Many scenarios to start haying -- will this one work?

[flusher]

First thing to do is get soil testing done to pin down how much fertilizer you actually will need for whatever's growing now or for whatever you plan to plant in the future. You can get into big trouble guessing here. Dry land hay farming in Texas seems to me to be a crap shoot at best--weather variables, hay market prices, etc. If I were to get into large scale haying, I'd do irrigated alfalfa like my neighbor does on 30 acres. Irrigation removes a large part of the weather variable connected with dry land haying.

Otherwise, you have a good scenario--learn haying from an experienced partner who has the large, expensive equipment until you're ready to go it alone. And keep detailed records so you know your costs to the penny.

Good luck

 

[kfvintx]

You sure 100lbs an acre is enough,I put atleast 300/400lbs an acre. As for the moving the bales part,just sell them out of field,for alittle cheaper. Were you located at in Texas? I hope this year goes better but may need some....

Vermeer 5x4 baler "loaded out" $23,240
Vermeer 10 wheel rake $3,500
Krone 7'10 cutter $8,150
Krone 9'2 cutter $8,900
I just got the prices today,thinking about getting my own,just so I can do it when I wont,if price of baling goes up anymore,i will just buy feed and do away with hay all together and run cattle on pastures...

My quote is for 33-6-12 blend. My soil sample from 4 different areas indicates I need between 95-100 lbs of N per acre. In speaking with country ag agent and several fertilizer companies that amount should be applied through the year. I plan to fertilize 3 times during the year (reading back maybe I wasn't clear about my intention for that). So over the course of the year I will be applying 300 lbs and with 33-6-12 will get me to the 100 lb of N per acre along with replenishing other nutrients. Does this sound right?

I'm in Stephenville. Those prices look about right from what little research I have done. I would also have to buy larger tractor to run that equipment which for right now doesn't make sense. I will keep you posted through the year or feel free to post/IM me if you need any during the year.

 

[foreman Etexas]

My quote is for 33-6-12 blend. My soil sample from 4 different areas indicates I need between 95-100 lbs of N per acre. In speaking with country ag agent and several fertilizer companies that amount should be applied through the year. I plan to fertilize 3 times during the year (reading back maybe I wasn't clear about my intention for that). So over the course of the year I will be applying 300 lbs and with 33-6-12 will get me to the 100 lb of N per acre along with replenishing other nutrients. Does this sound right?

I'm in Stephenville. Those prices look about right from what little research I have done. I would also have to buy larger tractor to run that equipment which for right now doesn't make sense. I will keep you posted through the year or feel free to post/IM me if you need any during the year.

I worked on a ranch just outside HICO putting in a pipe-line,it was on the highway going to fairy,I stayed in stephenville for a couple months,I know the drive really well. As for fertilizer I wish I could use only 100lbs but if you can get by with that,thats great. On my 30ac. I usually spend up to 1800,well that was last years price. I have my own spray rig and been tinkering around with different fertilizers,I think im about to pull the trigger and some used equipment well it done 40acres last year,the owner moved back to Cali.and left it for local dealer to sell. Used baler,cutter,rake 26,000 or all new 34/35,000,humm I cant deside...What size tractor you running now?

 

[kfvintx]

I have JD 4105 - 41 hp / 33 PTO. Not big enough to run equipment I want. I don't have spray rig yet either but fertilizer supplier has buggy trailer at no charge to spread that pulls behind truck. Will need spray rig for weedkiller to follow soon.... just need to decide what size and everything. I have no experience with spray rig so lots to figure out.:confused2:

I'm sure my plan for putting down only 100 lb is on the light side but I'll see how it does and continue. At least reduce my cash flow until first cut.

 

[rambler]

300 lbs per year is a little more in line. 99-18-36 actual applied over the year is something to work with.

--->Paul

 

[foreman Etexas]

I have JD 4105 - 41 hp / 33 PTO. Not big enough to run equipment I want. I don't have spray rig yet either but fertilizer supplier has buggy trailer at no charge to spread that pulls behind truck. Will need spray rig for weedkiller to follow soon.... just need to decide what size and everything. I have no experience with spray rig so lots to figure out.:confused2:

I'm sure my plan for putting down only 100 lb is on the light side but I'll see how it does and continue. At least reduce my cash flow until first cut.

I got a 300gallon with 21 ft boom,has worked great.

 

[kfvintx]

I got a 300gallon with 21 ft boom,has worked great.
View attachment 258382View attachment 258383

I asked about your rig in your other post about going "green". Do you mind sharing other details about it -- where did you get it? Would you buy there again? Price? I think I need something a little larger for my place but price seems to go up more.

Thanks.

 

[foreman Etexas]

I asked about your rig in your other post about going "green". Do you mind sharing other details about it -- where did you get it? Would you buy there again? Price? I think I need something a little larger for my place but price seems to go up more.

Thanks.

Yes,I really like Normangee Tractor kenneth,my salesman really good guy to deal with. I believe it was in the 3,600 range,has the up-graded pump but I would have to pull the reciept and check it for sure. Depending on how rough it is,21ft running 5mph can make up some ground.

 

[Briana03]

I moved your thread to the new Haying forum!