Harvesting
Baling Tips
Knowing your hay making facts and having reliable equipment will help make sure that you are able to feed and sell top quality, nutrient-packed hay. The following suggestions will assist you in getting the most out of your hay.
- Bale when the hay moisture is less than 20%; baling hay with a high moisture content can cause your bales to heat and lose nutritional value.
- If the hay in the windrow gets too dry, nutrient-packed leaves are more likely to become brittle and break off while being baled, leaving valuable nutrition in the field.
- In short, slick, dry hay, lower the tractor engine RPMs to reduce material loss. If necessary, shift up a couple of gears to maintain ground speed and productivity. See your baler's operator's manual for specific instructions.
- Look for a baler that has staggered belts. Staggered belts return loose and overly dry hay, which has a tendency to build up on the outside of the baler belts, to the windrow where it has another chance of being baled.