Raking Hay A Day Before Baling?!?!?

[@kevinbaker6168]

We did it both ways; rake the evening before and the late morning of the day. One thing that altered our decision was whether we used a mower conditioner or we used a sickle bar mower. We never used a tedder, so the only turning it got was from raking. The mow-co generally cut curing time down over the sickle mower because the crimping of the hay allowed the hay to cure quicker, sometimes as much as a day

[@davedunn2124]

Whatever works. I've tried everything known to man. We regularly used to do things like this before we had a tedder, but mainly to get it turned over. Used to windrow 2 small rows next to each other then throw them back together ahead of the baler. You can do what works for you

[@noahsizemore1275]

I ran my new to me baler for the first time got a 457 johndeer 2003 the guy I bought it from gave me tons of extra parts with it new belts in the box 📦, chains ⛓️ link repair parts extra rollers in the box. The guy had a back up for everything. He took care of it. My little 4066 65 horse johndeer runs it good I thought it wasn't going to be strong enough. It's only got 12000 bales on the meter. Bought everything right before everything went to shit I'm so glad I did. Love the videos

[@markweiler8172]

We did similar things. Most times it worked Occasionally it didn’t Then we built a silo and chopped most of it

[@dannewton4637]

Really good looking Hay! Should make some fine quality bales for sure. Have you ever thought about trying a Tedder? I don’t use mine all the time. Only with monster windrows like you have there. It really does help dry down. AND it takes much less time than raking.

[@kurtreinhardt6789]

Good idea on flipping 1 row- a little wind goes along way in this situation- beautiful looking hay Ben

[@michaelsailors7794]

Beautiful hay Ben. Looks to me your hitting it in perfect time for baling the next day. It's crazy how much it will dry just by flipping it. Hope everything went well and we'll see you next time

[@ardurbin2]

Beautiful sight, hay for Ben to bale 4th of July. 👍

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Hello Ben great looking hay.