Leasing Hay Fields

[JonesyWales]

I have about 115 acres of hay fields. I know nothing about hay production so I am considering finding someone to lease out the fields. I have heard many different scenarios involving hay field leases. I am interested in having someone come and irrigate, cut, rake, and bale (typically get two cuts a year). I have heard that some people will do this deal for a split (50/50, 60/40, etc) of the hay that is baled. I am told my fields produce about 6 tons/acre after two cuts and 40-50% of the production would be plenty for my needs. Does anyone have any advice about these type of deals? Is it better to do a deal by the bale (round)? I have also heard that I may have to irrigate myself (hand lines) and then find someone to come and do the rest. The ranch still has all of the equipment necessary for production, but like I said, I know nothing about hay fields. So, my next question is, should I attempt to learn and do it all myself and sell the hay I don't need? Is there a good source of info (book, website, etc.) out there that could help me along? I think I would prefer to do a deal, as I won't have a whole lot of time to do the haying myself. Any help and/or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Campground Cattle]

I have about 115 acres of hay fields. I know nothing about hay production so I am considering finding someone to lease out the fields. I have heard many different scenarios involving hay field leases. I am interested in having someone come and irrigate, cut, rake, and bale (typically get two cuts a year). I have heard that some people will do this deal for a split (50/50, 60/40, etc) of the hay that is baled. I am told my fields produce about 6 tons/acre after two cuts and 40-50% of the production would be plenty for my needs. Does anyone have any advice about these type of deals? Is it better to do a deal by the bale (round)? I have also heard that I may have to irrigate myself (hand lines) and then find someone to come and do the rest. The ranch still has all of the equipment necessary for production, but like I said, I know nothing about hay fields. So, my next question is, should I attempt to learn and do it all myself and sell the hay I don't need? Is there a good source of info (book, website, etc.) out there that could help me along? I think I would prefer to do a deal, as I won't have a whole lot of time to do the haying myself. Any help and/or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!

I wouldn't. I know of no one here that custom bales on halves anymore most have a twenty roll minimum and twenty dollars a roll if you can get someone. There is a shortage of custom balers in our area. Another option have a custom operator bale your fields and sell your surplus. A lot would depend on the supply and demand in your area.

 

[Dee]

We get our baling done for $9.00 per bale, no minimum, or split 60% them - 40% for me. That's for corn stalks, wheat straw, and hay. I have seen it as high as $11.00 per bale too. If they rake it is extra, and the guy charges per acre, don't know the price on that as I like a little sun to get that "farmer tan" well developed so I usually go rake.

 

[eric]

Where are you? I have a few neighbors who do custom baling for folks, mostly rich city folks who only want to keep their ag exemption on the land. they couldnt give a flip about the hay, so the balers keep (and sell) all the hay themselves.

 

[rgv4]

I have a couple of places that other's own that I bale every year. I do all fertilize, weeding, etc., I get all the hay, the only thing the land owner gets is the ag. exemption.

I know of several people here in Texas that custom bale for halves if the place is big enough and the grass is good.

 

[BuckemRanch]

I charge by the bale or take half. I bale small 60 lb bales and charge $1.30 to $1.50.

 

[sidney411]

Our people charge us $18.00 per bale to cut, rake, and bale the large roung bales. We pay for the weed control (if needed) and fertilizer. God does the irrigation for us.

 

[JonesyWales]

Thank you everyone for your advice. Hopefully I will be able to get someone to charge per bale or take a percentage. I am located up in British Columbia and there are a few people in the valley that do custom baling, but all seem to be quite busy. I will keep looking!