Hay field treatment results

[herofan]

I have 30 acres of hay. Having just gotten back in the cow business a few years ago, the fields hadn't been given any treatment for a long time. The last two years, with no treatment, we got around 60 rolls 5x5.

Last September, we disked and sewed Fescue and Orchard Grass and fertilized in March of this year. We mowed this week and got 100 rolls, 5x5. I don't know if that is what many would call a huge success story, but just thought I would post what I did and the results. I assume with some attention from here on out, we will probably see even more improvements.

 

[kenny thomas]

Sounds like it is a huge success. Did you soil test? That is the biggest bang for the buck I can get.

 

[Tim/South]

It should keep getting better. You went from 2 rolls her acre to over three.
I do agree with the soil testing. Keep the soil in balance and the Ph right and you will grow some hay.

 

[Bigfoot]

At just $30 a roll, you had a $1200 return on investment. Another way of looking at it is, you probably can't even buy hay in Ky the quality of what you raising. That makes the return well over $1200.

 

[herofan]

At just $30 a roll, you had a $1200 return on investment. Another way of looking at it is, you probably can't even buy hay in Ky the quality of what you raising. That makes the return well over $1200.

The quality did vary a bit over the field. A fellow farming neighbor looked at it and said he thought it was all good, but there was a 7 acre section that he said was the best hay he had seen anywhere in years.

 

[Jogeephus]

Have you considered pulling a soil test in the seven acre area then pulling another soil test on the remainder and comparing the results? It may all be moisture or topography related but if not, you might be able to amend the other acreage to bring it up to the same level of fertility. Just a thought.

 

[herofan]

Have you considered pulling a soil test in the seven acre area then pulling another soil test on the remainder and comparing the results? It may all be moisture or topography related but if not, you might be able to amend the other acreage to bring it up to the same level of fertility. Just a thought.

Yes, I think we will do a soil sample.