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Post by Sherry on Mar 7, 2008 21:59:06 GMT -5
I am wondering what you all would suggest for hay equipment. We finally have the hay fields to start putting up our own this year and would like to do the work ourselves instead of paying someone else to do it. Plus, to put it up will cost a minimum of $1.50 per bale. With what we expect to put up this year, we could purchase some decent equipment. Any and all suggestions would be great. Don't have a ton to spend so need to make wise decisions. I have found different balers, cutters and haybines locally and some on ebay. What do you all use? Oh, will be putting up square bales. Also, plan to ask some of the neighbors if we could lease their equipment.
Thanks Sherry
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Post by gwenger on Mar 8, 2008 15:30:26 GMT -5
There are many ways to go for hay equipment. Here are a few thoughts.
1. When using a small square baler do you want a kicker or thrower to put the bales right into a rack wagon? Saves labor in the field.
2. When looking at mowers I will say disc mower conditioners are great. You can cut much faster with less problems that a sickle machine. The disc mowers do cost more but I love my New Holland 1411.
3. I think the biggest improvement in hay equipment in the past ten years is the advent of the rotary rake. Some of the name brands that you may find are Pequea, Miller Pro, Claas and probably several others that I am not remembering.
The advantage that I find to a rotary rake is the hay continues to dry much better after it is raked because the rows are "fluffier" than when you use a rollarbar rake.
If I can answer any other questions let me know.
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Post by gregpowell on Mar 27, 2008 15:50:02 GMT -5
I would recommend a careful evaluation of the economics of putting up your own hay vs buying. Haying equipment is not a great investment considering that you will probably only use it a couple of times each year. Small producers are often better off buying hay and using their land as pasture. Remember to consider the cost of all equipment plus fuel and custom baling fees if your round baling and do not have a baler.
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Post by Sherry on Mar 27, 2008 20:34:28 GMT -5
Hi Greg, Yeah, that is the issue. Last year, having someone else do the hay on your pastures was $1.50 a bale for square bales. I know with the hay I should get off of these fields, I am looking at 3 to 4 thousand bales. That is gonna break the bank!!! I know that new equipment is really high, but used isn't bad here, roughly $4000 for everything. Have no idea what is going to be charged to bale this year with diesel being so high.
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