SRBeef
Well-known member
I work in row crops and have for as long time but no experience making my own hay. I am getting very tired of begging folks to please custom bale some hay for me. They are all busy and over worked as it is so I guess I understand.
However in a year like this one in WI I have more grass in my paddocks than the cows can consume - at least for awhile (having said that weather will probably turn hot and dry and I will be scurrying around for grass like last summer!)
Reading CB's thread on balers there were some good suggestions. But I don't want to hijack his thread.
My question:
In a northern climate (SW WI) what setup of equipment would you suggest for a fellow who has no hay equipment but might have the opportunity to roll 100 bales some years rather than just mow the pasture down? This would usually be a clover/grass mix and my time is limited. I need a system that can dry it fairly quickly.
I know it may not make economic sense but this year in particular I could probably bale 1/2 or more of my own hay needs which are currently all purchased. It might take 10 yrs to pay back but I think that would be acceptable.
Particularly, I have seen some Reese belt drive drum mowers with a windrow spreader/flail demonstrated and the cut hay seemed to dry down fast. Then maybe a simple rake? What type? and used round baler?I'd like to stay with about 1500 lb 5 ft wide x 6 ft dia bales since they are easier to feed/last longer than smaller bales. Suggestions? Thanks. Jim
However in a year like this one in WI I have more grass in my paddocks than the cows can consume - at least for awhile (having said that weather will probably turn hot and dry and I will be scurrying around for grass like last summer!)
Reading CB's thread on balers there were some good suggestions. But I don't want to hijack his thread.
My question:
In a northern climate (SW WI) what setup of equipment would you suggest for a fellow who has no hay equipment but might have the opportunity to roll 100 bales some years rather than just mow the pasture down? This would usually be a clover/grass mix and my time is limited. I need a system that can dry it fairly quickly.
I know it may not make economic sense but this year in particular I could probably bale 1/2 or more of my own hay needs which are currently all purchased. It might take 10 yrs to pay back but I think that would be acceptable.
Particularly, I have seen some Reese belt drive drum mowers with a windrow spreader/flail demonstrated and the cut hay seemed to dry down fast. Then maybe a simple rake? What type? and used round baler?I'd like to stay with about 1500 lb 5 ft wide x 6 ft dia bales since they are easier to feed/last longer than smaller bales. Suggestions? Thanks. Jim