be used on compact tractors I would just cut once or twice a year + over seed with alfalfa every year to cut down on mowing and have more deer come up and feed on the pastures
Paul

 

[hopsnhay]

Oh yeah.. a new one would definitely be out of the question. I would have to find something similar that is used. The point of the lawn comparison is to note that it's not thick now and could be finish mowed, perhaps with a larger finish mower and an underpowered tractor. I realize I would have to stay on top of the mowing operations. If I let it go too long, then I would have to get out the brush cutter (or the haybine). I'm looking for options that would preserve the current condition of the fields without adding too much equipment. I'm sure my haybine was very expensive once upon a time, but I picked it up for $1500 (plus the parts and time to keep it running). I'm hoping there might be other equipment options or farm practice options that could work. So far the good ideas keep coming in.

I hadn't thought about alfalfa. That might be a viable option. I may not be able to get that to fly this year, but it could be an option for next year. I'm open to all ideas. Thanks again.

 

[hopsnhay]

I'm liking this alfalfa idea more and more!! Slight twist in the topic... around here we really get mixed opinions from the "horse" people. Some really want alfalfa mix... others avoid it. I just need an education, it would be good to evaluate this topic for future discussions.

 

[dwhite]

I'd get a 6' rotary cutter and mow twice a year. Your tractor should pull that fine in the clean fields you have. Also put the word out to neighbors that the hay is free for the making. That might save you from cutting it on occasion. This seems the cheapest option short-term until you can figure out how to retire

 

[RPW]

How wide haybine? Cut and leave in the field. No extra expense.

 

[DaveOmak]

Alfalfa is not a good crop to plant and leave.... It is auto-toxic and will self regulate to no alfalfa in about 8-10 years.... each year having less alfalfa.... for a legume, try clover... or buckwheat... buckwheat will reseed if you leave it....if the birds don't eat it all...


About round-up..... glyphosate.... it is non selective and will kill everything..... not good on a grass field.....

 

[Bigfoot62]

Rhino SE8A Pull-Type

"The pull-type SE8A requires only a 30 HP tractor (min.) for economical operation."

 

[HEC]

I am in the same situation , I just mow once each year and let it lay on the ground so the fields get at least a little nutrition .

 

[redman135]

Hello hopsnhay, Are you unable to sell the grass as standing hay or silage? This is standard practice in my area. Often contractors will buy standinghay or silage and onsell to customers who don't have land. This will keep your feilds tidy , give you more time and some income. NB are your gate 12' or wider? If so good access = happy contractor.

 

[Texasmark]

Down here you mow em or plow em. If you mow em, the year before you put them back in service you roll over the surface vegetation into the sub soil so that on your first cutting, your rake doesn't include all the old residue in the bales with the new crop.

Mark