So i've scoured the internet and this forum for some pics of people that mowed hay with a brush hog. Alot people said they've done it, alot of people said their fathers, uncles, grandfathers, neighbors have done it, but nothing with pics. I had considered buying a sickle bar, rake and small baler, but being this is my hobby, it doesn't always get the finances it deserves(wife, kids, house, etc. prevent that) So this year i'm using my brush hog, a $300 rake I bought, and my great grandfather's dump rake to collect it. I'll be storing it loose in my barn and also some outside.
Here is my attempt at haying old school. Hopefully I can provide insight to anyone else that may be considering doing this.
I've only just begun haying. I mowed about 7 acres worth 2 days ago(wednesday) and it was ready to be baled last night. However i'm going to let it dry until this afternoon because of the good weather. I'll have another 7-10 acres to go once this is done.
As a last note, this is actually my pasture. I only have 2 smaller cows now and they can't keep up with the grass, so rather than just brushhog it all off, I decided to hay it. Therefore the hay isn't quite as thick and therefore won't produce the max amount of hay. I do have about 5 acres worth that isn't pastured that I will take pictures of when I cut it in a few weeks.
As you can see the cows already love it.
Here is my attempt at haying old school. Hopefully I can provide insight to anyone else that may be considering doing this.
I've only just begun haying. I mowed about 7 acres worth 2 days ago(wednesday) and it was ready to be baled last night. However i'm going to let it dry until this afternoon because of the good weather. I'll have another 7-10 acres to go once this is done.
As a last note, this is actually my pasture. I only have 2 smaller cows now and they can't keep up with the grass, so rather than just brushhog it all off, I decided to hay it. Therefore the hay isn't quite as thick and therefore won't produce the max amount of hay. I do have about 5 acres worth that isn't pastured that I will take pictures of when I cut it in a few weeks.
As you can see the cows already love it.