All my antiques (aka junk) held together so that is always a relief. Cut late in day on May 16th and baled early in day on May 20th.
By far the earliest in the year that I have ever did my first cutting (normally I wait until after Memorial Day). Had no problems getting it to dry down which is my usual problem this early in the year. Also had my highest yield ever so that was good too, but yield is probably more of a function of me doing some fertilizing along with all the early year rain and warm weather. Additional yield enhancement also realized by using more efficient cutting equipment in using a mower conditioner instead of using a bushog - with bushog you do suffer some yield loss but it does work. I started using a moco last year and am slowly getting it refurb'd and working pretty decent.
All in all a success - now we need rain bad!
I made mine in that same time window. Humidity was down to 38% for 2 days, so it dried well.
As far as yield, it was probably at 65-70% of the norm. But, my horses are pretty particular on their hay, and prefer not so mature hay. Just got 'em spoiled with 2nd and 3rd cutting. I figure if they waste 50% of the more mature hay, what's the point.
It is decent hay, as I have sold some 1rst cutting rounds to friends with horses, and they say they lick up every stick. Guess it makes a difference storing inside too. I can store approx. 80, 4X4 round bales in the hay storage area in the horse barn. Plus it's pretty well varmint proof, as far as Possum's, and Racoon's.
I hear you on the needing rain. I haven't top dressed. With the price of fertilizer, hate to loose the nitrogen.
Planning on building a manure storage pad, and let it compost about a year, then spread after last cutting. I can still tell in the field where we spread cattle manure, and there hasn't been any around there since 1985.
