Harvesting
Raking
The next step to putting up high quality hay is raking, which serves three purposes:
- To create windrows
- To gather multiple windrows together, making it easier for the baler to pick up
- To invert or flip the windrow over so the bottom side, which is usually slower to dry due to lack of exposure, is exposed to the drying sun and wind
The best time to rake hay is generally when the hay moisture is at 40%. If the crop is too wet when it is raked it will not dry efficiently in the windrow, but if the hay is too dry when it is raked the process can knock valuable leaves off the crop.
Growers use methods that range from very simple to complex, when determining moisture levels. Some growers use a touch and feel method, picking a handful of cut hay to decide when it is time to rake. If the hay breaks easily without shattering, then it is likely ready to rake. If the hay twists into a rope and does not break easily, more drying is needed.
A more accurate and less time consuming method of testing moisture is with an electronic moisture/temperature tester. Investing in such a tester will help you produce a high quality product, as you can be sure that your windrows are at the optimal moisture level for raking.
Talk to your local extension agent or hay equipment dealer for more information on purchasing or using a moisture tester.