OPERATION
Form # 169089
33
Model Year - 2010
6.13 HAYING TIPS
6.13.1 Curing
a. A quick cure will maintain top quality because:
x
Protein is lost for each day hay lies on the
ground,
x
The sooner the cut hay is harvested, the
earlier the start for next growth.
b. Leaving the windrow as wide and thin as
possible makes for the quickest curing.
c. The cured hay should be baled as soon as
possible.
6.13.2 Topsoil Moisture
a. On wet soil, the general rule of "wide and thin"
does not apply. A narrower windrow will dry
faster than hay left flat on wet ground.
b. When the ground is wetter than the hay,
moisture from the soil is absorbed by the hay
above it. Determine topsoil moisture level before
cutting. Use a moisture tester or estimate level:
LEVEL
% MOISTURE
CONDITION
Wet
Over 45
Soil is Muddy
Damp
25 – 45
Shows Footprints
Dry
Under 25
Surface is Dusty
c. If ground is wet due to irrigation, wait until soil
moisture drops below 45%.
d. If ground is wet due to frequent rains, cut when
weather allows and let the forage lie on wet
ground until it dries to the moisture level of the
ground.
e. The cut hay will dry no more until the ground
under it dries, so consider moving the windrow
to drier ground.
6.13.3 Weather and Topography
a. Cut as much hay as possible by midday, when
drying conditions are best.
b. Fields sloping south get up to 100% more
exposure to the sun's heat than do north sloping
fields. If hay is baled and chopped, consider
baling the south facing fields and chopping
those facing north.
c. When relative humidity is high, the evaporation
rate is low and hay dries slower.
d. If there is no wind, saturated air becomes
trapped around the windrow. Raking or tedding
will expose the hay to fresher, less saturated air.
e. Cutting hay perpendicular to the direction of the
prevailing winds is also recommended.
6.13.4 Windrow Characteristics
It is recommended that a windrow with the
following characteristics be produced. Refer to
Header Operation, Section 6.12 for instructions
on adjusting the header.
CHARACTERISTIC ADVANTAGE
High And Fluffy
The movement of air through
the windrow is more important
to the curing process than
direct sunlight.
Consistent
Formation, Not
Bunchy
Permits an even flow of
material into the baler, chopper
etc.
Even Distribution
of Material Across
Windrow
Results in even and consistent
bales to minimize handling and
stacking problems.
Properly
Conditioned
Prevents excessive leaf
damage.
6.13.5 Driving On Windrow
Driving on previously cut windrows can lengthen
drying time by a full day in hay that will not be
raked.
If practical, set forming shields for a narrower
windrow that can be straddled.
NOTE
Driving on the windrow in high yielding
crops may be unavoidable if a full width
windrow is necessary.
6.13.6 Raking and Tedding
a. Raking or tedding speeds up drying, however
the benefits must be weighted against the
additional leaf losses which will result. There is
little or no advantage to raking or tedding if the
ground beneath the windrow is dry.
b. Large windrows on damp or wet ground should
be turned over when they reach 40-50%
moisture. Hay should not be raked or tedded at
less than 25% moisture, or excessive yield
losses will result.
6.13.7 Chemical Drying Agents
a. Hay drying agents work by removing wax from
legume surfaces, enabling water to escape and
evaporate faster. However, treated hay lying on
wet ground will also absorb ground moisture
faster.
Before deciding to use a drying agent, costs and
benefits relative to your area should be carefully
compared.
