New to the hay game

[ovrszd]

If he does all the work, supplies all the equipment and fertilizer and chemicals...send him my way. Here if you own the land, fertilize, lime and chemicals and of course are applying them you get 50% of the hay and they guy who cuts, rakes and bales get 50%. Getting into the barn does vary.

I only supply lime if needed.

Most times it's done this way here. Once in awhile it's cash rented. That's only if the land owner is cash renting his crop land to the same guy.

 

[Hay Dude]

Since you already own a bush hog, I assume you own a tractor?
If you do, you can rent a lime cart/spreader from local AG company and spread the lime yourself.

 

[kthompson]

Since you already own a bush hog, I assume you own a tractor?
If you do, you can rent a lime cart/spreader from local AG company and spread the lime yourself.

Before you go this direction and nothing wrong with it if you have the ability be sure you know what all is involved. If you will be pulling loaded spreader they are heavy. You be sure you can safely tow. May or may not have brakes or working brakes on them. If the lime is being delivered to you here it is bulked dumped on the ground and you need a loader or some sort. You also have to understand the adjustments for spreading and need some decent way to know how wide it is spreading to prevent much over lap and no gaps left. I have use the company selling me the lime spreading did decent, have used tractor 3 pth spreader and did decent, but for what it cost to have it spread...by for the most sensible for me. As with most any venture what works best for anyone part will even vary for you year to year possibly.

Spreading your own is used by many and not knocking it, just know the options and the requirements for each. At same time for grass land you will fertilizer using same equipment normally. I can have bulk fertilizer spread for same price as buying bagged fertilizer for my pto spreader.

Been where you are, ask every question you can think of. Some things that really helped me was find local farmers supplier who sells the lime, bulk fertilizer, chemicals. Get to know a sales person you are comfortable with. They should be able and willing to visit your land and make suggestions. Same with county agents. Get on their mailing list, they will have meetings or classes on different farming aspects. Check on getting pesticide license, this is something you may not need or you may contract out sprayer. I much rather do my own spraying than spreading of lime or fertilizer. Talk to those who raise hay or what ever you want to grow around you, listen carefully to what they tell you. Make notes, keep a diary. The neatest farmer I know is about 63, bet he has his and his Dad's for many many years on their crop in all aspects. Some will be big help and others will shoot you a line. Be a friend, trade favors. Do favors. If you can help them do so. You will learn from them.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

^^^^ Excellent advice, Thank you.

 

[Hay Dude]

Usually there’s no more knowledgeable land steward than a farmer. Some can get caught up in the money and farm too intensely and without knowledge, you might not know it when it’s happening. We get caught up in life, get busy and let our guards down.
Your 2nd best friend may be the farmer, but your best friend will be the knowledge you hopefully decide to keep building upon about your land.
Soil tests, soil tests, and more soil tests are what tells the story on the dirt the heavens rain upon.
Ask lots of questions.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I hear you. Been a long time since I put my Horticulture degree to work. Ask me a question about building something and I'm your man...

 

[kthompson]

I hear you. Been a long time since I put my Horticulture degree to work. Ask me a question about building something and I'm your man...

Keep close eye on the land's nutrients for hay pulls them heavy. Much more than pasture. One thing that even after years of row crops was some needed to be applied different times of the year. Now that was for bermuda grass.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Keep close eye on the land's nutrients for hay pulls them heavy. Much more than pasture. One thing that even after years of row crops was some needed to be applied different times of the year. Now that was for bermuda grass.

BTW, we spent 25 years in SC before coming to VA. Upstate near Charlotte. 1/2 acre lot to 150 acres... Lot's to learn.

 

[Hay Dude]

I just took on a new customer with a 20 acre hay field that was over-farmed or “mined” for years. There’s lots of space between the larger crowns of cool season grasses, lots of thistle, and winter weeds. The field looks “played out”. Also, it’s an interesting contrast to see where at fields edge, there’s a few large lawn areas. The lawn areas look thick and lush. The ground looks like a “rug of grass”. This is because the clippings are returned to the soil, as compost and nutrients.

 

[kthompson]

BTW, we spent 25 years in SC before coming to VA. Upstate near Charlotte. 1/2 acre lot to 150 acres... Lot's to learn.

That is a big step. But you are taking good steps. Do keep a journal and pictures as you make changes for you will really wish you had. Did not think to and wish I had. Do visit the ag business in your area. Learn who offers what, take time to meet those you can and tell them your story and see what services they offer you would benefit from. More than one reason, the obvious is you will need some of their services and products and some will be better at providing the support and info you need so much and will be glad to help you as a friend. No doubt you know the value of "thank you" and "I appreciate that".