need help evaluating field ???????

[xcsp]

Hello here are some pictures of my field I need to cut ASAP it is a mix of Timothy/Alphalpha 70/30 . the rain will not quit around here in northern Ohio so I am having a problem getting my field cut.

This is a new planting, never taken a cutting off of it ,planted last fall .
I was wondering what you think about the quality of it since it has taken so long to harvest it. The only good news is thgay are forecasting some drier weather next week so I am hoping to get it cut.

Thanks
Greg

thanks Greg

 

[WTA]

I wish I had your problem with too much rain! That field looks great I think.

I'm sure your protein levels will be down a lot since it's gone to seed but if it were me, I'd be feeding it to my horses! They would love it too. Just have it tested if you are unsure of the quality.

 

[Egon]

Take what you can get when you can get it!

 

[xcsp]

thanks for the replys ,hopefully I can get it cut real soon thay are calling for more rain today tommorrow
Greg

 

[flusher]

Hello here are some pictures of my field I need to cut ASAP it is a mix of Timothy/Alphalpha 70/30 . the rain will not quit around here in northern Ohio so I am having a problem getting my field cut.

This is a new planting, never taken a cutting off of it ,planted last fall .
I was wondering what you think about the quality of it since it has taken so long to harvest it. The only good news is thgay are forecasting some drier weather next week so I am hoping to get it cut.

Thanks
Greg
[
thanks Greg

That field looks great to me. I'd cut and bale ASAP.

My neighbor just baled his 20 irrigated acres of alfalfa Monday. Got about 1 ton per acre. His stand was pretty thin and I suspect he delAyed too long on starting irriigation. We haven't had measureable rainfall around here since late Feb. Nothing like your field that looks solid. I'd be interested in knowing the tons/acre you get.

 

[xcsp]

big storms moving through northern ohio right now we have been lucky it has missed us so far ,we had rain last night . It looks like there might be a break in the rain next week I am hoping to get this field cut ASAP.

I will keep you posted and will be taking pics of the baling
have a great day
Greg

 

[zzvyb6]

Consider cutting it in 3rds. Then stagger the next 1/3 cutting a few days later, etc. I just had a cut field rained on, but with the tedder, the hay will be just fine. Very little loss in color and tonnage. But, you need to get to it right away once the rain is finished for the day. Most people go way too fast when raking or tedding. Just fluff it up, not blasting it all over the place.

 

[xcsp]

I am going to have to try something soon I do not want to lose the field of hay, thay are forecasting a few days with a chance of rain and a couple without ,so I might have to go for it.

thanks for the advise about splitting it up when baling will try anything at this point.
Greg

 

[mark.r]

Does Alfalfa always change color on the tips when it goes to seed? I assume normally it would have been cut under ideal conditions prior to all the seeds opening up as one would do with grasses.

 

[farmerjim]

that doesn't look too bad, i'm in the same situation as you are seems to rain every week and stay humid and nothing dries out. that timothy has some head to it, but the underneath looks to be pretty thick and green still. just take it slow and only cut a bit at a time if the weather doesn't look too good. good luck