Anyone made any hay yet?

Goweresque · Jun 15, 2016

As above really. Halfway through June now, no sign of any decent weather on the horizon for the next week or so, or indeed to the end of the month. I managed about 6 or 7 acres this time last week, mowed it on the Sunday, baled it late Wednesday afternoon. Looks decent stuff, was baled about 15-20% moisture with additive to make sure, no heat in the stack so should be fine. Anyone else managed to make a start?

Gatehouse Farm · Jun 15, 2016

Can probably do you a good line in grass soup soon!!

Roger Perry · Jun 15, 2016

Yes, just on third cut alfalfa.

KMA · Jun 15, 2016

planning to start in around 10 days

7610 super q · Jun 15, 2016

Thinking of going for it. Fed up of listening to inaccurate forecasts......and missing out on good weather.
As an aside, they used to accurately forecast 4-5 days ahead 25 years ago ? What's gone wrong ?

Goweresque · Jun 15, 2016

7610 super q said:
Thinking of going for it. Fed up of listening to inaccurate forecasts......and missing out on good weather.
As an aside, they used to accurately forecast 4-5 days ahead 25 years ago ? What's gone wrong ?

Computers. Having more information fed in and more calculations done per second doesn't necessarily produce a more accurate single output. It just provides a greater range of possible outcomes. Its like computerised engines and sensors - all that information, and still you can't tell what the problem is.

Like you I have a sneaking suspicion that next week will be OK, south and west anyway, and if one mows as soon as the rain stops you might get it next week. But its only a suspicion...........

Oscar · Jun 15, 2016

Local bale contractor did first 2 bits last thursday to beat forcast rain first thing on friday [which did nt come until 6 pm!], 20 acs was ok but other 15 ac job was wrapped. Both cut Sunday pm. Loads to go now but bad forcast for 10 days.

Yale · Jun 15, 2016

Goweresque said:
Computers. Having more information fed in and more calculations done per second doesn't necessarily produce a more accurate single output. It just provides a greater range of possible outcomes. Its like computerised engines and sensors - all that information, and still you can't tell what the problem is.

Like you I have a sneaking suspicion that next week will be OK, south and west anyway, and if one mows as soon as the rain stops you might get it next week. But its only a suspicion...........

Not sure where you'd find it but a forecast for humidity over the coming week could be a useful additional tool as hay makes a lot slower in high humidity.

Goweresque · Jun 15, 2016

Yale said:
Not sure where you'd find it but a forecast for humidity over the coming week could be a useful additional tool as hay makes a lot slower in high humidity.

The Met Office 7 day forecast has RH on it, you have to click that line to see it though - for example:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/gcmnf1dn6#?fcTime=1465948800

7610 super q · Jun 15, 2016

July looks good looking at the long, long range forecast....but it's getting a bit late then, for quality anyway.

carbonfibre farmer · Jun 15, 2016

Managed a massive amount of haylage last week......

11 bales....

joe soapy · Jun 15, 2016

Wimbledon is often the best hay fortnight

TomAg · Jun 15, 2016

A customer of ours bales some last Friday, we literally just finished bread going round like mad moving them under the trees and as we got out the gate, the heavens opened!

Clever Dic · Jun 15, 2016

About 150 tons of bright green top quality which is already sold . But I do cheat. It's paying off.

Princess Pooper · Jun 15, 2016

Clever Dic said:
About 150 tons of bright green top quality which is already sold . But I do cheat. It's paying off.

Bet you're glad that's in, with all the rain we've had! A lot of flat grass around now.

Derrick Hughes · Jun 15, 2016

Not looking good is it, Crops are on the money and falling away fast , next week will be the decider, if the Sun dont shine it will be spitting fibre all winter and trawling around the country looking for some green

Clever Dic · Jun 15, 2016

Forage Trader said:
Not looking good is it, Crops are on the money and falling away fast , next week will be the decider, if the Sun dont shine it will be spitting fibre all winter and trawling around the country looking for some green

Timothy is barely ready to early to call. Never as bad as it first seems. Newmarket customer just ordered 200 tons unseen and unpriced.

Deereone · Jun 15, 2016

There are some fields cut in Dorset by people who must wish they had been more patient. I've got one lot to do which I can't start before the 26th June and another lot which must be done before the 7th of July (don't ask) It was all standing and looking good til that heavy rain flattened it

Goweresque · Jun 15, 2016

Clever Dic said:
About 150 tons of bright green top quality which is already sold . But I do cheat. It's paying off.

If things keep up the way they are I reckon your dryer will pay for itself in one season..........

Kevtherev · Jun 15, 2016

Seen some hay being 'washed' today [emoji299]️[emoji299]️[emoji85]

Anyone made any hay yet?

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