Hey help with Hay

WesinTx · Sep 2, 2008

Hello all,
I need to get some of the excelent advise from the forum members. I have 80 acres in N.E. Texas. The property was my Mom and Dads. It is currently in a trust that is handled by an Executor that may have died. We have not been able to get one hay cutting this year due to him. Now I am faced with a problem of what do I do with the Hay? Do I let it just stay in the field, or should I shred it? I can't get anyone to cut it, due to the fact that everyone has to much hay this year. Your help is greatly appreciated.

mlauk · Sep 2, 2008

If you can't get anyone to cut the hay, I would shred it for next years hay.

schmism · Sep 2, 2008

wait till it goes brown and burn it off?

WesinTx · Sep 3, 2008

Thanks for the reply Mlauk, I think that is the only option I have. I guess I can look forward to a lot of seat time. I wonder if it would be best to shred again later on, to spread the clumps of hay around so they don't kill the hay?
The "fire" option is an idea, but I'm not sure how the county and neighbors would like it. I guess it will be a good test of my Mahindra 4530 and 6' shredder, on 80 acres.

blueriver · Sep 3, 2008

Use your tractor and disc put a fire line around it and burn it. Check with your state forrestry for a burn permit and then burn it.

zzvyb6 · Sep 3, 2008

I second the burn idea if its an option for you. This will eliminate a lot of weed seeds that diminish the hay value. 80 acres is a lot of area for a wildfire to contain, so get a group of people to help, including some volunteer firefighters if necessary. Nature used to do it this way until city gargoyles got involved...

chh · Sep 3, 2008

Check with your local Ag extension agent for tips and regs on burning in your area.

Roger2561 · Sep 3, 2008

WesinTx said:
Thanks for the reply Mlauk, I think that is the only option I have. I guess I can look forward to a lot of seat time. I wonder if it would be best to shred again later on, to spread the clumps of hay around so they don't kill the hay?
The "fire" option is an idea, but I'm not sure how the county and neighbors would like it. I guess it will be a good test of my Mahindra 4530 and 6' shredder, on 80 acres.

Perhaps you can propose to your local fire department to use it as a training excersize?

Roger

firemen122 · Sep 3, 2008

You need to burn your fields off this will help with the weeds also. Disc around the field then section into 2 40 acre or 4 20 acre parcel by cross discing. then you can manage with just a few people. Your local forester should put you in the right direction also.