Growing hay

[nosliw]

Thanks for the advice.

I plan on having someone come in and do it all, in exchange for some of the finished product. I will have calves on the fields at some point, and many storage places already available.

Well, if I can't just let what's out there grow and bale it, then it may not be a viable option.

As mentioned before, the land was used as horse pasture for many decades, so I know that what is growing out there is good for horses at least. I figured if it's good enough for them when it's in the ground it's good enough for them if I bale it and feed them later.

LB's definition of hay made me chuckle. That's the jist of what my neighbor just got done telling me.

I wasn't going to draft a budget and see how much profit I could turn, keeping in mind expenses to get the ground 'just right'. I could, though!

 

[Duffster]

If you do a "proper" analysis (or take a look at a hay analysis budget available from your local extension office) you will likely see that making hay is pretty much a losing proposition. You need hay fields. You need a lot of expensive equipment. You need a proper storage structure. Then you need to factor in operating costs, fuel, labor, equipment depreciation, etc. Then you need to think about your inputs, soil testing, fertilizer, lime, weed control, seeding, etc. You will be removing nutrients from your farm, your soil quality may decline if not managed properly.

Wow!

You have poor outlook on farming.

 

[nosliw]

Turns out I packed the camera afterall!

 

[zzvyb6]

I sell stuff worse than that in small square bales for $3.00. $4.00 delivered and I run out every year. After a few years of cutting it, a little fertilizer might be a wise choice. But, the grass will eventually win and it will make for great looking horse hay.

 

[Therios Pendragon]

Good thing that stuff is over in your land. My horse would be so fat from eating all that he would not be able to fit my saddle. He is actually quite partial to those milkweed things. But then again, he will eat full grown thistle flowers. Sometimes I actually have to pull little thorns out of his lips.

 

[piller]

Wow!
You have poor outlook on farming.

Not at all, I believe that I have an informed and realistic outlook. My operation is sustainable and profitable.

Take a look at this hay budget, I think it is based on 2007 numbers:
http://economics.ag.utk.edu/budgets/2007/CoolSeasonGrassHay.pdf

You need to look at your variable, fixed, and labor expenses, determine your yield/acre, and and figure your break even price per ton. I believe that this budget also does not consider land costs.

 

[LBrown59]

*Why do you say that?

Wow!

*You have poor outlook on farming.

 

[Duffster]

Not at all, I believe that I have an informed and realistic outlook. My operation is sustainable and profitable.

Take a look at this hay budget, I think it is based on 2007 numbers:
http://economics.ag.utk.edu/budgets/2007/CoolSeasonGrassHay.pdf

You need to look at your variable, fixed, and labor expenses, determine your yield/acre, and and figure your break even price per ton. I believe that this budget also does not consider land costs.

IMO That budget is grossly overinflated. Even if you use that budget as the gospel you should have enough yield to do very well.

*Why do you say that?

See quote below LB.

you will likely see that making hay is pretty much a losing proposition.

 

[Duffster]

I plan on having someone come in and do it all, in exchange for some of the finished product. I will have calves on the fields at some point, and many storage places already available.

Sounds like an excellant idea.

Hopefully you find someone you can build a good working relationship with.

 

[nosliw]

Sounds like an excellant idea.

Hopefully you find someone you can build a good working relationship with.

I sure hope so.

Thanks everyone for all your help! I feel a little better about the composition of my field now, and will try and get a hold of the guy who just did my neighbors place in the near future.