Thinking about getting into haying for my own use and for small $$$

[sam5570]

my brother and i just had this discussion yesterday what we were going to do about the hay fertilizer $360.00 per ton and hay is selling for $30.00 per bale 5x5 ft bales fuel is $3.65 per gallon so it just don't make sence for us to even make hay this time we can buy between 70 and 80 bales for just what our fertlizer will cost not counting the time and equipment problems we may encounter.we are trying to keep a tradition going but how long do you take money out of your pocket to support something thaat you have done your whole life but is no longer financally making sense.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

my brother and i just had this discussion yesterday what we were going to do about the hay fertilizer $360.00 per ton and hay is selling for $30.00 per bale 5x5 ft bales fuel is $3.65 per gallon so it just don't make sence for us to even make hay this time we can buy between 70 and 80 bales for just what our fertlizer will cost not counting the time and equipment problems we may encounter.we are trying to keep a tradition going but how long do you take money out of your pocket to support something thaat you have done your whole life but is no longer financally making sense.

Now you're making me feel bad for all the griping I do about how high hay prices are.

 

[KYErik]

If the farmer that bales the hay is not already buying the hay from the landowner and reselling it, then something must be wrong with the hay- maybe there are lots of briars in the hay. If that is the case, the field will likely need to be reseeded which would be a major expense.

It would still likely be cheaper for you to reseed the field and pay the landowner for the bales after it regrows than to buy your own haying equipment and trying to do it yourself.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Steve, what is the symbol for "entertainment value" in your equations?

 

[bucktaker]

I currently have 3 horses, 1 steer and 14 fainting goats. So I have signifigant hay needs, I also have all the hay equipment, baler, sickle mowe, conditioner, rake and wagons. But I have a full time job and no help....even horse freinds are unwilling to bale hay. I have gone to brokering hay from a local supplier, I buy from him and sell to other hay users, Its a growing business and all I do is transfer hay from a wagon to the ground or elevator.

That being said it was good hard work and also very satifiying to do my own hay, But the stress of weather,Time, help putting it up made it not worth it.


I would sell my hay equipment if your are seriously interested.....
Jd 24T baler Ford 501 sickle, International Hay Conditioner, NH rake, $2500 you pick it up

 

[smstonypoint]

Steve, what is the symbol for "entertainment value" in your equations?

:laughing:

There isn't one, but you can use the equations to estimate what your entertainment is costing you.

Steve

 

[newbury]

Without trying to track down your other posts I'd say you are about 12 years behind in trying to get into haying. I "hayed" as a hired hand for about three years on family farms in Vermont.

The first thing you need to do is breed and raise three stalwart young un's and get them to about 12 years old. Old enough to drive a tractor and move some mass of hay and only paid with food and housing. Males are preferred but a female or two can work the tractors.

If you have an essentially free workforce it is almost worthwhile.

One or two people doing hay is possible, if the weather is always perfect and none of the equipment breaks. But as soon as stuff starts to go south you really need a few extra hands and the only way to ensure that is to grow your own.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

If you have an essentially free workforce it is almost worthwhile.

Newbury,

My daughters are 13, 11 and 3. So far only the 3 year old is 100% willing to "Help Daddy Hay"...



David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

:laughing:

There isn't one, but you can use the equations to estimate what your entertainment is costing you.

Steve

Steve,

You rock sir. My brain is full, may I be excused?



PS - Don't let my wife have that equation... Nor let her see the payment book for the tractor & stuff...

David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I would sell my hay equipment if your are seriously interested.....
Jd 24T baler Ford 501 sickle, International Hay Conditioner, NH rake,
$2500 you pick it up

WOW!

Ok, how big of a trailer would I need to haul it all in one load?

I'm not sure if I am serious yet or not... But... WOW!!!

David