Anyone made any hay yet?

[Grassman]

It's certainly an interesting season. Predictions of a drought early on with poor grass yields. Bit of nice hay made. Then most of July a washout and August is looking worse!
That hay made early on should be worth a lot of money!

 

[ffukedfarmer]

I'm pinning my hopes of getting some more half decent hay made on a decent start to September and by then the fields I mowed in June will have a decent bit to cut on them, especially if it rains on and off for the next 3 weeks. Can't see the 1st cut that I have still to do will amount to much even if the weather turns up, which it really doesn't look like doing anyway. Have made some really nice second cut meadow hay in early Sept before, saved my year back in 2009, so looks like we'll have to do it again.

The last of my first cut shouldn't still be too bad as it was grazed until May. I too have often made some cracking second cut hay in September and certainly have the grass for it this year.

 

[rob1]

Got plenty of second cut ready and some 3rd too, problem going to be which to do first if the weather doesnt settle quickly corn or hay

 

[bobk]

Weather better next week.... well not worse according to @Simon Keeling ...... meanwhile @METJEFFUK has been captured

 

[Grassman]

Weather better next week.... well not worse according to @Simon Keeling ...... meanwhile @METJEFFUK has been captured

And executed!

 

[bobk]

And executed!

Bit harsh.... certified is more appropriate.

 

[FG.]

I've also got some first cut still to do, but I'd left it, as it was very slow to get going, so should be okay.
Got 40 acres of second cut seeds, which should of been some nice horse haylage 2 weeks ago.
It's past haylage now, which is going to be a bit of problem.
Then there's the dilemma of a dry spell and harvest to get on with.
After last year weather, it would of been nice to of had an easier year.
Mind you, it's not anywhere near as bad as 2012 !.
A summer of ruts from the balers and combine, bales sat in flooded fields and being diagnosed with leukaemia half way thru July.
So this year is a walk over . . . . Lol

 

[Red Fred]

It's amazingly localised- we only had a drop today, but there were some huge storms sitting to the west all afternoon. A friend phoned from just 4 miles away and said it had been soaking all day.

 

[Simon Keeling]

Hmmmm, better next week is probably overplaying it. Have a feeling tomorrow's 2-Week Planner will be talking of making the most of the odd drier day in the next 7-days as ridges build. I'm not hopeful mid-late next week and the following weekend as another trough comes in.
As we suggested, a summer front loaded with good weather.
Trying to spot the windows for you, I know you've lots to do!

 

[Goweresque]

Hmmmm, better next week is probably overplaying it. Have a feeling tomorrow's 2-Week Planner will be talking of making the most of the odd drier day in the next 7-days as ridges build. I'm not hopeful mid-late next week and the following weekend as another trough comes in.
As we suggested, a summer front loaded with good weather.
Trying to spot the windows for you, I know you've lots to do!

Its a bit difficult to make hay in 'odd dry days' you know!!!! Particularly when they're bracketed by heavy downpours and cool cloudy days

 

[cattleman123]

Its a bit difficult to make hay in 'odd dry days' you know!!!! Particularly when they're bracketed by heavy downpours and cool cloudy days

I think he meant ..just do what you can..one can have all the gear in the yard but without the weather you have nothing..my old Major and rusty haybob is just as good at the moment and I can just about afford the finance payments

 

[valtra]

we had a few days mid june when several farmers near me took the chance to make some hay and same again in july..ive still got some small bales of hay to make for a customer and my own small haylage bales which I sell on to horsey folk over winter, but not panicking yet as it was 16th of august last when I got it all baled

 

[onthehoof]

Cutting tomorrow

 

[FG.]

For silage?

 

[onthehoof]

For silage?

Hay - now watch the forecast change

 

[Clever Dic]

 

[powerontheland]

Had a count up, 84 acres still to do, mostly hay, but a bit of Haylage too. Pi##ing it down and has been since midday.

 

[ffukedfarmer]

Cutting tomorrow

I'm tempted, but worried about how wet the ground will be.

 

[onthehoof]

I'm tempted, but worried about how wet the ground will be.

We're on gravel so will be fine unless river floods and floats it away

 

[Mac10]

Got first cut in first week of June. Was planning another thinner cut but it's now overfit, and in the last week has become covered in rust, so it's getting flailed.