Growing
New Stands
Considerations when establishing a new stand:
Seed Selection
Choose a seed from a reputable seed dealer. Choose one that is certified, clean and free of weeds. Talk with your neighbors and/or local extension agent to determine the right type of seed for you needs. Some seed comes pre-treated with fungicides to help combat stand establishment challenges faced in poorly drained soil or in areas of heavy rainfall. Some seed comes pre-inoculated. Others may need to be inoculated. Get instructions from your seed dealer to make sure you know how to properly store and handle seed safely. Also ask about any expiration dates for inoculants.
Soil test for nutrient requirements
Make sure you test your soil before making any other management decisions. Like a doctor tests a patient’s blood to see what diseases need to be combated and/or which nutrients are missing and need to be added for optimum health, it is necessary for you to test the your soil to determine the right prescription for your crops health. Your best resource is your local extension agent or extension office or you can use the links below to help you through the soil testing process.
Plan for nutrients, weed and pest control products
Once you have your soil test results back and analyzed, it is time to determine what your soil nutritional needs are. It might be a good idea to invite your extension agent or a local cooperative pest management representative out to your field to help you put together a pest management plan tailored to your needs. Talk with them about weed, insect and pest control.
Determine the economics between custom or self tillage and seeding
When you have a good understanding of what inputs are going to be necessary to grow and maintain a healthy stand of hay, it is a good time to sit down and determine the value of purchasing seeding, tillage and chemical application tools to your operation. You may value the pride and time spent preparing your soil and sowing your own seeds. The fulfillment of building a crop start to finish may make the investment worthwhile. On the other hand, you may not have the time or funds to dedicate to crop seeding and management.
It may be that hiring custom labor for these portions of the hay production process makes more sense for your farm. Either way, take some time to talk with your local equipment dealer. They should be able to help you put together an equipment outfit suited to the management plan you have designed. Even if you have decided to hire out custom labor, the folks at your implement dealer should be able to point you in the direction of a local custom operator or they may even have some equipment that you may rent for seeding and fertilizer application.