Mowing New 'farmer' Here...question about hay mowing

[dmay]

Thank y'all for all the help! After talking w/ some folks and taking advice here, we've had someone from the county come out and do soil samples; we're going to get the results of that back soon. Couple of local farmers are saying they have had great results seeding a little bit of clover to keep nitrogen in the soil, and using human waste fertilizer (starts with a "T..") but I can't remember the name.

I'll keep ya posted!

**WARNING** Alsike clover is fine for cattle but toxic to horses. If you are thinking of hay for horses, I recommend you do not add clover of any kind as Alsike seems to magically appear whenever other clovers are bought and seeded.

Google 'alsike clover poisoning in horses' for details.

 

[pitt_md]

I'm in SE MN and I know our winters last much longer than yours. 3 horses and 4 acres of hay. I end up selling hay every year. With 22 acres you should have plenty in even less than prime condition.

 

[F1520]

...and using human waste fertilizer (starts with a "T..") but I can't remember the name...

Poudrette?

 

[Scotty370]

I'm by no means an expert, but I agree with being absolutely sure that the forage your baling up for "horses", is totally suitable for your animals! Cows and goats are much less 'finiky' to lesser hays! With horses, I understand that the type of grass is critical for health reasons. The only "Human waste" fertilizer that I thught I've read about was "Milorganite"! (Proper spelling unknown?) ~Welcome and good luck!! ~Scotty

 

[jmurd85]

If you have 22 acres of hay and it is and old stand to be safe you could figure to produce 1 half ton per acre and this estimate is probably extremely low. So this would be 11 tons and that should be more than enough hay to get you through to next years cut. I'm not sure what the nutritional value is or what weeds you have in it but I'm sure its safe to say that you will probably be supplementing some hotter feed through the colder months. I bet you will have some to sale. I have 4 horses that I keep stalled through the winter and I plan to save 12 tons every year for just those 4 and I always have plenty of extra. Good luck to you. As I have herd for years from my grandfather "Farming ain't no picnic" year to year that proves true. But it sure is fun.

 

[5030]

I'm not getting involved in this thread........

 

[tessiers]

Horses are not nearly as finicky about hay as there owners. Good grass hay with a little clover is good for horses. We get 1.5 tons per acre from one cutting here, although that is a little longer growing time than you are talking. I would think 1/2 ton per acre is a very reasonable expectation. If you are getting into the hay business I would educate yourself on dietary needs of the animals you are feeding and get your hay tested so you can fill those needs. The hen dressing is great fertalizer but you can over do it, have your soil tested. Around here the university extension system is awsome about soil analysis and consultations. Don't know about there but here human waste needs very specific conditions and applications, all controled but the state, too much red tape for me.

Just my 2 cents, probably only worth a penny.

 

[IndyIan]

Thank y'all for all the help! After talking w/ some folks and taking advice here, we've had someone from the county come out and do soil samples; we're going to get the results of that back soon. Couple of local farmers are saying they have had great results seeding a little bit of clover to keep nitrogen in the soil, and using human waste fertilizer (starts with a "T..") but I can't remember the name.

I'll keep ya posted!

Here you used to be able to get "sludge" from local municipalities sewer water treatment plants for sprayed onto your fields for free. But its nasty stuff, and no one really knows or will say whats in it. One could assume heavy metals and human medications. A guy I buy hay from did one field as a test and found that field did worse that before. Maybe a coincidence but he's not getting it again.
Anyways, I'd stay away from anything from a water treatment plant even if it was applied for free. Not worth the risk to me atleast.