Table of Contents
How do farmers make hay bales?
Hay can be raked into rows as it is cut, then turned periodically to dry, particularly if a modern swather is used. Or, especially with older equipment or methods, the hay is cut and allowed to lie spread out in the field until it is dry, then raked into rows for processing into bales afterwards.
What equipment do you need to bale hay?
Hay Equipment A compact tractor is the staple of every operation, but mowers, conditioners, hay rakes, balers, and sometimes hay tedders and bale wrappers are also needed.
Is hay ruined if rained on?
Rained-on hay often has relatively high protein values compared to fiber content unless there’s great leaf loss. Leaves contain a lot of the plant’s protein. As soluble carbohydrates leach, structural fibers make up a greater percent of forage dry matter. The digestibility of rained-on hay can decline 6 to 40 percent.
What happens if it rains while hay is being made?
Bales made early in the season will have a high digestibility due to their leafiness and high content of sugars and, if rained on, dry matter and quality losses can be severe. They should be shedded as soon as possible or stacked and covered with plastic to prevent large losses.
How long can hay lay before baling?
As a rule of thumb, wait to rake hay until after the dew has dried and the sun nears its peak, around 11 a.m. If possible, let the raked hay sit for an hour or two before baling to allow more drying time.
How big of a tractor do I need to bale hay?
Most standard square balers on the market require 35 horsepower at your tractor’s PTO, and a minimum tractor weight of around 3000 pounds. That means that they cannot be run with today’s compact tractors.
How much does a bale of hay cost?
The Price of Hay Bales By Weight
| Hay Quality | Bale Type | Minimum Price Per Ton |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Small Square | $160 |
| Large Square | $85 | |
| Large Round | $65 | |
| Grade 2 | Large Square | $85 |