Growing
Now that you've decided to get into the haymaking business, your first step is to consider why you want to grow hay. Possible reasons might be:
- To enhance your pasture
- To bale and feed to your own livestock
- To sell for profit
- To save money on feed bills
- To offer custom hay making services
- To have a hobby
Determining your reason to grow hay will help you decide which type of crop to grow. Unfortunately, there isn't a one-type-fits-all crop that suits everyone's needs. Different animals have different nutritional requirements and certain crops are best suited for different climates. Consult your local nutritionist or veterinarian for more information on these nutritional requirements.
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Evaluating Current Stands
Getting the most out of current stands requires thorough evaluation. Measurement of overall stand health can help you make the decision to renovate or start from scratch. Click here to learm more about stand evaluation. -
Seed & Crop Selection
Choosing the right crop for your operation may be the most important decision you make. Get tips on selecting the right crop and seed to match your production goals. -
Seeding
Proper seedbed preparation, seeding and nutrient/pest management is essential to getting your crop off to a fast start and sustaining its long-term life. This section provides detail on seeding and caring for your hay crop. -
Information Links
Click here for additional links to more information on growing a successful haying operation.