Revolutionize Hay Harvest Cutting-Edge Techniques

The number one factor that determines hay quality is stage of maturity at harvest. · First cutting hay can be high quality if cut early and ... This is as simple a concept as it sounds – first cut, second cut, and so on refers to which cut of a crop the hay has come from. The amount of cuts depends on a ... In order to maximize dry-matter yield, Iowa State recommends a “three summer-cut system,” which means a first cutting at nearly full bloom and harvesting ... If fed too rich of hay like 3rd cutting or beyond, they can quickly put on unhealthy weight. Horses require a high fiber forage. Therefore, ... First cut hay is harvested in the spring or early summer, while second cut hay is the growth that is harvested later in the summer or early fall ... The most obvious reason to cut a hay crop early is the improved nutritional quality. Other factors to consider when deciding how early to cut include alfalfa ... When you are buying hay, you will often see 1st 2nd or 3rd cut listed along with the price. In this video I explain what that means and how ... The soil nutrients literally walk off the farm in the form of crops, in this case hay. Personally, unless it benefits you in some way, I would ... Hay can be cut whenever you have excess growth and stored for long stretches with little loss in nutritional value. This little piece of Vermont summer with you (with a few updates) because the grass keeps growing and farmers are still busy harvesting and storing it.