Coastal Readiness Testing - Old vs. New method, Hay Tedder - useful, how?

As always looking for an education!   Thanks!!

 

 

Coastal Hay Baling Readiness

 

 

Debating about whether a moisture meter is worth the investment or stay with old school?   Or both?

 

 

Current method:

 

1. Fertilized and got a ton of rain
2. Coastal about 97% weed free, (very little vasey grass, herbicide worked!)
3. Cut (when a High settles over Texas summer months, 78 low/90+ highs)
4. Wait
5. Hand break around noon on 2nd or 3rd day
6. If breaks in 5 or 6 turns then bale
7. Round bales only

 

Hay moisture:

 

 

I have heard to much and the bale will catch fire?

 

I have too little and the protein is sucked out?

 

Other reasons to care about moisture?    

 

 

Testing:

 

 

Method A:  

 

1. Grab a bunch in both hands and twist...    Breaks in 5 or 6 turns...  Hay is ready...
2. Breaks in 10 to 12 twist then wait!

 

 

Method B:  

 

1. Moisture meter...how to use?
2. Stick probe in first bale?   I am assuming baling starts when dew is dry or around noon to be safe?
3. What reading for coastal?
4. Worth the investment?    

 

 

Method C:  

 

1. Cadillac probe... Two centers inside the baler with display in cab...
2. Worth the investment for a non-commercial rancher?

 

 

Rain scenarios:  (To tedder or not to tedder)

 

 

1. Light shower less than an inch on newly cut hay?   Leave it alone or tedder?
2. Light shower on windrows?    leave alone or tedder?
3. Hay tedder uses?
4. Where is the point of loss?

 

Thank you for the input!   Be safe!

Mark

 

 

 

Coastal Readiness Testing - Old vs. New method, Hay Tedder - useful, how?