The Life Of A Hay Farmer

[@christopherpyle3503]

I am right there with you. My hay is 4’ tall and I can’t get four dry day’s in a row to cut it. It definitely affects its quality but what can you do. Just trust in the good Lord. Thanks for the videos.

[@8thdaychronicles]

Just wait....thats all we can do! The glass is still half-full, not half-empty. We have a chance this coming week, unless the weather forecast changes! Thanks a bundle and God bless you and your family!

[@tommywise1702]

Lots of rain in Arkansas. It will dry up soon and be hot. Not a disaster yet. Ours is self seeding as well. Bad hay, but better for the field. Have a good weekend, cookout, and enjoy the day.

[@8thdaychronicles]

Absolutely, Tom! Its a good day for a good day! According to the weather person, we have a window to hopefully cut next week! Yah! Its stemmy, past-prime hay but at least its something....we will sell this cutting for what it is, not our "normal" product. Soon as its off the fields, were gonna put the fertilizer to it and hope for the best for subsequent cuts. Happy Memorial Day weekend to you and Mrs. Sally!

[@vanderpoolfarmsl.l.c.9983]

This year, you will be cutting your hay at the stage that we always cut. Why? WEATHER! We have been selling hay in the stage that yours (and ours) is in for 24 years with zero complaints. We cut when God allows and not a second sooner. One difference, however. Most of our seed heads end up in the bale. Our bales look like baled seed heads!! You on the other hand are going to ted the seeds right off of the stalk. We have no need for a tedder. we lay the stalks down gently with the sickle bar, and roll the m into windrows a few days later and then roll the windrows once again, then bale. The bad news for us is that the hay is a month early. If we are not able to cut soon, it will go for what we call out here as "cow hay". Or, worse yet, "compost". Fortunately, the bees look GREAT!!

[@8thdaychronicles]

The Tedder really shines on our subsequent cuts when the hay is mostly leaves. Keeps the stomatal openings on the underside of the leaves open in the sun and keeps the sugars and starches high in the hay. You’re right…the weather dictates when! Thanks a bundle!