Baling Second Cut Hay while dodging pop-up showers!

[@GaryHeald-uv5im]

The guessing and betting about rain is one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of haying. I will gamble on under 30%, but don't really like to. If I have to push it, (like last year) I will cut on a day it rains if the next two look good for drying. My rule of thumb for estimating 2nd cut is about half of first cut. Glad you like your new tedder. I've good equipment is invaluable. It doesn't have to be new, but it does have to be good, if you know what I mean. Hope the rest of the season treats you well.

[@windrowfarm]

Thanks! And I totally agree, all around. Though I am definitely starting to feel behind this year - so here I am, about to mow more today with a 30% chance in the forecast for tomorrow. Sigh. I'm right with you on yields - I'm just noticing that this year I think second cut (near me) is settling a little lower than that. Thanks, and same to you!

[@andyrobinson339]

Great job! I got 500 bales in on 8/16 after a few inches of rain. I struggled with wet ground too. Luckily never got rained on. First time tedding with the Kuhn 5001 and it was awesome....easy to adjust and get it just where I wanted. The width took some getting used to - 17'! Agree that the rotary rake has so many advantages when dealing with wetness. I would never go back to the old NH Rolabar! Another 10 acre field is set to go, probably Thursday. Good luck!

[@windrowfarm]

@@andyrobinson339 wow, that’s awesome!! Glad you got it in! Same here with getting used to the tedder width. I clocked a few of my rock marking stakes 😅. Good luck with this stretch!!

[@windrowfarm]

@@andyrobinson339 wow, that’s awesome!! Glad you got it in! Same here with getting used to the tedder width. I clocked a few of my rock marking stakes 😅. Good luck with this stretch!!

[@willowbranchfarm]

Haven't had to dodge many storms here in West TN, it hasn't rained in so long I can't remember the last time. Already in a moderate drought, these 100-degree days aren't helping much. But do have rain chances coming back this weekend, so hoping for some showers!

[@windrowfarm]

@@willowbranchfarm wow - gosh, if it’s not one extreme, it’s the other. Hoping you get just enough rain asap, without being too much!

[@GEisele0606]

Low humidity and 70's last couple days. Hope your cutting!

[@windrowfarm]

@@GEisele0606 yes indeed! Probably too much 😅. Same to you!

[@gamefarmer188]

Are you going to try to put the 135 on the new Tedder

[@windrowfarm]

@@gamefarmer188 I’m sure I’ll try it at some point! I did set it up with a hydraulic remote, so it should be able to run it just fine.

[@danielthomason5685]

Tedding or raking should be done in early .irn when dew is still out.....or late evening...it will prevent leaf loss....in legumes or grass hay

[@windrowfarm]

That unfortunately doesn't work well in New England. So much dew, it just buries the moisture. Leaf loss in all-grass hay is very minimal (in my experience a total non-issue) so long as you are gentle with tedding as it dries. Thanks for watching!!

[@sbhemi17]

@@windrowfarm I am in NC and go about it same as you...definetly better results.

[@windrowfarm]

@@sbhemi17 thanks, I appreciate that! It definitely varies a lot around the country, and there’s totally multiple right ways to do it 😊

[@PierresonAE]

What kind of twine do you use in your baler ?

[@windrowfarm]

@@PierresonAE oh, sisal 9000

[@Gore50]

What software were you using to get your fields maped out? Thank you

[@windrowfarm]

@@Gore50 it’s google mymaps. (Different than google maps - it’s on the google suite. Mymaps.google.com). Allows you to draw field outlines, map acreages, color code, etc. I’ve found it useful!

[@Gore50]

@@windrowfarm that's awesome thank you