Dr_Zinj
Veteran Member
Most important phase?
Figuring the Cost per Profit or Cost per Benefit ratio before even starting.
Figuring the Cost per Profit or Cost per Benefit ratio before even starting.
I think so much of it depends on why your are doing hay and on what scale.
I honestly had no idea haying was so difficult until people on this forum told me it was!!!
To clarify, I only do hay for my cows and my dad's cows. My entry cost was pretty small - I already had my DK 45, so I bought an old New Idea roller ($3800), a NH 256 rake ($600) and John Deere 24T baler ($900) and Kuhn GMD500 disc mower (traded two calves for it).
I only cut, rake, bale - no tedding. However, I only do 250-350 rolls and a 500-1000 squares per year, so as far as the hay business goes, I'm pretty small time. However, if I was looking to produce high-quality hay for a different market (I'm thinking horses), there would be a lot more involved and a lot more in play.
When I cut hay and it gets rained on, I wait until it dries and roll it. I have yet to receive a complaint from the cows.....
Good luck and take care.