Tedder Question

Im sure this has been covered many times, but I don't want to search though dozens of threads to find the answer.  2 years ago, I purchased a 2 basket tedder, used it once, and that was it.  Had bad luck, but it wasn't the tedders fault.  The hay got rained on, and already stemmy 1st cutting just became twigs.  Last year I was able to have pretty good luck, and hit the windows right, and didn't NEED to tedd, but could have.  With as wet as it was, it was pretty damp between the windrows, so I was concerned if I tossed the hay into the windrow, it would actually increase dry down because it was laying on damp ground that wouldn't dry because it was covered up with hay.  Is this the case?  Im hoping to pick up 80 acres of custom farmed from start to finish this year.  With working full time, and already covering my own 50 acres, Im concerned.  Thoughts on the ground moisture between the rows and tossing a bunch of wet hay on it?

Tedder Question

looking for open station tractor for NH 1037 Wagon

I am looking for an open station tractor that will work well on a 1037 bale wagon.  My hay operation is on flat land so hills are not an issue.  I want something where i can get off and on on the left side.  Also it doesn't need to be a expensive tractor.  Just wondering what works for others.  I was thinking 4020/3020 but most in my area are still high too priced.  Thanks

looking for open station tractor for NH 1037 Wagon

two 8 ft drag behidn disc' and a 10 ft cultipacker

ok I have a two working order drag behind disc, one is a IH brand made model, that was rebuilt in 2013 , IH slotted front disc's bearings and all new grade 8 hardware
second disc is a unknown brand, but all parts seem interchangable with first disc, , its a little lighter duty than first one
but works , has slotted rear disc's

and last I have a Brillion made 10 ft wide double row cultipacker

I am asking $1100.00 for both disc
and $1900.00 for the cultipacker
price's on these things have gone crazy high last many yrs
cheapest like one on ebay is over $2500 and several over 3k

there is a guy that still makes them and he quoted me on making one like this of $5500.00
so if you think I am high on price, shop around!

PM me for pic's , for what ever reason it won't let me load any here right now??

two 8 ft drag behidn disc' and a 10 ft cultipacker

Cutting and raking widths

How important is it to match your mower width to the raking width? Going to be buying a new mower and rake this year and was getting ready to pull the trigger on the rake but not sure yet on what size of mower I will be getting. I am considering a mower anywhere from 10-13 foot cut and the rake I plan on purchasing is available in either a 27 or 30 foot max raking width. Most of the time my grass hay and oat hay is tedded out so I don't think it would make a difference on that but I usually don't Ted alfalfa.

Cutting and raking widths

1745 Massey Ferguson Baler

Massey Ferguson 1745 Round Baler.

Whats the good and bad?  I know its an economical bailer, not allot of them around my area, but they have come up on my search for a new baler...  Price is right I can say that much...  Any input would be much appreciated!

Thanks.

1745 Massey Ferguson Baler

Southeast Hay Convention, March 8-9

http://ift.tt/1T6xjia

 

 

In Moultrie, Georgia

Southeast Hay Convention, March 8-9

Suggestions on improving rough stands

Since I have begun my journey in this amazing business, one theme has been consistent: I inherit older fields and try to rehab them. It's as if it was the only way. I have only taken over 2 fields that were producing hay the year before. 

Most of the fields I take over have rough, stemmy stuff: multi-flora, goldenrod, broomsedge, even blackberry in worst case scenarios.

Last fall, I picked up another 40-50 acres and begun rehabbing them. 

When I cut them, some had blackberry-pretty nasty, but after they were cut, they damn near looked like a decent hayfield. However, the woody stubble remains. 

 

1: if you had to rehab fields with a mix of basic, natural grass and small stickers woody stubble with NO spray, what is the fastest way to get them turned around? Should I concede a year of hay and mow them with bush hog like 5, 6 times? OR should I concede first cutting and bush hog instead, then bale 2nd cutting and sell as mushroom hay (this is the way I'm favoring). Would the woody stuff be dead by then? Would only 2 cuttings then a fall bush hogging be enough? 

 

2: If you were allowed spray. WHEN do I spray for maximum woody invasive kill?? I would use Clarity. What would you use? 

 

Thanks!

Suggestions on improving rough stands